 has reported its April 2018 sales were down 4.7% overall compared to April 2017, though the surface numbers are misleading. After adjusting for the two fewer selling days that April had this year compared to the last, the brand was actually up 3.2% on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. […] "'Pin It")
Toyota Sales Still Up in April
Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has reported its April 2018 sales were down 4.7% overall compared to April 2017, though the surface numbers are misleading. After adjusting for the two fewer selling days that April had this year compared to the last, the brand was actually up 3.2% on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis.
Specifically, the Toyota division was up 2.8% on a DSR basis while the Lexus division was up 6.0% on a DSR basis. This could be a sign that as the economy strengthens, consumers are more likely to upgrade to luxury vehicles such as those sold by Lexus. This certainly seems likely in the light of the continually increasing popularity of crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks, which are all more expensive than traditional sedans.
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In fact, the Toyota light trucks division, which includes all of those vehicle types, posted its best-ever April with sales up a whopping 10.1% on a DSR basis and even up 1.6% on a volume basis despite the two fewer selling days. Truck sales were up 5%, including a 10.6% jump for the Tacoma, and Highlander sales were up 2.6% to mark the SUV’s best-ever April.
Toyota sedans nonetheless had a strong April. The Corolla iM, Avalon, and Camry were all up on April 2017 on a DSR basis, with the Avalon in particular making a big impression, and the Camry getting just shy of the 30,000 sales mark. With all-new 2019 Avalon now on sale and the sporty Corolla Hatchback just announced, we expect Toyota to be one of the automakers to continue to do well in the car segment (unlike, say, Ford?)
Related: Check out the Toyota Avalon
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