Toyota sold 108,387 vehicles in May, a 27.9% decline over year-ago numbers, the Japanese carmaker reported Wednesday. One bright spot: The Tacoma pickup truck (pictured) beat the trend and posted sales of 9,091 units, up 14.1 percent compared to last May.
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Toyota's other divisions had mixed results. Lexus sales in May plunged 40% compared to May 2010 on total sales of 12,305 units. Scion posted May sales of 4,696 units, up about 24% over May 2010. Sales of the tC sports coupe jumped up 119%. The xD also had a slight uptick in sales.
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On a "raw volume basis," unadjusted for 24 selling days in May 2011 compared to 26 selling days in May 2010, Toyota's sales are actually 33.4% lower than last year.
The Camry and Camry Hybrid were unit leaders for Toyota, with combined sales of 18,830 units for the month. A total of 16,985 Corollas were sold, as were 6,924 Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid models.
Toyota trucks fared better, with 44,844 units sold, but still down just over 17% from year-ago totals.
The RAV4 sport-utility vehicle had 8,624 sales. The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid sold 5,755 units. The Tundra full-size pickup, 4,307 units, and Sienna minivan, 8,618 units sold.
"May was an especially challenging month due mainly to uncertainties about our production forecast," said Bob Carter, Toyota general manager. "But thanks to the tremendous efforts of our manufacturing team members and suppliers, we are ramping up much faster than expected.
"Beginning (in June), Japan production will be at 90 percent of normal levels, and eight of 12 North American-built vehicles will be at 100 percent. With more vehicles arriving at our dealerships and enhanced dealer-support programs gaining traction with customers, we're optimistic that our sales outlook will continue to improve."
You can reach TorqueNews.com's Hawke Fracassa at hawkefracassa@aol.com.
Image credit: Toyota Motor Sales
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