Toyota Barely Breaks Even In 2018 - Lexus Ends Year In The RED

Toyota Barely Breaks Even In 2018 - Lexus Ends Year In The RED
Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today reported December 2018 sales of 220,910 vehicles, a decrease of 0.9 percent from December 2017 on a volume basis. With the same number of selling days in December 2018 compared to December 2017, sales were down 0.9 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. 
 
For the year, TMNA reported sales of 2,426,672 vehicles, a 0.3 percent decrease on a volume basis and down 0.6 percent on a DSR basis.
 
Toyota division posted December sales of 185,386 units, down 1.1 percent on a volume and DSR basis. For the year, Toyota division reported sales of 2,128,362 vehicles, flat on a volume basis and down 0.4 percent on a DSR basis.
 
“What a tremendous finish to our year,” said Jack Hollis, group vice president and general manager, Toyota division. “That sales momentum is carrying over into the new year with the launch of the new RAV4, the best-selling SUV in the U.S., the all-new Corolla, coming to dealerships in March, and the return of the legendary Toyota Supra. We are truly encouraged by what should be an incredible 2019.”
 
Lexus posted December sales of 35,524 vehicles, up 0.2 percent on a volume and a DSR basis. For the year, Lexus sales of 298,310 vehicles were down 2.2 percent on a volume basis and down 2.6 percent on a DSR basis.
 
“Lexus finished 2018 strong with support throughout the year from a host of new product launches, including the all new flagship LS, the new RXL and the new ES,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager of Lexus Division. “In 2019, in the early part of the year, we look forward to the launch of the UX and UX hybrid and in select markets the UX Lexus Complete Lease.”
 
December 2018 Highlights  
  • Toyota is the number one retail selling brand for 17 consecutive years
  • TMNA, Toyota and Lexus divisions post best-ever light truck sales for December, quarter and year
  • Camry posted sales of 29,093 units; top-selling car in the segment for 2018
  • Corolla posted sales of 25,439 units
  • TMNA light trucks up 8.0 percent; a best-ever December, quarter and year
  • RAV4 sales up 18.8 percent; a best-ever December, quarter and year with more than 427,170 units, a 4.8 percent increase annually
  • 4Runner sales increased 11.3 percent; a best-ever December, quarter and year
  • Highlander sales increased 9.9 percent for December; posted best-ever year up 13.3 percent
  • C-HR sales increased 11 percent; a best-ever December and quarter
  • Toyota division pickups up 10.7 percent in December
  • Tacoma up 15.1 percent for a best-ever December, quarter and year since introduction; up 24.0 percent for the year
  • Tundra sales increased 3.0 percent in December; up 1.7 percent for the year
  • LS posted sales of 893 units; a best-ever December in four years; a best-ever year in five years
  • ES sales increased by 6.7 percent in December
  • Lexus division Luxury SUVs up 2.1 percent for a best-ever December, quarter and year; up 2.4 percent for the year
  • RX is the best-selling Luxury SUV for 2018
  • RX posted sales of 13,222 units for December; a best-ever year; up 3.1 percent for the year
  • NX sales increased 18.3 percent; a best-ever December and year; up 4.6 percent for the year
  • NXh posted sales of 1,367 units; a best-ever December and year
 
*Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume





ilovecar2015ilovecar2015 - 1/3/2019 12:09:07 PM
-2 Boost
A 3.64% gain YTD is NOT "barely breaks even", considered GM lost 7.62% and Ford 3.30% from 2018.


Car4life1Car4life1 - 1/3/2019 6:03:31 PM
+1 Boost
Very true however their lux brand, Lexus definitely needs to watch itself as it’s bread and butter RX is facing stiffer completion than ever and it’s sales may not be enough to offset their vulnerable sedans.

BMW managed to squeak past them this year and Lexus fell just below the 300k mark.

But Toyota is sitting pretty so Lex has nothing to worry about


ilovecar2015ilovecar2015 - 1/4/2019 10:23:53 AM
-2 Boost
True, but RX is still about 5000 units to its closest competitor, which happens to be its own NX. Lexus sedans have always been weak and now it is even weaker (though the LS and ES are strong).

But look if it weren't for Q5, Audi would be nothing, X3 and X5 saved BMW too. MB is the only one that is balanced.


MrEEMrEE - 1/5/2019 9:00:13 AM
+1 Boost
The Toyota YTD numbers do not agree, though the Dec numbers do. Someone is in error here.


Car4life1Car4life1 - 1/5/2019 8:54:55 PM
0 Boost
Not quite @ilovecar, the GLC outsold the NX by more than 7,000 units for the year, and the NX only managed to squeeze past the X3 by less than 1k units.

With the upcoming GLE(now including optional 3rd row), GLS, and BMW X7, Lincoln Aviator, and more on the horizon, Alexus better beef up those sedans quick or I see further declines coming for the brand due to relentless competition in the SUV sector


MrEEMrEE - 1/3/2019 12:27:44 PM
+2 Boost
where do you see that gain??


ilovecar2015ilovecar2015 - 1/3/2019 2:50:47 PM
-1 Boost
The annual sales report. 2018 vs 2017 YTD

http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2019/01/u-s-auto-sales-brand-rankings-december-2018-ytd/


MDarringerMDarringer - 1/3/2019 3:40:29 PM
-1 Boost
I love it when people are too damned lazy to Google something.


CANADIANCOMMENTSCANADIANCOMMENTS - 1/3/2019 6:58:12 PM
0 Boost
139K 4Runners! Crazy! 11.3% growth YOY. Not a cheap SUV, but the Corolla interior comes at no extra charge, thankfully. The Limited model helps a bit but don't look at the dash, just the seats. Not sure why for this money it can't have a nicer soft touch interior. I guess there are a lot of people who (like me) are willing to trade capability and utility for some drawbacks on ride and fuel economy.


carsnyccarsnyc - 1/3/2019 10:14:51 PM
0 Boost
The new RAV4 will be a hit


MDarringerMDarringer - 1/3/2019 10:58:09 PM
+2 Boost
Not only will it be a hit, because it is the right amount of "dirtying up" the looks to give it the edge as people become more likely to jump out of Camrys and Corollas into something "sporty". it's going to scream for sales.

If the Explorer is any indication of Ford's styling, the next Escape is screwed to hell and back for dullness.


ilovecar2015ilovecar2015 - 1/4/2019 10:17:11 AM
0 Boost
Yes, for the first time, I'm actually consider buying the new RAV4


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