Nov. 14, 2025 | The week’s top stories and Lexus Canada’s Martin Gilbert on LS Concept, Century brand, more
About this episode
Lexus Canada’s Mark Tangelbear discusses the brand's innovative direction following the Japan Mobility Show, highlighting bold concepts like a six-wheel luxury vehicle and a three-wheel pod. The conversation explores how Lexus is adapting to Canadian consumer preferences for larger vehicles and personalized luxury experiences. Tangelbear also touches on the potential introduction of the ultra-luxury Toyota Century brand in Canada and the importance of Canadian manufacturing in Lexus's global strategy. The episode offers insights into the future of luxury mobility and the evolving expectations of younger buyers.
Aquilina leaves GM Canada; Volvo safety head on regulations; VW gets Supercharger access. Plus, Director of Lexus Canada Martin Gilbert talks about the Lexus LS Concept, the Century luxury brand, how luxury brand extensions get consumers and dealers engaged, and more.
safety standards harmonization
"In manufacturing news, taking the best of vehicle safety standards from Europe and North America to create a unified set of rules would mean safer cars on both continents..."
It means making sure cars in different countries follow the same safety rules so everyone is protected.
The process of aligning vehicle safety regulations across regions to ensure consistent protection for drivers and passengers.
Volkswagen
"Canadian owners of Volkswagen ID4 electric crossovers..."
It’s a German company that makes many popular cars, including the ID4.
Volkswagen is a German automaker known for cars like the Golf, Passat and its electric ID series.
Tesla
"Canadian owners of Volkswagen ID4 electric crossovers and ID bus electric micro buses will soon have access to Tesla superchargers."
It’s a company that makes electric cars and has a big network of chargers called Superchargers.
Tesla, Inc. is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its high‑performance cars and extensive charging network.
North American charging system
"They will need a Volkswagen approved adapter compatible with the North American charging system."
It’s the way electric cars charge in North America, usually with Tesla or CCS plugs.
The standard charging infrastructure in North America, typically using the Tesla connector or CCS for electric vehicles.
JD Power dealer financing satisfaction study
"In the JD Power 2025 Canada dealer financing satisfaction study, contact us today at 1 8.5 TD Auto 1 to find out how we can support you every step of the vehicle buying journey."
JD Power is a company that surveys car buyers to see how happy they are with their dealers. One of their reports looks at how good dealers are at helping customers get car loans and financing.
JD Power is an independent research firm that conducts studies on customer satisfaction, including dealer financing services. Their annual study ranks dealers based on how well they serve customers during the financing process.
six-wheel luxury vehicle concept
"We saw radically different LS concept, including a six-wheel luxury vehicle and three-wheel personal pod."
Imagine a fancy car with six wheels instead of the usual four, giving it extra room and better handling.
A concept car featuring six wheels, aiming to enhance stability and provide more interior space for a luxury experience.
three-wheel personal pod concept
"We saw radically different LS concept, including a six-wheel luxury vehicle and three-wheel personal pod."
Think of a small, self‑driving car that only has three wheels, meant to take you wherever you need to go.
A concept vehicle with three wheels designed for personal, on‑demand transportation, often featuring autonomous driving capabilities.
personalized mobility
"Lexus desire to really push the boundaries in regards to future of personalized mobility, either from six-wheel luxury space to a three-wheel pod to even air with the drone and the catamaran."
It means cars that can change to fit what you like, like having your own personal ride that knows your style.
Personalized mobility refers to transportation solutions tailored to individual preferences, such as custom interiors, adaptive driving modes, and integrated digital services.
Lexus
"We're probably also looking at gateway vehicles now with Lexus' lineup."
Lexus is the fancy part of Toyota that makes high‑end cars for people who want luxury.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, offering premium cars with a focus on quality and refinement.
Toyota
"We're probably also looking at gateway vehicles now with Lexus' lineup."
Toyota makes cars that are known for being dependable and fuel‑efficient.
Toyota is a Japanese automaker known for producing reliable, efficient vehicles across a wide range of segments.
gateway vehicles
"We're probably also looking at gateway vehicles now with Lexus' lineup."
Gateway vehicles are the cheaper or middle‑priced cars that people buy first before moving up to more expensive models.
Gateway vehicles refer to entry‑level or mid‑range models that serve as a stepping stone for customers into a brand’s higher‑end lineup.
luxury mobility
"We also proved ourselves in the upper echelon of mobility, LS being their flagship that started the brand, the LFA, which is the iconic supercar."
Luxury mobility means driving or owning a car that feels very comfortable, has fancy features, and makes you feel special.
Luxury mobility encompasses high‑quality, premium vehicles and services that prioritize comfort, technology, and status.
ultra luxury
"Let's talk about ultra luxury now, century has launched here at the trend mode or ability show."
Ultra luxury cars are the most expensive and fancy cars, with special features that make them stand out.
Ultra luxury refers to the highest tier of premium vehicles, often featuring bespoke design, advanced technology, and exclusive branding.
bespoke brand
"Would you expect a bespoke brand like this to sell through your dealer network or perhaps through a dedicated team, what do you, how do you envision it if in fact comes to Canada."
A bespoke brand makes cars that are specially built just for you, with unique features and designs.
A bespoke brand offers custom, personalized vehicles tailored to individual customer preferences, often with limited production.
electrification
"Well, there's many. The first one is obviously our continued evolution towards electrification or multi-patterary approach."
Electrification means cars use electricity instead of just gasoline. Lexus plans to make more electric or hybrid cars so they’re cleaner and cheaper to run.
Electrification refers to the shift from internal combustion engines to electric or hybrid powertrains in vehicles, aiming for lower emissions and improved efficiency.
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