WASHINGTON — Toyota is making a new move in the luxury car world.

The company is spinning off Century, a longstanding high-end Japanese vehicle once reserved for political leaders and royalty, into its own standalone brand.

This new brand will sit above Lexus in Toyota’s lineup, with the goal of competing with other high-end vehicles, like Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

The company made the announcement ahead of the Japan Mobility Show, which kicks off in Tokyo on Oct. 31.

“When we go higher-end, we need something above, not Lexus, nor Toyota,” Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda said during a panel discussion, according to Forbes. “That is the position of the Century.”

First introduced in 1967 to celebrate the 100th birthday of Toyota founder Sakichi Toyoda, the Century has been a symbol of luxu

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