January 4, 200719 yr Dec. 2006 Sales: Toyota Motor Sales January 3, 2007 – Torrance, CA - With eleven consecutive years of record-breaking sales, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported total best-ever year-end sales of 2,542,524 vehicles, up 12.9 percent over 2005. "2006 was a respectable year for the industry if you consider the strain of erratic fuel prices and a housing bubble on an industry weaning itself from incentives," said TMS Executive Vice President Jim Lentz. Camry became the best-selling car in America for the fifth consecutive year and the ninth time in the past decade. Lexus retained its crown as the best-selling luxury brand in America for the seventh consecutive year, selling a total of 322,434 units in 2006, up 6.8 percent over 2005. With overall sales of 173,034, Scion was a significant contributor to the record sales year. TMS reported best-ever overall sales month results of 228,322, an increase of 16.6 percent over the same period last year. Toyota Division Toyota Division recorded best-ever year-end sales of 2,220,090 vehicles, up 13.8 percent. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded best-ever year-end sales of 1,275,119, up 12.4 percent over last year. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted year-end sales of 448,445, an increase of 4.2 percent. Corolla posted year-end sales of 387,388, an increase of 13.9 percent. The all-new Yaris subcompact, which went on sale in March, posted year-end sales totaling 70,308. The Prius gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan posted best-ever December sales of 9,291, an increase of 6.9 percent over the year-ago month. Year-end Prius sales reached 106,971 units. Toyota Division recorded all-time best-ever year-end light truck sales of 944,971, an increase of 15.7 percent. Toyota Division light trucks also reported all-time best-ever December sales of 88,370, up 15.9 percent over the same period last year. Light truck sales were led by Sienna with December sales of 16,090, up 10.5 percent over the same period last year. The RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) reported year-end sales of 152,047, up 116.3 percent over the same period last year. The all-new FJ Cruiser, which went on sale in March, reported year-end sales of 56,225 units. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported sales of 2,354 in December. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined December sales of 11,700, up 7.4 percent over the same period last year. Contributing to the light-truck sales record was the Tacoma pickup truck with December sales of 15,857, up 7.3 percent. Year-end Tacoma sales were 178,351, up 6 percent over 2005. Scion reported December sales of 10,326 units. The Scion xB urban utility vehicle recorded December sales of 3,330 units with year-end sales totaling 61,306, an increase of 13.8 percent over 2005. The tC sports coupe reported December sales of 4,996 units with year-end sales reaching 79,125 units, an increase of 6.7 percent over 2005. Lexus Division Lexus reported best-ever total year-end sales of 322,434, up 6.8 percent over last year, and all-time best-ever overall sales month of 37,235 units, up 9.9 percent over the year-ago month. It was the second consecutive year Lexus posted sales above 300,000 units. Sales of Lexus passenger cars achieved best-ever year-end results of 183,037 units, an increase of 21.4 percent. Lexus passenger car sales reported best-ever overall sales month results of 20,913 units, an increase of 21.6 percent over the year-ago month. For the month, passenger car sales were led by the ES 350 luxury sedan with best-ever December sales of 8,736 units, up 34 percent. The ES 350 luxury sedan reported best-ever year-end sales of 75,987 units, up 12.8 percent. The IS 250 and IS 350 luxury sport sedans recorded combined best-ever December sales of 5,538 units and combined best-ever year-end sales of 54,267 units, an increase of 244.8 percent. The all-new LS 460 premium luxury sedan reported December sales of 3,865, an increase of 73 percent, and year-end sales of 19,546 units. Lexus Division light trucks reported December sales of 16,322 units and year-end sales of 139,397 units. The RX 350 and RX 400h enjoyed combined best-ever December sales of 12,779 units and year-end sales of 108,348 units. The RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV reported sales of 1,981 units for the month. TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 191,742 units. In December, hybrids sales posted 17,883 units. There were 306 selling days in 2006, as compared to 307 selling days in 2005. There were 26 selling days this month, as compared to 27 selling days last December. TOYOTA RETAIL SALES (INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII) December, 2006 ----- CURRENT MONTH ----- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE -- DSR % DSR % 2006 2005 CHG 2006 2005 CHG YARIS 6,226 0 - 70,308 0 - COROLLA 29,378 25,276 20.7 387,388 341,290 13.9 CAMRY 39,539 33,324 23.2 448,445 431,703 4.2 AVALON 7,955 8,778 -5.9 88,938 95,318 -6.4 PRIUS 9,291 9,027 6.9 106,971 107,897 -0.5 SCION xA 2,000 2,392 -13.2 32,603 28,033 16.7 SCION xB 3,330 4,341 -20.3 61,306 54,037 13.8 SCION tC 4,996 5,724 -9.4 79,125 74,415 6.7 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. PASS. CAR 102,717 88,887 20.0 1,275,119 1,138,130 12.4 ES 350 8,736 6,770 34.0 75,987 67,577 12.8 LS 430/460 3,865 2,320 73.0 19,546 26,043 -24.7 SC 430 486 827 -39.0 5,847 8,360 -29.8 GS 300 1,989 2,973 -30.5 23,665 27,807 -14.6 GS 430/450h 299 458 -32.2 3,725 5,650 -33.9 IS 250/350 5,538 4,518 27.3 54,267 15,789 244.8 TOTAL LEXUS PASS. CAR 20,913 17,866 21.6 183,037 151,226 21.4 TOTAL TOYOTA PASS. CAR 123,630 106,753 20.3 1,458,156 1,289,356 13.5 SIENNA 16,090 15,115 10.5 163,269 161,380 1.5 RAV4 13,784 5,195 175.5 152,047 70,518 116.3 FJ CRUISER 5,849 0- 56,225 0- 4RUNNER 8,895 10,798 -14.5 103,086 103,829 -0.4 HIGHLANDER 11,700 11,309 7.4 129,794 137,409 -5.2 LAND CRUISER 350 464 -21.7 3,376 4,870 -30.5 SEQUOIA 3,377 5,340 -34.3 34,315 45,904 -25.0 TOTAL SUV 43,955 33,106 37.9 478,843 362,530 32.5 4X2 TACOMA 9,040 9,019 4.1 105,127 100,568 4.9 4X4 TACOMA 6,817 6,334 11.8 73,224 68,263 7.6 TOTAL TACOMA 15,857 15,353 7.3 178,351 168,831 6.0 TUNDRA 12,468 15,632 -17.2 124,508 126,529 -1.3 TOTAL PICKUP 28,325 30,985 -5.1 302,859 295,360 2.9 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. LT TRUCK 88,370 79,206 15.9 944,971 819,270 15.7 LX 470 514 947 -43.6 5,595 8,555 -34.4 GX 470 3,029 4,599 -31.6 25,454 34,339 -25.6 RX 350/400h 12,779 11,774 12.7 108,348 108,775 -0.1 TOTAL LEXUS LIGHT TRUCK 16,322 17,320 -2.1 139,397 151,669 -7.8 TOTAL TOYOTA LIGHT TRUCK 104,692 96,526 12.6 1,084,368 970,939 12.0 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. 191,087 168,093 18.1 2,220,090 1,957,400 13.8 TOTAL LEXUS 37,235 35,186 9.9 322,434 302,895 6.8 TOTAL TOYOTA 228,322 203,279 16.6 2,542,524 2,260,295 12.9 MEMO: DOM. COROLLA 26,068 24,544 10.3 335,054 331,049 1.5 DOM. CAMRY 28,534 29,784 -0.5 362,901 402,896 -9.6 DOM. PICKUP 28,325 30,985 -5.1 302,859 295,360 2.9 DOM. RX 350 8,285 7,167 20.0 75,508 67,589 12.1 SELLING DAYS 26 27 306 307 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT CAR 40,160 25,781 61.8 488,226 308,867 58.6 LEXUS IMPORT CAR 20,913 17,866 21.6 183,037 151,226 21.4 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT CARS 62,557 63,106 2.9 786,893 829,263 -4.8 TOTAL TOYOTA CARS 123,630 106,753 20.3 1,458,156 1,289,356 13.5 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT LT TRUCK 40,578 27,766 51.8 444,528 316,626 40.9 LEXUS IMPORT LT TRUCK 8,037 10,153 -17.8 63,889 84,080 -23.8 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT LT TRUCK 47,792 51,440 -3.5 500,443 502,644 -0.1 LEXUS NA BUILT LT TRUCK 8,285 7,167 20.0 75,508 67,589 12.1 TOTAL TOYOTA LT TRUCK 104,692 96,526 12.6 1,084,368 970,939 12.0 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES 54,428 50,426 12.1 562,015 514,199 9.7 Memo: Lexus Sport Utility 16,322 17,320 -2.1 139,397 151,669 -7.8 SMALL VANS 16,090 15,115 10.5 163,269 161,380 1.5 PICKUPS 28,325 30,985 -5.1 302,859 295,360 2.9 * NORTH AMERICAN BUILT VEHICLES COROLLA 26,068 24,544 10.3 335,054 331,049 1.5 CAMRY 28,534 29,784 -0.5 362,901 402,896 -9.6 AVALON 7,955 8,778 -5.9 88,938 95,318 -6.4 SIENNA 16,090 15,115 10.5 163,269 161,380 1.5 PICKUP 28,325 30,985 -5.1 302,859 295,360 2.9 SEQUOIA 3,377 5,340 -34.3 34,315 45,904 -25.0 RX 350 8,285 7,167 20.0 75,508 67,589 12.1 TOTAL 118,634 121,713 1.2 1,362,844 1,399,496 -2.3 N.A. VEHICLES % OF TOTAL 52.0% 59.9% 53.6% 61.9% SELLING DAYS 26 27 306 307 DSR = DAILY SELLING RATE [source: Toyota Motor Sales]
January 4, 200719 yr Every Toyota sales report starts off with blah blah blah best-ever. Lexus is selling vast amounts of IS's and ES's for its volume. GS is becoming a niche player, being outsold by the larger, more expensive LS. The Land Cruiser and LX are still dropping in numbers... For that matter, total Lexus SUV sales are down this year (and month). On the strength of the unknown, Corolla is doing better this year than last year. Scion sales are down this month (especially the xB, thank God), but up for the year (doh). Edited January 4, 200719 yr by aaaantoine
January 5, 200719 yr The GS has always been a niche player and the LS has always been far better value. Unlike the LS the GS is just as expensive as its german rivals, and is now smaller than the A6, 5-Series etc.. For a long time the GS 430 has been more expensive than an LS 430. It doesn't take much to price a GS 430 or GS 450h above the new LS 460, and you don't get the space, power or other luxuries. Notice also — Toyota's trucks are all crashing, still, but sales were too low beforehand to have much effect. SUV numbers only look good because the old RAV4 was selling so poorly against much bigger rivals and the FJ Cruiser didn't even exist. Also plummeting — the entire Scion lineup, showing it's age perhaps.
January 5, 200719 yr I'm interested to see what Toyota's sales do when they stop adding vehicles. Like thegriffon said, sales of the non-brand-new models (Corolla was almost certainly fleet sales) are not that great. Perhaps Toyota is losing some of its appeal? Either that or they introduce a new model and people run out to buy it instead because it's the latest and greatest from Toyota.
January 5, 200719 yr I'm interested to see what Toyota's sales do when they stop adding vehicles. Like thegriffon said, sales of the non-brand-new models (Corolla was almost certainly fleet sales) are not that great. Perhaps Toyota is losing some of its appeal? Either that or they introduce a new model and people run out to buy it instead because it's the latest and greatest from Toyota.Wrong. They're adding vehicles because they can, and the will continue to...the Corolla is fleeted, but at a rate that's a fraction of Big 3 fleet sales proportions. Creative thinking (NOT Wishful thinking) may save the Big 3 as we know them. Ostrich-like behavior is what got them to this desperate point in the first place!
January 5, 200719 yr Suprised I'm not. Perhaps people should wake up and take notice that the company whose cars they have been buying for their supposed reliability recalled more than they sold. Edited January 6, 200719 yr by Dodgefan
January 6, 200719 yr If I recall correctly, the Scion president said the division would put a lid on its sales because it was becoming too big. The brand's marketing/business strategy is to be a small player in the industry. The local Toyota dealership (#1 in PA) had very little in the way of Scions on its lot the past few weeks. In the past it has had a couple of each vehicle. It seems we always go through this every month: "If it weren't for Toyota's new vehicles sales wouldn't be so good." Obviously. That's the way the industry works, new vehicles almost always sell well. It's like GM: without the new GMT900s, would there be any really bright spots?
January 6, 200719 yr If I recall correctly, the Scion president said the division would put a lid on its sales because it was becoming too big. The brand's marketing/business strategy is to be a small player in the industry. The local Toyota dealership (#1 in PA) had very little in the way of Scions on its lot the past few weeks. In the past it has had a couple of each vehicle. It seems we always go through this every month: "If it weren't for Toyota's new vehicles sales wouldn't be so good." Obviously. That's the way the industry works, new vehicles almost always sell well. It's like GM: without the new GMT900s, would there be any really bright spots? On that note, Toyota is working towards 12 month development programs....that would mean constant turnover and an even more expanded product line.That's scary. (PS-100% accurate on Scion. Cap at 150k/yr. is written in stone at this point.)
January 6, 200719 yr On that note, Toyota is working towards 12 month development programs....that would mean constant turnover and an even more expanded product line. That's scary. I would not put to much faith in those 12, 18, 24 month development programs. The question no one asks is when do they start the clock? The OEMs fail to mention the 3 years of lead time prior to the claims. A good example is why did it take GM 3+ years to get the kappa cars out from concept or now the Camaro? Hell if Toyota can do it in 12 I would have contracted the Camaro development to Toyota. But they can't.
January 6, 200719 yr I would not put to much faith in those 12, 18, 24 month development programs. The question no one asks is when do they start the clock? The OEMs fail to mention the 3 years of lead time prior to the claims. A good example is why did it take GM 3+ years to get the kappa cars out from concept or now the Camaro? Hell if Toyota can do it in 12 I would have contracted the Camaro development to Toyota. But they can't. I'm just regurgitating previously published reports. Obviously, there's room for fudging the numbers, but if variations on platforms can be considered 'new' vehicles, it's theoretically possible to get there...I can certainly argue that the rate of change exceeds any manufacturer presently and, if past accomplishments mean anything, you can be sure they're working dilligently towards that goal.
January 6, 200719 yr I'm just regurgitating previously published reports. Obviously, there's room for fudging the numbers, but if variations on platforms can be considered 'new' vehicles, it's theoretically possible to get there... I can certainly argue that the rate of change exceeds any manufacturer presently and, if past accomplishments mean anything, you can be sure they're working diligently towards that goal. The problem for them is that while they may be churning out new vehicles faster than anyone else, their quality is taking a nose dive. The problem I have is that too many people believe Toyota is still bullet proof in terms of quality and they are superior to other manufacturers, when they are not. These people then buy them based solely on this false perception of quality. If anyone is superior in the quality department it's Honda...I can't remember the last recall they had.
January 6, 200719 yr The problem for them is that while they may be churning out new vehicles faster than anyone else, their quality is taking a nose dive. The problem I have is that too many people believe Toyota is still bullet proof in terms of quality and they are superior to other manufacturers, when they are not. These people then buy them based solely on this false perception of quality. If anyone is superior in the quality department it's Honda...I can't remember the last recall they had.No doubt that's true. It remains to be seen if the recent uptick in capacity will have a corresponding negative effect on overall quality. Toyota's PR zen-masters have dealt with recent issues well...A lesson that, hopefully, isn't lost on Detroit. It's how you handle a problem, rather than the actual problem that generates good/bad vibes.
January 6, 200719 yr No doubt that's true. It remains to be seen if the recent uptick in capacity will have a corresponding negative effect on overall quality. Toyota's PR zen-masters have dealt with recent issues well...A lesson that, hopefully, isn't lost on Detroit. It's how you handle a problem, rather than the actual problem that generates good/bad vibes. Like the 4Runner controversy? But yeah, they know how to put a nice spin on there problems.
January 6, 200719 yr I'm just regurgitating previously published reports. Obviously, there's room for fudging the numbers, but if variations on platforms can be considered 'new' vehicles, it's theoretically possible to get there... I can certainly argue that the rate of change exceeds any manufacturer presently and, if past accomplishments mean anything, you can be sure they're working dilligently towards that goal. Yes - I know just trying to dispel a myth. But if you look at the product they have introduced in NA since 2000, most of the product has been global product and not necessarily unique to the US or if so introduced later elsewhere like the Camry and OZ Auron. Plus products like the first generation Scions were release years prior in Asia before their US Scion debut. Also - their product cycles are about 5 years which is about par for industry at this point.
January 7, 200719 yr The problem for them is that while they may be churning out new vehicles faster than anyone else, their quality is taking a nose dive. The problem I have is that too many people believe Toyota is still bullet proof in terms of quality and they are superior to other manufacturers, when they are not. These people then buy them based solely on this false perception of quality. If anyone is superior in the quality department it's Honda...I can't remember the last recall they had. http://detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic.../701060374/1148That is not what the data shows. Might I suggest you check out NHTSA.DOT.GOV.
January 7, 200719 yr Actually, the chart from Detroit News would indicate that for the past two years, both Toyota and GM are tracking about the same number of recalls, as a proportion of vehicles sold in those given years. GM still sells more than double the number of vehicles in North America, so it would naturally expect to have about double the number of recalls and still be on par. However, and I will defer to those experts here with more time on their hands than I, at first glance I would surmise that GM is still the hands down winner if one factors in number of vehicles on the road. Since Toyota's market share advances are recent, I would imagine GM still has three or four times the number of vehicles actually on the road, compared to Toyota, and I am sure the recalls indicated are for more than vehicles simply sold in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Of course, CR and others would just regurgitate the chart as is, without any explanation as to the severity of each recall (such as tailgate cable problems versus front wheels falling off SUVs, for example), or breaking it down as a proportion of vehicles on the road, etc.
January 7, 200719 yr Actually, the chart from Detroit News would indicate that for the past two years, both Toyota and GM are tracking about the same number of recalls, as a proportion of vehicles sold in those given years. perhaps? GM still sells more than double the number of vehicles in North America, so it would naturally expect to have about double the number of recalls and still be on par.Actually not true - but what does Canada and Mexico have to deal with US recalls? Since it is the US government that requires the safety action by the OEM when appropriate.However, and I will defer to those experts here with more time on their hands than I, at first glance I would surmise that GM is still the hands down winner if one factors in number of vehicles on the road. Since Toyota's market share advances are recent, I would imagine GM still has three or four times the number of vehicles actually on the road, compared to Toyota, and I am sure the recalls indicated are for more than vehicles simply sold in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Yes you should - the actual vehicle count or total recall count is meaningless since there is no severity associated with it. But the most important insight from the article is that Toyotas safety recalls in the press has been over hyped in 2006. But if you want to play games with the numbers, GM recalled 15 million vehicles in 2004 and 2004. That is almost 2 years worth of global production for them. And that is a lot less than what Toyota recalled in the US during that period. Of course, CR and others would just regurgitate the chart as is, without any explanation as to the severity of each recall (such as tailgate cable problems versus front wheels falling off SUVs, for example), or breaking it down as a proportion of vehicles on the road, etc. Probably true but what does that have to do with the reason why I posted the article in the first place. Toyotas recall gliches in the US received way more press than needed. Still less than the US OEMS.
January 7, 200719 yr I think the most important thing to realize is that all OEMs are serious about providing better quality and less problematic automobiles. But lord almighty look at Honda. under 2,000 recalls for a potentially substantial reason. Unbelievable. Honest question, I understand tsb's are common practice but are voluntary recalls included? and how are customer service campaigns and special service campaigns and whateverelse they want to call them classified? Like a collosal salary grab, wait--I mean temporary refund adjustment... Some good ones from last year, Recall to make cars less safe More Recalls Good News for Toyota? Under the Radar? Japan Condemns Toyota but I wouldnt worry too much about toyota, rather instead be concerned GM will be doing the right thing and continue to make strides.
January 7, 200719 yr I don't see the relevance to arguing about 2004's recall data. First of all, that is three model years ago. GM has said many times that it is serious about getting its quality on par with the Japanese and the above chart indicates that seems to be the case. Secondly, GM had a lot of product launches in 2004 - far more than Toyota, in fact. All of the GM-DAT product, for one. The new Malibu. The Equinox had some early problems, too. ((Interesting to note: not GM's tranny.) That is a lot of potential for recalls and problems. Evok, I think you are being a little picky and just rehashing my points. GM does sell more than double the number of vehicles in the U.S. than does Toyota- to be clear, so one would naturally expect more recalls. Not to mention that GM has more than double the number of models - more balls to juggle, so to speak, which is a far bigger problem. I have always maintained that Toyota was quite capable of juggling 3 or 5 models and keeping them all in line, but now that they have hit double digits it isn't so much fun any more. I think most of us on this board agree that recalls, in of themselves, taken without context are virtually meaningless. As to the media's sudden attention to Toyota's foibles, I don't see them. Locally, they still get buried in the Business section while GM's embarassments are front page. 2007 will be interesting. Just as Toyota's over seas scandals and North American "teething problems" (to quote CR about the Avalon) are starting to show cracks in the armor, GM seems to have gotten religion with product. If Ford can finally get its act together, we may see a friendly rivalry based on true merit, not which media outlet has an axe to grind. GM's Achilles heel, that of vehicles that appear cheaply built, seem to be largely over, so that people can take off their blinders and judge the vehicles for what they are.
January 7, 200719 yr When it comes to quality - Honda and Toyota are still the best companies out there by any metric, contived metric or not. Toyota - has a lot of good will as a company and can overcome these recent "un-Toyota" like gliches because the corporate culture is that good and focused. After reading many many many Toyota articles in the press about the number of recalls etc, I found the year end vehicle count to be surprisingly low. Especially given the amount of press coverage. And BTW - go check the 2006 end of year totals - You will be surprised to see that I am right for the sales totals.
January 11, 200719 yr I think the most important thing to realize is that all OEMs are serious about providing better quality and less problematic automobiles. But lord almighty look at Honda. under 2,000 recalls for a potentially substantial reason. Unbelievable. Honest question, I understand tsb's are common practice but are voluntary recalls included? and how are customer service campaigns and special service campaigns and whateverelse they want to call them classified? Like a collosal salary grab, wait--I mean temporary refund adjustment... Some good ones from last year, Recall to make cars less safe More Recalls Good News for Toyota? Under the Radar? Japan Condemns Toyota but I wouldnt worry too much about toyota, rather instead be concerned GM will be doing the right thing and continue to make strides. is your avatar a scene from "the wall" ?
January 15, 200719 yr Toyota Sold 88,938 Avalons (named the benchmark in the near-luxury segment) and the new kid on the block, Buick Lucerne, sold 96,515. Thats about a 9% difference. Sign of good things to come for Buick I hope. :AH-HA_wink:
January 22, 200719 yr Toyota Sold 88,938 Avalons (named the benchmark in the near-luxury segment) and the new kid on the block, Buick Lucerne, sold 96,515. Thats about a 9% difference. Sign of good things to come for Buick I hope. :AH-HA_wink: the Avalon sold 7,955 units last December and 95,318 units in 2005
January 22, 200719 yr Toyota Sold 88,938 Avalons (named the benchmark in the near-luxury segment) and the new kid on the block, Buick Lucerne, sold 96,515. Thats about a 9% difference. Sign of good things to come for Buick I hope. :AH-HA_wink: In 1999 Buick sold close to 150k LaSabres and another 50k Park Aves.
January 23, 200719 yr Almost every Lucerne I've seen in Los Angeles is an Enterprise rental. Sad but true.
February 19, 200719 yr In 1999 Buick sold close to 150k LaSabres and another 50k Park Aves. I would bet that 40% of those were to fleets. The Lucy is about 28%. The pricing point for Lesabre was about $22k-$28k. The Lucy, $24k-$34k.
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