USA MARCH SALES - TOYOTA/LEXUS/SCION - Scion down, Toyota & Lexus up, significantly

• Total light truck sales set March record
• Corolla sets March record
• Lexus sets fifth straight monthly record

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported March 2015 sales of 225,959, an increase of 4.9 percent from March 2014 on a volume basis. With one less selling day in March 2015 compared to March 2014, sales were up 9.1 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. 

Toyota division posted March 2015 sales of 194,905, up 4.4 percent on a volume basis and 8.5 percent on a DSR basis.

"Strong March sales capped the auto industry’s best first quarter in 13 years,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager.  "Our pickups, SUVS and Sienna minivan all posted good gains in March and contributed to a record light truck first quarter.  March was more than a truck story, however, as Camry and Corolla combined for sales of over 75,000.”

Lexus set a new March sales record of 31,054, up 8.6 percent from March 2014 on a volume basis and 13 percent on a DSR basis.  The previous March record was set in 2007. 

"We’re having a hard time keeping up with the demand for luxury utility vehicles,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager.  "Whether it’s the new NX or the segment leading RX, consumers are looking for utility to go with their luxury experience."

March 2015 Highlights:

• Total light truck sales of 105,997 were up 11.5 percent and a new March record
• Camry sales topped 40,000
• Record Corolla March sales of 35,532 were up 19.7 percent
• RAV4 sales rose 27.9 percent to 25,243
• 4Runner up 22.5 percent
• Combined Tacoma and Tundra pickup sales exceeded 27,000, up 5.2 percent
• Sienna up 16.6 percent
• Lexus luxury utility vehicles set a new March record, up 23.9 percent.
• New Lexus NX and RC models post their best sales since launch
• Lexus sets new first quarter record of 77,180 vehicles (previous best 2007)

*Note:  Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume

USA - OCTOBER SALES - Toyota.

• SUVs set October records
• Camry sales up 14% with launch of 2015 model
• Lexus posts 12^th straight month of year-over-year gains

Toyota, Scion and Lexus today reported total October 2014 sales results of 180,580 units, an increase of 6.9 percent from October 2013.

Toyota division posted October 2014 sales of 157,225 units, up 7.5 percent.

“October vehicle sales were the best for the month in 10 years as an improving economy and lower gas prices drove strong SUV sales,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager.  “At Toyota we also saw a big jump in Camry sales thanks to the successful launch of the new 2015 model.”

Lexus reported October sales of 23,355 units, a 2.8 percent increase on a raw-volume basis year-over-year. 

“The luxury SUV segment is one of the hottest in the industry, led by the Lexus RX,” said Steve Hearne, Lexus vice president of sales and dealership development.  “That should continue as the holiday season and winter approach.”  

Other Highlights:

• Toyota Division is top retail brand for 10^th consecutive month
• Launch of new 2015 Camry helps boost sales almost 14 percent
• Corolla posts sales of 24,959 units, up 5.6 percent
• Toyota and Lexus hybrids sales of 20,498 units, accounting for about 65 percent of industry hybrid sales
• Toyota SUVs up 21.6 percent with sales of 43,961 units
• RAV4 up  22.4 percent
• Highlander up nearly 30 percent in October
• 4Runner up 38.1 percent
• Pickups top 22,500 units, up 1.2 percent
• Lexus IS sales increase 5.6 percent
• Lexus GS up 5.6 percent
• New Lexus CT up 37.5 percent
• Lexus RX posts sales of more than 8,000 units
• Lexus GX up 29.2 percent

*Note:  Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume

USA RECALL #2 - Incorrect Tire Placard Information/FMVSS 110, on Toyota FJ and Tacoma.

Report Receipt Date: AUG 04, 2014 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V475000 

Component(s): 

Potential Number of Units Affected: 20,000 

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

SUMMARY:

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

CONSEQUENCE:

If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.