Toyota boosts hybrid sales 124.6 percent overall in April

Toyota Motor Sales retailed a total of 32,593 hybrid vehicles during April, a remarkable 124.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

That was the high point in sales totals TMS released today showing overall sales by the group of 178,044 units, an increase of 25.5 percent compared to April 2011 on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Looking at raw volume specifically, sales were up 11.6 percent over a year ago
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Individually, The Toyota Division racked up total sales of 160,493 units, 27.2 higher than last year on a DSR basis. Division sales were up 13.1 percent in terms of volume year over year.

"Thanks to continued strong sales of Camry and Prius family, Toyota was America's number one retail brand for the second straight month," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "With consumer confidence improving, we expect to see sustained industry growth in the months ahead."

Lexus increased their total sales to 17,551 units last month, up 12.3 percent over April 2011 based on DSR. In volume, Lexus Division sales were flat as compared to last year.

Toyota
The passenger cars Toyota produced posted combined sales of 99,450 units, up 44.3 percent over 2011. This statistic was buoyed by Camry and Camry Hybrid combined monthly sales of 36,820 units, up 36.1 percent year-over-year.

The Prius family scored its best April ever with 25,168 units retailed, up 126.9 percent over last year. Corolla sales were 24,804 units, 15.2 percent over April of last year. The Avalon sedan also increased sales to 2,881 units, a 20.9 percent increase.

Toyota’s light trucks reported 61,043 units sold in April, up 6.5 percent. The RAV4 led light trucks, with monthly sales of 15,196 units, 9.7 percent over last year. The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models managed combined sales of 9,352 units, an 18.3 percent increase. The 4Runner’s April sales rose to 3,783 units, a 5.7 percent increase. The Tacoma pickup sold 10,901 units, up 16.7 percent over April 2011, while the Tundra reported sales of 7,219 units along with Sienna’s sales of 9,451 units.

Lexus
Lexus reports passenger car sales of 9,441 units last month, up 25.6 percent over April of last year. The entry-level ES sedan led with sales of 3,000 units. The IS sports sedan sold 2,344 units, a flat performance compared to last year. The GS and GS hybrid posted combined sales of 2,006 units, a staggering increase of 486.2 percent over the April 2011. The CT 200h premium hybrid compact posted sales of 1,620 units, more than doubling to 108.3 percent year-over-year.

Lexus luxury utility vehicle sales of 8,110 units were flat compared to last year. The RX and RX hybrid posted combined monthly sales of 6,842 units, while the LX recorded sales of 517 units, a surprising 92.6 percent increase over last April.

Scion’s April sales were 5,503 units, up 8.4 percent over last year. The tC sports coupe led the way with sales of 2,008 units, and the xB urban utility vehicle recorded sales of 1,617 units. The all-new iQ premium micro-subcompact posted monthly sales of 962 units, followed by the xD five-door urban subcompact with 916 units.

In conclusion, the more than double increase in Toyota Division posted sales of 30,126 hybrids for the month, up 142.7 percent over April 2011 is highly significant, especially when coupled with Lexus sales 2,467 hybrids, up 17.6 percent.

As the world leader in hybrid vehicles Toyota’s sales figures show how important fuel economy has become in the eyes of the buyer. Last year the major market growth split between luxury and high-efficiency vehicles. This year luxury sales may remain constant, but the growth is likely in small cars, hybrids and fuel-efficient vehicles.