Toyota holds top spot for new car sales

February 2012

Japanese car manufacturer Toyota has overcome supply problems to claim the number one position in new car sales for 2012, according to the latest VFACTS figures.

Despite stock being affected last year by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, as well as severe flooding in Thailand, the marque recorded more than 14,000 sales for the month of January.

While sales for the Toyota HiLux were down by almost two-thirds, the car manufacturer was still more than 55 per cent ahead of its nearest rival in new car sales.

"Even with low supply, HiLux was the most popular 4x2 ute and we expect all HiLux stock to improve in February and beyond," Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said (February 3).

Sales for the Toyota Corolla reached 3,383 for the month - making it the second most popular passenger car in Australia - while the Toyota Kluger, Toyota Prado and Toyota Camry also achieved impressive results.

"Camry celebrated the arrival of the new seventh-generation range with sales up 22 per cent on the same month last year," Mr Callachor added.

Toyota was listed ahead of Holden and Mazda in second and third place respectively, while Hyundai rounded out the top four.

Visit Peter Warren dealership in Sydney to test drive any of the Toyota models.