Toyota Boosts US Production

Things seem to be back on track, as sales figures for the past month show some improvement compared to the first two months of the year. Toyota, the leading car manufacturer, says a turnaround is coming and, in an attempt to get ready for the rivers of milk and honey to come, will boost production in the US.

Six of the company's best selling models will get increased volumes, Autonews reported. The Camry, Corolla, Sienna, RAV4, Tacoma and Tundra models will get an increase of 65,000 units combined, according to Bob Carter, Toyota Division general manager.

Some might argue that this is a rush move, given the 39.5 percent drop, compared with the same month of last year, in the Division's sales figures for May. Total units sold amounted to 130,566 units and despite year-on-year drop, this still means 21 percent more than in April 2009. Since the beginning of the year, Toyota Division dropped 38 percent, selling 543,786 in the first four months of 2009.

"There was an improvement on the retail side of the business for the entire industry. We may be witnessing a slight rebound in the industry," Carter was quoted as saying by the aforementioned source.

To further emphasize their optimism about the future, Toyota also expressed their desire to purchase the NUMMI business (New United Motor Manufacturing), which it currently shares with bankrupt American manufacturer GM.

Japanese manufacturer did worse in terms of sales in May than did its Chevrolet, Ford and Nissan competitors. Only the Honda Division "managed" to do worse, posting a 42 percent drop for the fifth month of the year.