Hybrids drive success at Lexus and Toyota

"For the second straight month, Toyota posted a month-to-month sales gain as inventories continued to recover," said Jeff Bracken, vice president of Toyota Division sales.

"With the launch of four all-new models in the second half, including the 2012 Camry, and a production outlook that continues to improve, we're optimistic our strong momentum will continue."

Toyota sold 10,620 units of the Sienna minivan, a sales increase of 6.2%. The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 9,552 units, up 27% over a year ago. Another bright spot in July was the Venza mid-size crossover, which reported sales of 4,711 units, up 21.6% over July 2010.

Scion's tC sports coupe was bought by 1,590 people in July, an increase of 27.6% over last year at the same time.

Every other Toyota, Scion and Lexus model either reported flat sales or were down compared with 2010.

Toyota Motor Sales reported total July sales of 130,802 units, a 19.7% drop from July 2010. Toyota Division sold 116,263 of those vehicles. Of those, 60,088 units were cars, with Camry, Corolla and Prius coming in 1-2-3. The Avalon was an anemic fourth in the lineup with only 2,698 cars sold. The Tacoma was the best-selling Toyota truck.

Lexus Division sold 14,539 units. The ES 350 was the best-selling car and the RX (pictured), the best-selling truck. Scion sold 3,499 cars. The tC sports coupe was the sales leader.

You can reach TN's Hawke Fracassa at [email protected].

Image source: Lexus