Toyota June US Sales Up 4.1%

(RTTNews) - Toyota Motor Corp. (TM) Wednesday said its U.S. sales for June increased 4.1 percent, as strong sales of trucks and crossover SUVs helped the Japanese automaker offset weak car sales.

Toyota's U.S. sales in June increased 4.1 percent to 209,912 units from 201,714 units a year ago. June 2015 had one more selling day than 2014. On a daily selling rate basis, sales were down 0.1 percent.

Sales at the namesake division in June moved up 3.1 percent from a year ago to 183,791 units and Lexus division sales grew 11.1 percent to 26,121 units.

"Light trucks have boosted the industry to its best first half since 2005," said Bill Fay, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "Toyota Division was the number one retail brand in June, led by strong Tacoma, RAV4 and Highlander sales."

Toyota division car sales in June dropped 6.9 percent from a year ago to 94,790 units, as weakness in Prius, Camry and Avalon sales more than offset strong Yaris sales. Lexus division car sales inched up 0.2 percent from a year ago to 13,083 units.

Toyota division truck sales rose 16.5 percent to 89,001 units. Sales of RAV4 jumped 15.1 percent, 4Runner surged 42.5 percent, and Highlander rose 19.7 percent. Lexus division truck sales jumped 24.6 percent to 13,038 units, driven by sales of GX brand.

"The demand for luxury utility vehicles continues to grow and has helped put Lexus and its dealers on a record sales pace for the year," said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "The new NX compact crossover continues to be one of the hottest new models on the market."

TM is currently trading at $133.52, down $0.23 or 0.17%, on the NYSE.