GS69

Toyota Tsunami Recovery Seen in Forecasts for 93% Gain

Toyota Motor Corp. is coming back strong in the U.S. This time, Ernie Boch Jr. sees it lasting.

A year ago, as the company was recovering from record recalls, Toyota was like a woozy heavyweight boxer just returning to his feet, said Boch, a dealer 30 minutes outside Boston. Then, Japan's earthquake and tsunami hit in March 2011, halting vehicle assembly and leading to shortages from May through August.

"The tsunami came, and just -- boom! -- right back down on the mat," said Boch, president of a Toyota store in Norwood, Mass. "The reduction of inventory hurt us. Now, it's back."

The extent of Toyota's recovery will show in its May sales results, set to be released Friday. The Japanese automaker rode gains from new models such as the Camry sedan and Prius line of hybrids to a forecast 93% increase in deliveries of cars and light trucks, the average estimate of 7 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. As a result, Toyota and other Japanese automakers likely will show sizable gains in U.S. market share.

Overall light-vehicle sales in May could surge 31% to 1.39 million, the average of 9 analysts' estimates. Industry sales may run at a 14.4 million seasonally adjusted annualized rate, the average of 14 estimates, keeping the U.S. on pace for its best year since 2007.

But the results will compare with a weak month last year. The May 2011 sales rate was 11.7 million, according to researcher Autodata Corp.

The year-over-year market share gains for Japan-based automakers are "artificial" because of their depressed results last year, Brian Johnson, an analyst at Barclays Plc, wrote in a May 24 report.

Boch Toyota sold about 400 new vehicles this month, led by Camry and Corolla cars as well as Seqouia and Land Cruiser sport-utility vehicles -- which the dealership ran out of at times in 2011 -- Boch said. He boosted salaried pay for some employees last year to make up for depressed commissions when sales slid as low as 210 vehicles a month.

'Everything is moving'

"People are out there buying more than they were a year ago, and we have the bullets," said John Horton, president of San Francisco Toyota, where sales more than doubled in May from a year earlier. "Our hybrids are hot. Everything is moving."

Toyota and Honda Motor Co., which analysts estimate reporting the industry's 2nd-biggest sales increase, lost production of hundreds of thousands of vehicles after last year's tsunami in Japan and floods in Thailand. Toyota may gain almost 1 percentage point of U.S. market share this year and retain 3rd place behind General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co., analysts estimated earlier in the year.

The Japanese company has recovered from the recall of more than 10 million vehicles in 2009 and 2010 related to unintended acceleration. In the 1st 3 months of this year, Toyota sold the most cars and trucks in the world. Toyota will probably remain No. 3 in the U.S. market for the month behind GM, which sold the most vehicles globally last year, and Ford, according to estimates.

Honda gaining

Honda deliveries may climb 53%, the average of 7 analysts' estimates. The automaker entered May having reported year-over-year sales declines in 10 of the last 12 months, as the natural disasters sapped supply of Civic compacts, Accord sedans and CR-V SUVs.

Chrysler Group LLC probably will lead U.S. automakers with a 40% sales increase from a year earlier, the average estimate of 9 analysts. The automaker ran a national promotion the last 10 days of May, offering some buyers no monthly payments for 90 days.

"The Japanese competitors are now back fully in the marketplace," Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler and its majority owner Fiat S.p.A. told reporters on May 24. "It's something that we have not had to deal with, effectively, over the last 12 months."

GM, Ford gains

GM and Ford may combine to gain about 1 percentage point of market share compared with April, Johnson wrote.

GM's May sales probably rose 15%, the average of 10 analysts' estimates. GM's U.S. market share through April slipped 1.9 percentage points from a year earlier to 17.7%. GM shuffled its sales team on May 17, naming Alan Batey to the new position of vice president of U.S. sales and service.

"GM had such an abundance of Chevy Cruze, which was a good substitute for Corolla and Civics" during Toyota and Honda model shortages last year, said Jessica Caldwell, an analyst at industry researcher Edmunds.com. "They had some good gains in 2011 that have been a little bit tougher to replicate in 2012."

Ford sales probably gained 12%, the average estimate of 10 analysts surveyed. The automaker is adding production at some North American plants to keep up with demand and boost output by 400,000 vehicles on an annualized basis.

"Sales of some hot-selling products such as Focus, F- Series with EcoBoost, and Explorer were impacted by tight inventory," Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analyst Patrick Archambault wrote in a May 21 report. "This is something that Ford is trying to address through increased capacity."

Other gains

Nissan Motor Co., which began production this month of its revamped Altima sedan, may report a 29% gain in deliveries for the month, the average of 7 estimates.

Korea's Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. may combine to sell 17% more vehicles than a year earlier, the average of 6 analysts' estimates.

Volkswagen AG, which is on pace to exceed its target for selling more than 500,000 vehicles in the U.S. this year, may increase combined sales of its Volkswagen and Audi brand vehicles by 33% in May, the average of four analysts' estimates.

May had 26 selling days, 2 more than the year-earlier period.

spwolf

What needs to be said is that Toyota sales in April 2011 were OK... they dropped only 5% compared to April 2010, Tsunami shortages did not hit yet.

So if there was to be increase of 90%, it is not because April 2011 was bad but because Toyota is simply selling a LOT of cars.

spwolf

Same goes for Honda, last April their sales went up 5%.

GS69

GM Reports Highest Monthly Sales in 33 Months

Deliveries Chart

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported May sales of 245,256 vehicles in the United States, up 11% year over year and the highest monthly total since August 2009 when dealers delivered 246,479 units. GM retail sales were up 14% year-over-year and the retail mix was 70%. Fleet sales increased 3%. Buick and GMC both reported sales increases of 19% and Chevrolet was up 10%.

Sales of GM small and compact cars were up 16% in May versus a year ago, driven by the new Chevrolet Sonic, which had sales of 7,205 units, and the new Buick Verano, with 3,609 sales, which has increased sales every month since launch.

Combined sales of all 7 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac crossovers were up 14% versus a year ago. The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain continue to stand out, with sales up 15% and 20% , respectively.

Full-size pickup sales were up 23% year over year, mid-size pickup sales were up 34% and full-size SUVs were up 14%.

“GM’s sales in May were the highest in almost three years and we are poised to keep delivering good news for the U.S. economy with one of the most aggressive new product offenses in our history,” said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “About 70% of our nameplates will be new or freshened over the course of 2012 and 2013 and that positions us very well as the industry and GM start to approach pre-recession sales levels.”

This summer, Chevrolet will launch the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 4-cylinder and the Chevrolet Spark, while Cadillac will launch the XTS large luxury sedan and ATS compact luxury sedan.

The Cadillac XTS went into production in May and cars are expected to begin arriving in showrooms in June. The XTS and ATS will complement the Cadillac CTS sedan and coupe, the SRX crossover and the Escalade sport utility vehicle. Cadillac’s total sales reflect a planned 82% decrease in fleet sales.

GFerg

Toyota Motor Sales Issues May 2012 Sales Preview

Thats also a good 25,000 more vehicles than last month.

GS69

Ford Posts Gains

Ford Motor Company Posts Gains Across Cars, Utilities, Trucks in May; Fusion Sets May and Retail Records

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales increased 13 percent in May compared with May 2011
May F-Series sales were up 29 percent; E-Series van sales increased 31 percent, providing the best May sales since 2008; Transit Connect had its best sales month ever
Fusion sales increased 9 percent for the best May sales performance ever
Explorer sales were up 10 percent – its best month since the current model was introduced
Ford announces third quarter North American production to be up 5 percent from a year ago

Download Full Sales Release (With Tables)

DEARBORN, Mich., June 1, 2012 – Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 216,267 vehicles in May, a 13 percent increase versus year-ago levels. Retail sales increased 12 percent.

Overall, cars were up 6 percent, utilities were up 12 percent, and trucks improved 21 percent.

America’s top-selling vehicle for 30 years, the Ford F-Series pickup posted May sales of 54,836 pickups, a 29 percent increase versus last May. E-Series delivered a 31 percent increase with 14,160 vans sold. Transit Connect had its best monthly sales performance ever with 3,937 vans sold, a 53 percent gain versus last May.

Fusion posted its best May sales ever and its strongest-ever retail sales month – with sales up 9 percent at 26,857 vehicles. Focus was up 11 percent, with its strongest sales coming from California. Mustang and Taurus increased 58 and 9 percent, respectively, with the rollout of new 2013 model products leading the way.

Utilities expanded 12 percent. Explorer delivered its best sales month since the current model hit the market in December 2010. Edge sales were up 24 percent in May versus a year ago.

“Ford posted solid gains across our fresh lineup of new cars, utilities and trucks in May,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Fuel efficiency continues to be a top purchaser driver, and Ford’s wide range of fuel-efficient products delivered again.”

During May, Ford dealers started delivering the all-new 2013 Escape to customers. The new small utility features two EcoBoost engine choices including a 1.6-liter that delivers class-leading 33 mpg on the highway.

In addition, the company delivered the first Focus Electric vehicles to retail customers.

Ford also announced its 3rd-quarter North American production plan. The company plans to build 690,000 vehicles in the 3rd quarter, up 5 percent (34,000 vehicles) from the third quarter 2011. 2nd quarter production of 730,000 vehicles is unchanged from the previous guidance.

GS69

Chrysler up 30%

Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 150,041 units, a 30 percent increase compared with sales in May 2011 (115,363 units), and the group's best sales in the month of May since 2007.

The Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each posted sales increases in May compared with the same month a year ago. The FIAT brand set a sales record for the 4th-consecutive month and the brand's 128 percent year-over-year sales gain was the largest percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand in May.

Chrysler Group recorded its 26th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains and its 12th-straight month of sales increases of at least 20 percent.

Several additional Chrysler Group models posted record sales in May. The iconic Jeep Wrangler SUV and Dodge Challenger muscle car each set all-time monthly sales records, while the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger mid-size sedans set sales records for the month of May.

"In spite of a tremendous amount of global economic uncertainty, the U.S. new vehicle sales industry continues to power ahead," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. "Our May sales increased 30 percent and represented our 26th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth. We are also in the process of adding production capacity as quickly as possible to meet strong demand for our products."

Once again, a broad range of Chrysler Group models contributed to the company's 30 percent increase. While the Fiat 500 continues to rack up sales records, the Ram pickup truck logged its 25th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Both the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans posted double-digit sales gains in May, while the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan recorded triple-digit year-over-year sales growth. The Jeep brand weighed in with impressive double-digit sales gains by the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler SUVs.

Chrysler Group finished the month with a 61-days supply of inventory (351,804 units). U.S. industry sales figures for May are projected at an estimated 14.2 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR).

May 2012 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand

FIAT Brand

FIAT brand sales were up 128 percent in May versus the same month a year ago, the largest year-over-year sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand. The FIAT brand set a sales record in May, the 4th-consecutive month that the brand has set a new record this year. May marked the 1st full month of sales of the Fiat 500 Abarth. Dealer orders for the Abarth, the ultimate high-performance small car, exceeded the production run of this model for the 2012 model year. The Fiat 500 Cabrio won the Sub Compact Car of Texas award at this year's Texas Auto Roundup hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).

Chrysler Brand

Chrysler brand sales were up 81 percent in May, the brand's best May sales since 2008 and its 11th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. All three Chrysler models contributed to the brand's strong sales performance in May. Sales of the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, the brand's volume leader for the month, were up 87 percent, a new sales record for the month of May.

Sales of the Chrysler 300 full-size sedan were up 140 percent, the model's best May sales in five years. The Chrysler 300 earned "Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction" in the "Large Car" category from the automotive research group AutoPacific in May. The AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are based solely on owners' satisfaction ratings of their new vehicle. Chrysler Town & Country minivan sales were up 56 percent in May compared with the same month in 2011.

2 Chrysler brand models earned accolades during TAWA's Texas Auto Roundup. The Town & Country took home 2 awards – Family Car of Texas and Minivan of Texas. The Chrysler 300 Luxury Series was named Full-Size Luxury Car of Texas. After a day of demanding driving at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, journalists voted on their favorites and Chrysler Group secured eight of the possible 18 awards – the most of any participating manufacturer at the event.

Jeep® Brand

Jeep brand sales were up 24 percent in May compared with the same month a year ago, the brand's best May sales performance in 12 years and its 25th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Jeep Wrangler, the brand's volume leader for the month, set an all-time sales record in May with its solid 44 percent sales increase. May sales of the Jeep Liberty mid-size SUV were the best since 2007.

Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most awarded SUV ever, increased 40 percent in May, the model's best May sales since 2005. For the second year in a row, the Grand Cherokee was named "Premium Mid-Size SUV" in AutoPacific's "2012 Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction" Awards. Also in May, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was named "Performance SUV of Texas" at TAWA's Texas Auto Roundup.

Dodge Brand

Dodge brand sales increased 14 percent in May, the brand's best May sales in four years and its 12th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth. 2 Dodge vehicles broke sales records. The Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan set a new sales record for the month of May with its 93 percent year-over-year increase. The Dodge Challenger muscle car set an all-time monthly sales record in May. The Dodge Grand Caravan minivan, the brand's volume leader in May, and the Dodge Journey full-size crossover, each had their best May sales in 4 years.

The 2013 Dodge Dart, which goes on sale in dealerships this month, took home 3 awards from TAWA's Texas Auto Roundup. The first Chrysler Group vehicle built off a FIAT-derived architecture, the all-new Dart blends Alfa Romeo DNA with Dodge's passion for performance and style. The Dart was named "Compact Car of Texas," and took home awards for "Best Value" and "Best New Feature" for its Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display.

Ram Truck Brand

Sales of the Ram pickup truck, Chrysler Group's volume leader, were up a sound 29 percent in May compared with the same month a year ago. It was the pickup truck's 25th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains and its best May since 2007. Both Ram light- and heavy-duty pickup trucks posted sales increases in May. Of the Ram light-duty truck sales, the regular cab pickups posted the largest percentage sales increase in May, but the quad cab trucks led in volume. The Ram Truck brand posted its best May sales in 5 years.

Dealers are expected to begin ordering the 2013 Ram 1500 pickup truck in July. The new Ram pickup, which bowed at the 2012 New York International Auto Show in April, delivers best-in-class fuel efficiency, new technology and new features as well as interior and exterior upgrades. The 2013 Ram gets the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, 1 of Ward's "10 Best Engines" for 2012, which features 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more torque and at least 20 percent better fuel economy when compared to the previous 3.7-liter V-6 powertrain.

GS69

Audi Sets All Time May Record

Audi sets all-time U.S. sales record for the month of May
- Audi reports 17th consecutive month of record sales, marking the fifth-best month ever in U.S. for the brand
- May new vehicle sales up 10% to 11,503 vehicles sold in the U.S.
- Premium category vehicle sales (A8, A7, A6, and Q7) up 54% YTD

Audi today reported record-setting May sales with a 10% increase to 11,503 new vehicles sold, marking the 17th consecutive month of unprecedented sales in the U.S. May sales not only represented all-time record total sales for the January-May period, but also marked the fifth-best month ever for the brand, exceeding more than 11,000 in total vehicle sales.

“Consumers are responding favorably to Audi as 17 consecutive months of record-setting sales attests,” said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. “Audi’s progressive luxury and technologically advanced vehicle portfolio continues to set the pace in the high-end sector of the luxury car market.”

Sales of Audi premium category vehicles (A8, A7, A6, and Q7) jumped 54% YTD and represented 34.2% of total May sales. Overall, sales improvements shown by Audi in the top tiers of the luxury sector accounted for 125% of the Audi May gain.

May year-over-year results were buoyed by strong premium vehicle performance of the Audi A6 increasing 260.2% to 1,693 vehicles sold. Sales for the design-forward Audi A7 continued with 792 vehicles sold, while sales of the Audi R8 coupe jumped 14.6% to 47 vehicles sold in May.

Highlights:

- May 2012 ranked as the best May in Audi of America history, marking the fifth-best month ever for the brand.
- Audi A6 sales up 260.2% compared to May 2011; YTD sales grow 124.7% compared to previous period.
- Audi A7 YTD sales increased 194.8%, compared to previous period.
- Sales of Audi Q5 increased 5% compared to May 2011; YTD sales up 14.4% compared to previous period.
- Audi Q7 recorded an 8.8% boost in sales with 919 units sold, compared to May 2011.
- Sales of the Audi R8 coupe rose 14.6%, accounting for 47 vehicles sold within the total 90 new vehicle sales for the sports car line in the month.
- Audi A4 sales remained steady despite an inventory draw down in advance of the updated 2013 models just now reaching dealership showrooms.
- Audi May Certified Pre-Owned sales jumped 16.9% compared to vehicles sales from April 2012.

ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. Audi was a top-performing luxury brand in Europe during 2011, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Through 2016, AUDI AG will invest about $17 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

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AUDI US SNAPSHOT                       --YTD--
Model Line     May '12 Actual     May '11 Actual     Yr/Yr % change     May '12 YTD Actual     May '11 YTD Actual     Yr/Yr % change
A3     629     664     -5.3%     2,958     2,941     0.6%
A4     3,058     3,192     -4.2     14,852     15,201     -2.3%
A5     1,264     1,438     -12.1%     6,395     6,459     -1.0%
A6     1,693     470     260.2%     6,839     3,043     124.7%
A7     792     812     -2.5%     3,597     1,220     194.8%
A8     528     495     -6.7%     1,951     2,368     --17.6%
Audi Q5     2,332     2,222     5.0%     10,764     9,405     14.4%
Audi Q7     919     845     -8.8%     3,761     3,872     -2.9%
R8     90     99     -9.1%     425     492     -13.6%
TT     198     220     -10.0%     952     857     11.1%
Total New Sales     11,503     10,457     10.0%     52,494     45,858     14.5%
Total CPO Sales     3,346     3,470     -3.6%     14,995     15,206     -1.4% 


GS69

Nissan Up 20.5%

Sales Chart

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported May U.S. sales of 91,794 units versus 76,148 units a year earlier, up 20.5 percent. Nissan Division sales increased 16.4 percent for the month at 81,202 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles were up 65.8 percent over the prior year, to 10,592 units.

NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS

Nissan Division posted 81,202 sales, up 16.4 percent from last May's 69,759 units.
Nissan Rogue sales set a new May record with 11,977 units sold, up 72 percent from a year ago.
Nissan Juke also saw best-ever May sales, with 3,298 units marking a 66.2 percent increase over May 2011.
Sales of the Nissan Versa rose 80.3 percent from year-ago, to 8,643 deliveries.
Nissan's lineup of trucks and SUVs delivered strong gains, with sales increases across the lineup, including: Frontier up 17.2 percent; Titan up 86.7 percent; Pathfinder up 32.6 percent; and Armada up 26 percent.

"Fuel-efficient models like the Versa, Juke and Rogue had a great May, but moderating gas prices drove gains across our entire truck lineup," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "Demand for the Altima remains strong through our sell-down efforts, with sales for the year up more than 20 percent. We look for that momentum to carry into the launch of the all-new 2013 Altima, which goes on sale by the end of June."

INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS

Infiniti today reported sales of 10,592 units for May, an increase of 65.8 percent from 6,389 units a year earlier.
The Infiniti G Sedan had sales of 3,758, an increase of 40 percent and the best May since 2008.
The Infiniti QX full-size luxury SUV had its best May since 2006, with sales of 994, an increase of 27.6 percent.
The all-new Infiniti JX 7-passenger luxury crossover contributed incremental sales of 2,678 units for May, and 5,297 for the year.

NOTE: To ensure consistency in global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days. May 2012 had 26 selling days, while May 2011 had 24 selling days.

GS69

Honda Reports May Auto Sales

American Honda today reported May 2012 U.S. sales of 133,997 units, an increase of 47.6% compared to May 2011 (an increase of 36.3% based on the daily selling rate*). The Honda Division posted May 2012 sales of 119,411 units, an increase of 46.0% compared to May 2011. Acura’s U.S. May sales of 14,586 units increased 62.1% compared to May 2011.

Honda
- Civic sales up more than 80% compared to May 2011; an exceptional sales figure for any month, Honda sold 33,490 Civics in May

- CR-V sets a May sales record (25,186 units), besting previous record by 5,226 units, leading Honda to a May record for light truck sales

- Accord sales (29,737 units) continue to show strength in the tough mid-size segment, up more than 70% from May 2011

"With our best May sales performance since before the financial crisis it’s obvious Honda’s return to strength is in full swing, and our May sales are impressive irrespective of last year’s production supply problems,” said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. “Any time Honda Civic sales surpass 33,000 units in a month, it shows real demand in the marketplace."

Acura
- Total Acura sales of 14,586 units were up 62.1%, making this Acura’s best month since December of 2010

- The RDX had its best sales month ever (3,301 units), with May 2012 sales up 216.8%. The RDX is expected to be at the top of the compact luxury SUV segment

- Overall, Acura light trucks posted a best-ever May result of 8,226 units, up 64.7%

- The all-new ILX compact luxury sedan went on sale May 22. As dealer inventory builds, the ILX marketing campaign launches with national TV advertising beginning in early June with the NBA conference finals on ESPN

“With the new RDX setting an all-time sales record this month, Acura went well beyond recovering from last year’s supply issues,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “Now, with the new ILX reaching dealerships across America, Acura is just beginning a great new hot streak.”

GS69

Toyota Up Nearly 90%

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported sales of 202,973 units, an increase of 72.9 percent compared to May 2011 on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Unadjusted for 26 selling days in May 2012 versus 24 selling days in May 2011, TMS sales were up 87.3 percent over the year-ago month on a raw volume basis.

The Toyota Division posted May total sales of 181,510 units, an increase of 74.4 percent over May 2011 on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Toyota Division sales were up 88.9 percent over the year-ago month.

"We're grateful to our customers who have made Toyota the number one retail brand in America for the third consecutive month," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "Our growth has been driven by the success of our new products, led by Camry and Prius family, part of the most aggressive product launch in our history. With the much anticipated Scion FR-S on sale today and the continued recovery of the overall automotive market, we're confident our sales momentum will continue."

The Lexus Division reported total sales of 21,463 units, up 61.0 percent over May 2011 on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Lexus Division sales were up 74.4 compared to last year.

“With exciting new Lexus products reaching dealerships on a daily basis, inventories are at optimal levels, and we look forward to continued sales growth throughout the rest of the year,” said Tim Morrison, Lexus Division vice president of sales and dealer development.

Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars posted combined sales of 104,422 units, up 88.1 percent over May 2011. The all-new Camry and Camry Hybrid led passenger cars with combined monthly sales of 39,571 units, an increase of 94.0 percent year-over-year. Corolla reported sales of 31,847 units, up 73.1 percent over the year-ago month. The Prius family recorded May sales of 21,477 units, increasing 186.3 percent compared to the same period last year.

Toyota Division light trucks recorded May sales of 77,088 units, an increase of 58.7 percent compared to May 2011. The RAV4 compact SUV led light trucks, posting monthly sales of 19,248
units, up 106.0 percent over last year. The Sienna minivan followed with sales of 14,606 units and an increase of 56.4 percent year-over-year. Increasing 87.0 percent over last May, the Highlander
and Highlander Hybrid midsize crossover reported combined sales of 11,657 units. The 4Runner midsize SUV also posted a year-over-year increase with sales of 4,421 units, up 26.3 percent. The Tacoma mid-size pickup recorded sales of 12,269 units, up 24.6 percent over May 2011, followed by the Tundra full-size pickup, which increased 87.9 percent year-over-year with sales of 8,765 units.

Scion posted May sales of 6,047 units, up 18.9 percent versus May 2011. The tC sports coupe led the way with sales of 2,190 units, and the xB urban utility vehicle recorded May sales of 1,855 units, up 45.4 percent compared to the same period last year. The xD 5-door urban subcompact posted a year-over-year increase of 10.1 percent with sales of 1,019 units, and the all-new iQ premium micro-subcompact posted monthly sales of 897 units.

Lexus Division
Lexus reported passenger car sales of 9,621 units, up 56.3 percent over May 2011. The ES entry luxury sedan led Lexus passenger car sales with sales of 2,937 units, an increase of 13.0 percent over the year-ago month. The IS luxury sports sedan recorded an increase of 43.0 percent versus last May with sales of 2,656 units. The all-new GS and GS Hybrid sports sedan posted combined sales of 1,996 units, up 502.1 percent over May 2011. The CT 200h premium hybrid compact posted sales of 1,549 units, increasing 214.9 percent year-over-year.

Lexus luxury utility vehicles reported sales of 11,842 units, up 65.0 percent compared to May 2011. The new RX and RX Hybrid luxury utility vehicle posted a year-over-year increase of 68.1 percent with combined monthly sales of 10,647 units, while the new LX luxury utility vehicle recorded sales of 387 units, up 151.6 percent over last May.

TMS Hybrids
TMS posted May sales of 29,069 hybrid vehicles, an increase of 199.2 percent compared to the same period last year. Toyota Division posted sales of 26,440 hybrids for the month, up 218.4 percent over the year-ago month. Lexus Division reported monthly sales 2,629 hybrids, increasing 86.2 percent year-over-year.

GS69

mordecai

Great results for everyone, but amazing recovery by Toyota. Their ongoing blitz of new products has been met very well and with important cars like the Corolla and RAV4, it will keep on going!

GS69

Subaru Breaks May Sales Record

Subaru of America, Inc. today reported record sales for May 2012 of 29,724 vehicles, a 48% gain over May 2011. The company also reported year-to-date sales of 136,602, a 22% gain over prior year.

The all-new Impreza continues to achieve triple-digit sales gains. May Impreza sales are up more than 235% over May 2011; year-to-date sales represent a 170% gain over 2011.

"Strong demand and a great product lineup are driving record sales for Subaru," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. "Demand for the newly-introduced Impreza has far exceeded expectations. With new product launches just around the corner, we know the upward sales trend will continue throughout the year."

"May marked the much-anticipated arrival of the new BRZ sports car and a resultant spike in showroom traffic," said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "We anticipate similar enthusiasm for the new XV Crosstrek, our exciting small crossover vehicle, when it arrives at dealerships later this year."

LexFather

Its amazing to me the idiots that continue to say "OMG this new SUV is going to kill the RX" and they debut and the RX keeps trucking. Whats telling to me is Acura sold over 3k RDXs, a big sum for them and Infiniti sold over 2,500 ugly JX's, a huge sum for them, and yet the older RX sold over 10,000 units. Even the Enclave sold over 6k units last month.

Pssssst, there is no RX killer so **** about it.

Mustang/Camaro are just incredible sellers...10/9k last month

CR-V is beasting at 25k again..Escape is close at 23k and Rav4 at 19k is great for an older SUV

Camry...egads..what can we say

Audi continues to do well, A6 a big month which offset small losses elsewhere

The CT is a huge hit, another 1,500 sold. So people will buy luxury hatchbacks

So far seems like great months for most everyone. It's also amazing to really see how the Tsunami affected the Japanese brands.