Lexus Will Build Its First China-Made Model, an Electric SUV, in Shanghai From 2027
Lexus will build its first China-made model at Toyota's new wholly owned plant in Jinshan, Shanghai, and put it on sale in 2027. Electrek reports that Lexus confirmed the plant and timing. Paul Tan, citing Autohome, says the model will be an electric SUV. Initial capacity is about 1,000 vehicles a month.
By the Tesla News Wire staff · Edited by Seamus McKenna · · 2 min read
Every Lexus sold in China has so far been imported. That changes in 2027. Electrek reports that Lexus confirmed its next model will be made at the new plant in Jinshan, Shanghai, and go on sale in 2027.
The plant
Wholly owned by Toyota and independent of its two Chinese joint ventures (Paul Tan, Electrek).
Uses aluminium gigacasting and a conveyor-free assembly layout (Paul Tan).
Toyota broke ground in June 2025 (Electrek).
Initial capacity of about 1,000 vehicles a month in 2027, ramping to «tens of thousands» in 2028 (Electrek).
The car
Paul Tan, citing Autohome, says the first model will be a battery-electric SUV. Electrek says battery, range and pricing have not been announced.
Context
Electrek reports that Toyota's China sales fell nearly 20% last month, its eighth straight year-on-year decline. Toyota sold just over 1.05 million vehicles in China in the first nine months of 2026, 18.9% fewer than a year earlier.
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