Toyota's May U.S. Sales Down 0.3%

(RTTNews) - Toyota Motor Corp (TM) on Tuesday said its U.S. sales in May inched down 0.3 percent year-over-year, hurt largely by lower car sales.

Toyota's U.S. sales in May dropped 0.3 percent to 242,579 units from 243,236 units a year ago. On a daily selling rate basis, sales were up 3.6 percent. The month had one less selling day in 2015 from May 2014.

Sales at the namesake division in May dropped 1.6 percent from a year ago to 212,908 units and Lexus division sales rose 10.2 percent to 29,671 units.

"Strong May results boosted the industry to the best sales pace since last summer," said Bill Fay, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "Toyota Division light trucks reported a best ever May, helping Toyota to over 200,000 units for the month."

Toyota division car sales in May dropped 11.9 percent from a year ago to 112,861 units, as weak sales of Prius, Camry, Avalon and Scion more than offset Yari's sales growth of 48.6 percent. Lexus division car sales in May inched up 0.3 percent from a year ago to 15,176 units.

Toyota division truck sales rose 13.4 percent to 100,047 units. Sales of RAV4 jumped 22.8 percent, 4Runner gained 13.2 percent, and Highlander rose 25.2 percent. Lexus division truck sales jumped 23.0 percent to 14,495 units, driven by sales of GX brand.

TM is currently trading at $136.77, down $0.47 or 0.34%, on the NYSE.