Lexus needs to "humbly look at and learn from" Tesla's achievements, says Takashi Watanabe: Automotive News

Lexus President Takashi Watanabe has a difficult task cut out for him, as he takes the brand through a major EV overhaul, beginning from 2026, as it gets ready to launch its next gen vehicles that will be seen at a concept debuting at a Japan Mobility Show, Automotive News reported.

The next gen BEV that the company aims to introduce in 2026, will be built on a modular architecture, drastically altered  production methods and a completely reimagined software platform as well, Watanabe said earlier this month at a vehicle and technology showcase at Fuji Speedway.

"We have also prioritised vehicle design to embody the essence of Lexus,” he told Automotive News. In doing so, Lexus will try to drive down costs by commoditizing the hardware as much as possible to compete with global EV leader Tesla and China's BYD.

Speaking of Tesla, Watanabe did not shy away from admitting that Lexus has a lot to learn from the US EV maker.

"We need to make it easier to build and simplify as much as possible," Watanabe said, adding that it is "important to humbly look at and learn from" Tesla's achievements. "One of our first steps will be modifying and rethinking our production methods."

Lexus will benefit from new production techniques being developed by Toyota, including cars that drive themselves through assembly lines and the adoption of giga casting techniques to greatly reduce the number of components, Automotive News reported.

Lexus previously said it would be capable of selling 1 million EVs annually in 2030, which is a huge ramp-up from the current production.  Still, the luxury brand aims to spearhead parent company Toyota Motor's next-generation EVs by offering an electrified option for every vehicle in 2030, before going EV-only by 2035.