Lexus Starts Production of NX, Has 6,500 Pre-Orders from Japan [w/Videos]

Lexus has begun production of the NX, its first compact crossover and the brand’s first ever vehicle to offer a turbo engine, at the Miyata plant in Japan.

The company stresses that owners can expect “uncompromising” quality, as the factory where the NX is made won the Gold Plant Quality Award in the 2014 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM published by J.D. Power and Associates.

Alongside the Miyata plant, the neighboring Kanda facility that produces the turbo engines for the NX is also seeing an increase in activity.

“When the global financial crisis struck, we had to shut down one of our two lines. But now that we’re producing the turbo engine for the NX, the line is open again and we’re back to full operation,” said Iwao Nihashi, president of Toyota Motor Kyushu (TMK).

In the Japanese market, the Lexus NX is offered with two engines, a 2.0-liter turbo unit in the NX 200t and a hybrid powertrain in the NX 300h. Lexus says the NX is already in high demand worldwide.

“Dealers understand its potential, and they’re asking us to give them as many as possible, as soon as possible… We believe the NX will sell well around the world, and that it will become a core model in the Lexus lineup,” said Nihashi.

Lexus says it has already received 6,500 pre-orders for the NX in Japan, significantly more than what the company expected.