Toyota Posts A December To Forget -37.5% Lexus Hits Bottom -32.4% For December

Toyota Posts A December To Forget -37.5%  Lexus Hits Bottom -32.4% For December
Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc today reported year-end sales of 2,217,662 vehicles, a decrease of 15.7 percent from the same period in 2007, on a daily selling rate basis.

Toyota Division recorded year-end sales of 1,957,575 vehicles, down 14.9 percent from the prior year. Lexus reported sales of 260,087 units in 2008, down 21.2 percent from 2007. Scion Division reported sales of 113,904 units for the year.

TMS reported December sales results of 141,949, a decrease of 36.7 percent from the same period last year.

"Our New Year's resolution is to shift the focus back to where it belongs, to the consumer," said TMS President Jim Lentz. "The sooner stimulus efforts find their way to where they'll do the most good - into the hands of consumers - the sooner we'll see a turnaround in confidence levels and a return of buyers to the marketplace."

Toyota Division

Toyota Division reported December sales of 118,587 units, down 37.5 percent from December 2007. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded December sales of 67,717 units, with year-end sales of 1,207,006 units, down 8.4 percent from last year. For the year, passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted annual sales of 436,617. Corolla posted year-end sales of 351,007. The Yaris subcompact reported best-ever year-end sales totaling 102,328, up 20.3 percent over 2007. Prius recorded sales of 158,884 units for the year.

Toyota Division light trucks reported December sales of 50,870 units, with year-end sales of 750,569, down 23.5 percent from 2007. Light truck sales were led by the Tacoma mid-size pickup, with year-end sales of 144,655 units. Tundra reported sales of 137,249 units in 2008. RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle reported year-end sales of 137,020 units for the year. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 104,661 units for the year. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported sales of 19,391 units in 2008. Sequoia reported year-end sales of 30,693 units, up 31.5 percent over the prior year.

Scion reported December sales of 4,127 units. The Scion xB urban utility vehicle recorded December sales of 1,794 units, with year-end sales totaling 45,220. The tC sports coupe reported December sales of 1,348 units, with year-end sales reaching 40,980 units. The xD posted sales of 985 units in December and year-end sales of 27,665 units.

Lexus Division

Lexus reported December sales of 23,362 units, down 32.4 percent from the year-ago month. Lexus passenger cars reported December sales of 11,542 units, with year-end sales of 151,567 units in 2008. Lexus passenger car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan with December sales of 5,236 units and year-end sales of 64,135. The IS entry luxury sport sedan recorded combined December sales of 3,539 units and combined year-end sales of 49,432 units. The LS flagship sedan reported combined December sales of 1,451 units and year-end sales of 20,255 units. The GS luxury sport sedan posted combined December sales of 1,200 units, with year-end sales totaling 15,759 units.

Lexus Division light trucks reported December sales of 11,820 units and year-end sales of 108,520 units. The RX luxury utility posted combined December sales of 9,932 units and year-end sales of 84,181 units. The RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV reported sales of 15,200 units for the year. The LX posted yearly sales of 7,915 units, up 219.7 percent over 2007.

TMS Hybrids

TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 241,405 units. In December, TMS posted sales of 12,201 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division posted December sales of 10,637 hybrids and year-end sales of 224,547 units. Lexus Division posted sales of 1,564 hybrids for the month and 16,858 units for the year.

There were 308 selling days in 2008, compared to 307 selling days in 2007. There were 26 selling days this sales month and last December.

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HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 1/5/2009 3:53:48 PM
+4 Boost
I'm having a hard time reading the Lexus table, but it looks like Lexus sold 240,087 units in 2008. This means that BMW outsold them as a brand (with 249,113 2008 sales), right?


HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 1/5/2009 3:56:32 PM
+6 Boost
Or did Lexus sell 260,087? I can't squint that hard.


david999david999 - 1/5/2009 3:58:04 PM
+3 Boost

BMW: 249,113
Lexus: 260,087




0to600to60 - 1/5/2009 10:39:23 PM
-1 Boost
Wonder why you were deboosted David. Its sad how much ppl hate on toy/lex here.


0to600to60 - 1/5/2009 10:40:51 PM
0 Boost
oh wait, I forgot chucky has a few screen names. He occasionally gives himself a few boosts to make him feel better about himself


david999david999 - 1/5/2009 3:57:09 PM
-4 Boost

Even with these numbers, Lexus is still the sales champion for luxury vehicle sales in the U.S. for 2008. That is very impressive.


Agent009Agent009 - 1/5/2009 4:07:57 PM
+7 Boost
I really thought they were going to lose it to BMW, but when the leasing died out, so did BMW sales.


NItePhireNItePhire - 1/5/2009 4:01:36 PM
-1 Boost
This is your best tittle heading yet..Funny stuff.


DogLbDogLb - 1/5/2009 6:47:04 PM
+2 Boost
I'll agree with Chuck here...Lexus has gotten pretty high on price compared to where they used to be.


david999david999 - 1/5/2009 8:35:50 PM
+2 Boost

Lexus doesn't sell because of cheaper pricing you dope. In fact, BMW has many more less expensive models for sale.


91z4me91z4me - 1/5/2009 9:53:45 PM
+1 Boost
Lets cut the crap here fellas. I am a domestic fan so in this case I am unbiased.

Lexus sells on a reputation of luxury and reliability.
BMW sells on a reputation of image and refined handling.

They market to essentially two different segments of the population. One wants a luxury car that is reliable and comfortable, the other wants one of two things 1) something with excellent handling and unique styling or 2) something with an image of having made it.

To both of these populations price isn't really a point of contention so 'value pricing' isn't going to pull many sales.


0to600to60 - 1/5/2009 10:46:05 PM
+2 Boost
Thanks 91z. U are correct. It is also notable that the majority of Lexus vehicles are purchased. The majority of BMW vehicles were leased. THis may say a lot about the people who purchase these vehicles and their financial standings. Performance v/s pure luxury. Also, performance likely appeals more to a younger crowd. Pure luxury to those more mature. Both are ok. I agree that they primarly appeal to different audiences minus the IS and LS.


KthornKthorn - 1/5/2009 11:14:54 PM
+1 Boost
Quote by: ChuckG37 - 1/5/2009 5:28:39
"Cut the bullshit. Lexus sells because of a cheaper price and value. And by the way, BMW and Benz can charge a premium and people still buy their cars. If Lexus did the same thing they would get slapped in the face. A rebadged Toyota can only be priced so high."

Tell me Chuck, how is having $20,000 in trunk money considered a premium? (see dealer incentives for MB USA)

Chuck, the biggest problem you have as an Infiniti fanboy is when you point a finger at Lexus for Badge engineering...


...You're pointing three right back at yourself. And hey, when is Infiniti going to launch the Quest as a re-badged Infiniti? I'm sure that's in the works.

Truth of the matter, BMW offers 46 vehicles to Lexus' 18. BMW should be outselling Lexus 2 to 1, but they can't because they are over priced and the only people who used to buy them, (the thirty thousand dollar millionairs) can no longer spank their home equity lines for the up-front fees on a lease with an effective apr of zero percent. And this is AFTER BMW FS approves them with a 480 Fair Issac score.

Infact this thread should be retitled Lexus almost hits bottom, because last time I checked BMW was off 40.2%, which is lower than Lexus.


lexworldlexworld - 1/5/2009 4:24:16 PM
-8 Boost
Agent 009 did you say Lexus was down minus 32.4%?


AgentOrangeAgentOrange - 1/5/2009 4:32:50 PM
+4 Boost
Yes he did..


Agent009Agent009 - 1/5/2009 4:54:03 PM
+3 Boost
double negative...I guess I was trying to make it a positive.


BigShow50BigShow50 - 1/5/2009 5:26:10 PM
-3 Boost
Scary to know that even with Lexus sales plugging to this extent and still outranking the rival luxury marks on year end sales. I guess it was more so the likes of wanting a Euro ride based on it's lease and not actually the ride(and of coarse even a bit of both)...even since the euro rides cut back extensively on leasing programs consumers went the other way...regardless of our love or hate relationship of Lexus...proof is in the pudding!...LMAO!!!


lexworldlexworld - 1/5/2009 5:41:10 PM
+3 Boost
I bet you guys often wonder how these Toy/Lex owners get that kind of loyalty? Well, there's an old saying: "Once you truly go Toyota,you never go back" Even in a spiraling economy after the dust settles....the big Toys come out on top.


WillisWillis - 1/5/2009 5:50:38 PM
-3 Boost
I usually think this Chuck guy is an ass, but that comment above was a great comeback and just hilarious.

He gets a +1 from me, just this once, just this once.




91z4me91z4me - 1/5/2009 10:13:42 PM
+2 Boost
Willis, don't worry I boosted him too. That was well played Chuck, well played indeed.


XYZZXYZZ - 1/6/2009 2:30:26 AM
0 Boost
definitely true!

i tried a new ford in 2000. in only 5 years, it had to go back to the dealer MORE TIMES than 5 toyotas owned over 30 years, COMBINED!

and fords currently are rated as more reliable than euro brands.


david999david999 - 1/5/2009 7:25:07 PM
+1 Boost

Remember, BMW also brought in the cheaper 1 series and the X6, while Lexus did not introduce any newer models like they will in 2009 with the new RX and HS250 Hybrid.


david999david999 - 1/5/2009 8:38:16 PM
+4 Boost

More than 60% of BMW sales are of the 1 and 3 series, the badge whores, of course, accounting for much of those purchases.


david999david999 - 1/5/2009 8:41:46 PM
+4 Boost

I thought this was a thread about Toyota and Lexus, but as you can see above, somebody started by claiming they thought BMW took the sales crown from Lexus.


Dr550Dr550 - 1/5/2009 9:35:46 PM
+1 Boost
Any stats on the "Pebble Beach" sales.


Ricks2DogsRicks2Dogs - 1/5/2009 9:25:20 PM
+6 Boost
Why is it that Lexus gets crapped on so often. I don't understand. I guess when your at the top, like President Bush for example, that's what happens. I love Lexus but I also love BMW too. They're great cars, each with faults, but no big deal. Lets be upbeat...its a whole new year! BTW, Japan and Germany are strong U.S. allies!


91z4me91z4me - 1/5/2009 10:16:53 PM
0 Boost
Lexus gets crapped on because anytime another brand has a hiccup the Lexus-tards go apesh*t over it and talk about how great Lexus is. So when Lexus has a problem all the other fans of the other brands dogpile their crappy comments on top of them.


0to600to60 - 1/5/2009 10:50:24 PM
+3 Boost
I was with you til you said like Bush! I think he earned the trash talk!


lexworldlexworld - 1/5/2009 10:42:58 PM
-1 Boost
ChuckyG37 I gotta admit,your response had me in stitches laughing. I think you missed your calling. You must of been the class clown growing up. A comedian indeed. What would this site be with out your input....Ooops! Did I say that.


lexworldlexworld - 1/5/2009 11:07:01 PM
+3 Boost
Hey hey hey! come on guys let's keep the filth and fowl off the crap table. Relax and have a little fun. Man you guys remind me of the good old days when my friends and I would be going at it over Chevy,Ford and Mopar. To be honest with ya,as far as drag racing was concerned,the Hemi ruled. In Europe,BMW rules. In Japan,Toyota rules. In the U.S.A,whoever sells the most cars/trucks......"Oh well"!


BigShow50BigShow50 - 1/5/2009 11:50:24 PM
+2 Boost
LMAO!!! Here comes ChuckyBoyG37!!! With the brain size pigeon shit attitude? Love the deboosting guys, obviously comes from the always welcomed Euro/Domestic fanboys. Like I said in other posts, I am a current proud owner of a MB, BMW, & Lexus therefore not bias, just appreicate the differnet levels of fine engineering. My comments or even your useless thoughts don't change the success and power of Toyota/Lexus company, like it or not, proof is always in the pudding!!!....Enjoy!!!!!....LMAO!!!!!!!!


BigShow50BigShow50 - 1/5/2009 11:59:38 PM
+2 Boost
And to even say Chuckyboy about Toyota ES & RX being a "rebadged" top seller. Just say it's true for now, but scary to know at the same time that Lexus(well Toyota in your words) is actually just as good as MB or even BMW?!?!? Noo!!! It can't be? Could it?... If not, well then "TOYOTA ES & RX STILL OUTSOLD THEM!"....and honestly that really sucks!!!...What a stupid country we live in then?...Or actually it just make sense to own a Lexus...remember they barely scratched the surface...enjoy!!!!...LMAO!!!!!!


XYZZXYZZ - 1/6/2009 2:38:12 AM
-1 Boost
LAND CRUISER 227 648 -65.0 3,801 3,251 16.5
SEQUOIA 2,399 2,567 -6.5 30,693 23,273 31.5

LX 508 132 284.8 7,915 2,468 219.7



meanwhile, the people for whom price is no object, BOUGHT MORE high level toyota "gas guzzlers" than ever!

lexus lx570, UP almost 220%!
sequoia sells 30,693 units!


XYZZXYZZ - 1/6/2009 2:41:28 AM
-1 Boost
THOSE WERE STATS FOR 2008 overall.


FOR DECEMBER ALONE, SALES OF THE LEXUS LX WAS UP 285%!





KthornKthorn - 1/6/2009 12:36:32 PM
+1 Boost
Bigshow50 check this out, you seem to be one of the few posters with a head on your shoulders, how's this for bias...

Infinit has December sales of 8,273 units (off 34.6%) and the headline reads "Infiniti slips". Lexus outsells Infiniti nearly 3 to 1, ends up down 32% and the headline reads "Lexus hits bottom".

Now I know there's no editorial review board on this site but give me a break... The headlines should have read... "for the second year in a row Infiniti is absolutely destroyed by the competition, again!". The reason they were only down 34% is because '07 sucked for them too.

Here's another thing that kills me... BMW has 46 different models available to Lexus' 18, and Lexus still outsold BMW in December. I would even go so far as to say considering this delta, Lexus "destroyed" them.



downtoearthdowntoearth - 1/6/2009 1:59:46 PM
+1 Boost
What's wrong in having less Toyotas?


KthornKthorn - 1/8/2009 7:09:30 PM
+1 Boost
You know what numbers I want to see huu... The repo's! It's not just the 11,000 spoiled brats that didn't get a Bimmer, what about the 11,000 3 series couch surfing $30k-a-year douchebags that got repo'd last year. I bet you far more BMW's got repo'd in 2008 than Lexus'. But we never get to see those numbers here do we? Infact, I may have just discovered a whole new market for BMW to be first in... The Ultimate Reposession Machine, or Certified Reposessions by BMW. Kind of has a ring to it no?


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