Takashi Watanabe

President, Lexus International, Lexus Toyota Motor

Search every verified Takashi Watanabe interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. In a 2020 interview, Takashi Watanabe, President of Lexus International, discussed the brand's "Lexus Electrified" vision, describing it as a strategy to use electrification technology to significantly evolve a vehicle's basic performance. He stated that Lexus aims to maintain its brand identity in its electric vehicles, saying, "Lexus's EV is an EV, but I think it will continue to be Lexus." Watanabe emphasized that the company would continue to develop cars that "match people's sensibilities" while preserving Lexus's characteristic driving feel, design, quietness, and ride comfort. Watanabe contrasted Lexus's approach with that of dedicated EV manufacturers, noting that while those companies focus on the sharp acceleration and seamless torque unique to electric motors, Lexus seeks to fuse those EV-specific values with its own brand's driving character. He outlined three key pillars for Lexus EVs: pursuing high-quality, enjoyable driving and quietness; achieving high functionality and convenience, including a new seat heater-based air conditioning system and advanced connected services; and maintaining the high reliability of electrification technology cultivated through hybrid development.