Toyota Reports a 12.2% Increase in US Sales for October

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported best-ever October sales of 189,011 vehicles, an increase of 13.6 percent over October 2005. Calendar-year-to-date (CYTD) sales total 2,117,507 units, up 12.2 percent over the same period last year.

"What a difference a year makes," said Jim Lentz, TMS executive vice president. "Last October the industry plunged to a seven-year low, weaning itself from an incentive binge. Today the industry is seeing modest gains on the strength of fresh products."

The Toyota Division posted best-ever October sales of 165,005, up 14.6 percent. The Lexus Division reported best-ever October sales with 24,006 units sold, an increase of seven percent.

Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded best-ever October sales of 92,955, up 6.5 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted best-ever October sales of 33,812, an increase of 8.8 percent. The Camry Hybrid, which went on sale in late April, reported sales of 2,806 units in October. The all-new Yaris subcompact, which went on sale in March, posted sales totaling 6,398 units. The Prius gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan posted October sales of 8,733.

Toyota Division light truck sales were up 27 percent, with a best-ever October total of 72,050 units. Light truck sales were led by the Sienna with monthly sales of 11,870, up 11.4 percent over the same period last year. The RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) reported best-ever October sales of 11,154, up 163.1 percent over the same period last year. The all-new FJ Cruiser, which went on sale in March, reported sales of 5,334 units. The Tundra full-size pickup truck reported October sales of 10,046, up 17.1 percent over the same period last year. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported sales of 1,643 units for the month. The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined October sales of 10,296, an increase of 18.1 percent.

Scion reported October sales of 12,344 units. The tC sports coupe led the way with October sales of 5,788 units. Scion xB sales were up 1.3 percent, posting monthly sales of 3,963 units. The Scion xA posted sales of 2,593 units, an increase of 2.1 percent.

Lexus Division
Lexus passenger cars posted best-ever October sales of 14,373 units, an increase of 23.4 percent over October 2005. Passenger car sales were led by the ES 350 luxury sedan with best-ever October sales of 6,357 units, up 46.7 percent. The IS 250 and IS 350 luxury sport sedans recorded combined best-ever October sales of 3,464 units, an increase of 40.6 percent. The LS 430 and the all-new LS 460 reported combined sales of 2,097 units, an increase of 33.2 percent.

Lexus Division light trucks reported October sales totaling 9,633 units. The 2006 RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV reported sales of 1,239 units for the month. The RX 350 and RX 400h enjoyed combined October sales of 7,250 units.

TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 159,581 units. In October, hybrid sales posted 14,598 units.



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kart1 - 11/1/2006 3:29:54 PM

+1 Boost

What can they say?

EL34i - 11/1/2006 3:27:48 PM

-4 Boost

I think Lexus should ditch the ES and GS 450h and focus more on the LS line.

EL34 - 11/1/2006 4:16:25 PM

-4 Boost

There's a lot of people that don't mind driving a fishmobile.

BMWRocks - 11/1/2006 3:27:53 PM

+1 Boost

I really would like to read what the Audi fans have to say about this.

We (Americans) do not want to buy an overpriced VW when you have BMW (ultimate D machine) or Toyota (everything else you need - Toyota has it)!

EL34 - 11/1/2006 3:32:33 PM

+1 Boost

People will buy a car for reliability in 2006 more than styling.

Car companies are you listening?

smshnick - 11/1/2006 3:33:08 PM

+4 Boost

I'm an Audi fan, and this is what I'd have to say.. I really like the FJ40, i think it's the only Toyota that has some character to it. The others are a great value for the $. They'll get you from A to B reliably and in comfort. I've owned 3 Audis and they've never let me down either.

the_gamper - 11/1/2006 3:40:38 PM

-1 Boost

"I've owned 3 Audis and they've never let me down either."

You must be the only one.

I think Toyota is building some solid cars without much personality. It will catch up to them eventually. Their North American Growth is really pretty scary, and probably quality is being sacraficed in the process. Toyota will reach market saturation in the near future and will probably come crashing down hard as GM, Ford get their acts together. As far as value goes, I just dont understand why someone would pay sticker for a Toyota when there are so many deals to be had from domestics and other Japanese/Korean makes. And for what, because Consumer Reports says they have 3 fewer problems per 1000 vehicles than the next guy. Its your money?

kart1 - 11/1/2006 3:46:33 PM

+2 Boost

A smart person doesn't have to pay sticker for Toyota's (unless the model is really popular like the Prius and FJ 40 has been). People should be able to go about 2k below sticker for a Toyota. Oh yeah Tacoma's are hard too, but there is some discount there too.

S4cabriofox - 11/1/2006 10:08:12 PM

+1 Boost

I've owned four Audis (including one that I bought for my son) and I haven't had any problems with them, either.

I don't think we're the only ones. The reliability card is overplayed and over-dramatized.

XYZZ - 11/2/2006 2:40:35 AM

+2 Boost

overplayed?

i don't think so.

ESPECIALLY when you get beyond the warranty period. when 8 year old toyotas --even the cheapest ones-- have better reliability records than every other brands' (INCLUDING luxury/prestige other than lexus) vehicles that are only HALF as old or less, that MEANS something.

among other things: a HUGE pool of owners of toyota/lexuses of different vintages who likely won't even consider the "DISPOSABLE CARS" others make.

another: buyers who really DON'T CARE about warranties (to say nothing of extended warranties) when they buy a new toyota or lexus.

competitors HAVE TO offer impressive warranties, because their PRODUCTS are NOT as durable as toyotas.

ALL warranty claims i've ever had on two toyotas, built 22 years apart, were less than $20 each! (out of warranty repair costs were still piddling. and mostly ONLY replacement of WORN OUT --NOT broken-- parts.)

toyota and lexus reliability is not MERELY a catchword. it is REALITY. and it is the BEST on the PLANET. toyota sales are booming because the Boomer Generation (and their kids) KNOW this, and vote with their wallets.

S4cabriofox - 11/3/2006 12:04:00 AM

+2 Boost

"ESPECIALLY when you get beyond the warranty period. when 8 year old toyotas --even the cheapest ones-- have better reliability records than every other brands' (INCLUDING luxury/prestige other than lexus) vehicles that are only HALF as old or less, that MEANS something."

Sure, but I keep my cars for four to five years, so I don't have a problem with this.

mitchatlexusofmarin - 11/1/2006 3:33:35 PM

+5 Boost

Wait till the LS460 gets rolling. We are completely sold out, and people are buying all of our future allocations.

smshnick - 11/1/2006 3:34:29 PM

+1 Boost

and I'd own an FJ40, but until they offer a removable top (like the old one) and make it a little more rugged (like the Wrangler), I'll hold off.

mitchatlexusofmarin - 11/1/2006 3:40:14 PM

+1 Boost

Umm..huh?

smshnick - 11/1/2006 3:46:33 PM

0 Boost

As long as the car is covered under new car warranty what's the big deal about a couple of problems. Some people want a car that's boring and reliable, others want a car that's exciting and less reliable. Toyota is on one end of the spectrum and Ferrari is on the other.

Ironman273 - 11/1/2006 4:09:26 PM

+3 Boost

Well, there are lots of people that don't want to have the problem to begin with. Having to drive to the dealership (if the car is driveable) and leave it for service interrupts most people's days.

rocker - 11/1/2006 5:11:54 PM

+2 Boost

Evidently, your time is not valuable. Can you come by and pick up my BMW it needs to be serviced?

smshnick - 11/1/2006 5:16:12 PM

+1 Boost

My time is just as valuable as yours, but I'd rather take my chances with a car that has a few problems and is a pleasure to drive, than something more reliable that I'm liable to fall asleep in while driving.

rocker - 11/1/2006 5:43:29 PM

+1 Boost

I didn't say my time was valuable and did you notice that I said my BMW, are saying a toyota is less boring than a BMW?

smshnick - 11/1/2006 6:41:33 PM

+1 Boost

No, I'm not. But I'm sorry to hear that you're having problems with your BMW.

rocker - 11/1/2006 7:36:09 PM

+1 Boost

Having? IT has been constant since we purchased the car. And most are recurring problems. That's not faulty parts and design flaws.

rocker - 11/2/2006 12:26:09 AM

+2 Boost

Should have read not faulty parts but design flaws.

XYZZ - 11/2/2006 3:05:44 AM

+2 Boost

"Some people want a car that's boring and reliable..."

WHO says reliable has to be boring?

i LOVE winter driving, when limited traction levels the playing field and i EMBARASS ALL MANNER OF V8 powered "exciting" cars with my "boring" 1.8 corolla! ;)

the other day, about 8-10 cars were lined up all on the inside of a 2-lane left turn intersection. courteously leaving the other lane open for me. i shot past all of them as the light turned green. the lead car, a V8 lux sedan, had already built up to about 20-25 mph when i got to the turn; i eased past and pulled away from the whole pack, not even TRYING to prod all the little ponies under my hood.

the ONLY vehicle that would've been able to outdrive me there, would've had to be an awd with good studded tires too.

rocker - 11/1/2006 5:14:02 PM

+1 Boost

I do see a potential flaw, they are trying to capture the dying dinosaur market of larger trucks and SUV's. Let's see what happens over the next few years. And believe me I never want to see anyone fail.

KeyserSoze - 11/1/2006 4:17:59 PM

+4 Boost

The gamer, Toyota will reach saturation point soon! maybe! But let me give a thougt provoking fact. Toyota has about a $100billion more cash than FORD, GM,CHRYSLER,VAG & BMW combined, so it will be very difficult to see Toyota crash in your lifetime.

rocker - 11/1/2006 5:15:06 PM

+1 Boost

Ford had a butt load of money on hand and had to use $6billion this quarter alone.

chewy - 11/1/2006 7:54:44 PM

+1 Boost

Please, cite your sources.

rocker - 11/1/2006 9:23:33 PM

+1 Boost

Every article that you read they had $23billion on hand at the beginning of Q3 and reported a loss of $5.8billion for the same quarter.

S4cabriofox - 11/1/2006 10:10:25 PM

+1 Boost

"Toyota has about a $100billion more cash than FORD, GM,CHRYSLER,VAG & BMW combined, so it will be very difficult to see Toyota crash in your lifetime."

I doubt it.

Homer008 - 11/2/2006 9:55:16 AM

+2 Boost

$100 billion is a modest figure..IMO, its morelike $300-$400 billion tucked in their savings account..
I have stated in the past a few times..what are Toyota waiting for??? Stingy Toyota.

KeyserSoze - 11/1/2006 4:36:54 PM

+2 Boost

Toyota is the GODZILLA of the automotive industry.

EL34 - 11/1/2006 4:50:28 PM

-3 Boost

Pokemon too!

EL34 - 11/1/2006 5:44:03 PM

-2 Boost

I'm listening to Sean Hannity on the radio right now and during the bumper news they said GM sales are up 17.4% and Toyota sales are up 9.1%

hmmmm.

XYZZ - 11/2/2006 4:12:32 AM

+1 Boost

Sean Hannity?

NO WONDER your posts are so riddled with stupidities! ;)

do you also worship wRush dimbulb and his propagandistic pleadings and whining?

MercBasher - 11/1/2006 6:45:18 PM

0 Boost

The things that amazed me in terms of October sales were:
(i.) GM sales up dramatically more than Toyota
(ii.) Lexus sales not up much as I expected - despite critical new products

Things that didn't surprise me include:
(i.) BMW, Audi sales down - Mercedes and Lexus sales up
(ii.) Chrysler sales down
(iii.) GMs big trucks sold well as the price of gas declined

smshnick - 11/1/2006 6:54:49 PM

+1 Boost

Has Mercedes posted their sales results yet?

XYZZ - 11/2/2006 2:25:39 AM

+2 Boost

how can lexus cars be up ONLY 23% when...

"...the ES 350 luxury sedan with best-ever October sales of 6,357 units, up 46.7 percent. The IS 250 and IS 350 luxury sport sedans recorded combined best-ever October sales of 3,464 units, an increase of 40.6 percent. The LS 430 and the all-new LS 460 reported combined sales of 2,097 units, an increase of 33.2 percent."

(not that i'm complaining)

smshnick - 11/1/2006 7:00:44 PM

+1 Boost

Nevermind, it looks like Mercedes shows a 12% increase.

rocker - 11/1/2006 7:43:02 PM

+1 Boost

Would it have been better for MB to report before Chrysler?

smshnick - 11/1/2006 8:58:09 PM

+1 Boost

I don't think it matters, though strategically, I would think after would be better, to lessen the blow from Chrysler's report.

rocker - 11/1/2006 9:24:51 PM

+1 Boost

Or did they do it to showcase their issues with Chrysler and a potential sell-off? Brilliant, Germans.

rocker - 11/1/2006 11:43:13 PM

-1 Boost

Invent the crossover? Also is the Tundra and Sequoia a feable attempt at a large truck and Suv? Ford had the best selling car and truck at the same time and they pissed it away(inbreed family public company) I hope Toyota does not illustrate the same arrogance. Unfortunately, their supporters are already exhibiting that arrogance.

rocker - 11/1/2006 11:56:59 PM

-1 Boost

So is Toyota the Evil Empire or the Boston Red Sox?

XYZZ - 11/2/2006 3:33:44 AM

+3 Boost

the gamper:
"Toyota will reach market saturation in the near future and will probably come crashing down hard as GM, Ford get their acts together."

imo, toyota is NOWHERE NEAR market saturation. if anything, they are only BEGINNING TO TAP the huge base of loyal owners.

see my post above. if 'yotas are kept say, 4 years longer than other brands, then their owner base is 4 years' worth of sales larger! ALL these folks are meanwhile experiencing fewer repairs. and sharing this knowledge/experience with neighbors and friends.

and as the Boomer generation enter their retirement years, many will be ready for replacement NEW vehicles to enjoy in retirement. a fair proportion of these boomers are toyota and honda owners. so you can expect lexus and acura sales to ALSO boom! and apparently the stats in the article VERIFY this analysis.

however much GM and Ford "get their acts together," you can bet they will ALWAYS find that toyota and honda are MOVING TARGETS. they may NEVER catch up.

XYZZ - 11/2/2006 3:59:10 AM

+3 Boost

modifying the above analysis.

even if owners do NOT wait an extra 4 years before buying new toyotas, their trade enters the national fleet of USED cars. so the pool of toyota owners constantly grows with used as well as new car buyers.
one mite argue the pool of owners grows even FASTER with used cars than with new. the higher prices for used toyotas (and hondas) verifies that there IS a higher demand here, than for other brands' used vehicles.

most people always buy used, until they can afford a new car. so as the population of owners of used toyotas grows (and turns over), the population of potential buyers of NEW toyotas ALSO constantly grows.

by not making reliable and DURABLE cars, toyota's many competitors are losing out on TWO fronts. (uh-oh! i just revealed a toyota SECRET. oh well, it's not likely anyone will follow up on it.)

Homer008 - 11/2/2006 10:34:24 AM

+4 Boost

Principals of Toyota Way - by Fujio Cho

a) Core value of contributing to the society through the high-quality products and services.

b) Business practices and activities based on this core priniple created values, beliefs and business methods that over the years have become a source of competitive advantage.

These are the managerial values and business methods that are known colletively as the Toyota Way.
-Fujio Cho, President Toyota

"Highest Quality products and Services" parallels with Reliable and Durable products,

My 2 cents:

1)Observation (study the potential market)

2)Build a product for People, apply all the right principles, ethics, morals and inject excitement.

3)Be flexible and always stay ahead and never give your competitors take charge of something potential in the market and let them monopolize it...Do everything in your power to "Improve it" and destroy your competitors.

4) As in any other Japanese electronics manufacturing philosophy "Stay flexible for a change","Moving Targets" and never be content. Keep improving and never ever stand still.

5) I believe service Dept/Catering is an form of art. Its toughest area of the car business, period. It takes time to learn other's habits and expectation. Highest study of psychology applies here folks (Human psychology molded together to create a bond with Metal and Rubber). Something Japanese have excelled at. If you master the art of Service, you now have full understanding of what you need to build for them. You don't build cars for youself. You are designing something to cater a product for people living a halfway across the globe. Actually, every single Asian car designers have major studios here in the stateside...Something Germans won't do or fails to catch on or understand this concept of true ART in a car business and their crappy performance is transparent.
"A Large ego comes in a small minds" written from me to BMW, MB and Audi executives as an reminder from me would be very appropriate.


Lexus forever.

Lordvader - 11/2/2006 3:00:07 PM

+3 Boost

"...can you hear that Mr. Anderson? That is the sound of inevitability. That is the sound of..." Victory!

Can't stop 'em, can only try to contain 'em!

Toyota had it right from the start...

-Flexibility
-Adaptability
-Lack of Greed
-Devotion to quality
-Leave the world better than you found it

A true business role model.

XYZZ - 11/3/2006 4:22:21 AM

+2 Boost

some years ago, toyota did a survey of what people desired MOST in a car. power? size? style? economy?

what they found people MOST WANTED, was to not ever have a breakdown and be stranded. (this WAS some years ago).

toyota apparently took that finding to heart, and has been building the MOST RELIABLE VEHICLES on the planet ever since.

i've even had a toyota that ran on only 3 of 4 cylinders, and do this for several YEARS until i got it fixed! have heard similar stories from others. it is no accident that toyotas have a reputation for being "BULLETPROOF."

if breakdowns are "exciting," then yes, toyotas ARE "boring!" but always totally DEPENDABLE.