The "Sneaker" Taking Steps from Iwate to the World: Thoughts Behind Developing the LBX

Location: the Toyota Motor East Japan Iwate Plant. This is where the LBX is manufactured. That's where Chairman Akio Toyoda, also known as master driver Morizo, and development driver Masahiro Sasaki attended a kick-off party.

"I want you to make a car that's like a sneaker." Akio requested this during the development process.

When shown the resulting initial design, he said, "This isn't what I want. It's just another compact car." After much consideration, they settled on a design with large tires, voluminous fenders, and a streamlined shape accented by swells and dips. This two-ball snowman design has certain commonalities...

Check out the video to see how they solved the challenge of making a "car that's like a sneaker."

The chairman has visited the Iwate Plant many times. At the kick-off, he spoke about his intentions behind making cars in Iwate and in the greater Tohoku area.

Iwate Prefecture is the site of LBX production and the land where Masahiro Sasaki was born. It's the location of the road where Akio and Sasaki took the LBX for a drive. The chairman says, "Knowing what roads Sasaki drove on and what roads developed his driving skills will lead to making ever-better cars."

In the second half of the program, a close look at the Lexus experience center, Lexus Meets..., which had its grand re-opening on April 18 in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya.

The facility's motif is roads. Books and ceramic works that reference the different regions of Japan and an artwork with a hidden heart are on display. It also serves high-end Japanese desserts. Check out the points to look for in the video and find them for yourself on your next visit!

Come explore the newly renovated Lexus Meets...