Toyota U.S. Sales In August Up 6.3%

(RTTNews) - Toyota Motor Corp (TM) on Wednesday said its U.S. sales for August rose 6.3 percent, as the Japanese automaker recorded double-digit sales growth for Corolla and Avalon sedans, with strong demand for RAV4, FJ Cruiser and 4Runner crossovers.

Toyota said its U.S. August sales rose to 246,100 units from 231,537 units last year. The month had 27 selling days against 28 days last year. On a daily selling rate basis, which adjusts for the difference in the number of selling days, August sales increased 10.2 percent.

"The industry had its best August in over a decade with sales topping 1.5 million vehicles," said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. "Boosted by standout SUV sales and a record-shattering month for RAV4, Toyota was the number 1 retail manufacturer in August."

At its namesake Toyota division, sales rose 5.7 percent to 213,291 units from 201,745 units, while sales at Lexus segment climbed 10.1 percent to 32,809 units from 29,792 units last year.

Car sales at Toyota division declined 1.4 percent to 114,317 units, hurt by lower sales of Prius and Camry which were partially offset by strong sales of Corolla, Avalon sedans. Lexus car division sales grew 8.9 percent to 18,493 units, as CT, IS and GS sedans grew.

Truck sales at Toyota division rose 15.4 percent to 98,974 units, on strong sales of crossovers RAV4, Fj Cruiser and 4Runner and pickup truck Tundra. Lexus truck sales improved to 11.7 percent to 14,316 units.

TM is currently trading at $116.02, down $0.18 or 0.15%, on the NYSE.