Toyota's December Sales Leave Room for Hope

One of the worst years in the Japanese manufacturer's history ended a few days ago, in a somewhat cheerful note. Simply put, Toyota gained 22.9 percent over the same period last year in its biggest market, the US, on a daily selling rate. In all, Toyota sold 187,860 units, representing a 32.3 percent increase on a raw volume basis.

“Emerging from the rollercoaster of 2009, the industry has gained positive momentum for a gradual recovery,” Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations, Toyota Motor Sales said.

“Despite a tough market, TMS performed solidly, reaching its goal to grow market share. With Toyota continuing as the best-selling overall brand and Lexus as the best-selling luxury brand in America, we’re looking forward to a bright 2010.”

Taken division by division, Toyota sold 59,295 units, up 24.7 percent over December 2008, while Lexus reported December sales of 28,565 units, up 13.5 percent over the year-ago month. In all, the American division of Toyota sold 1,770,149 vehicles, a decrease of 20.2 percent from the same period in 2008.

What will become the main line of vehicles in Toyota's lineup in the near future, the hybrids, managed to sell 17,964 vehicles, up 36.7 percent over December 2008. Year to date, the carmaker's hybrid sales totaled 195,545 units. Toyota Division posted December sales of 14,317 hybrids and year-end sales of 173,655 units, while Lexus Division posted sales of 3,647 hybrids for the month and 21,890 units for the year.