Toyota's March U.S. Sales Up 4.9%

(RTTNews) - Toyota Motor Corp. (TM) Wednesday said its U.S. sales for March increased 4.9 percent, as strong marketing and cheap oil prices helped the Japanese automaker lure more customers.

Toyota's U.S. sales in March increased 4.9 percent to 225,959 units from 215,348 units a year ago. Sales rose an 8.5 percent on a daily selling rate basis. The month had one less selling day.

Sales at the namesake division in March increased 4.4 percent from a year ago to 194,905 units and Lexus division sales rose 8.6 percent to 31,054 units.

"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."

Toyota division car sales in March inched up 0.1 percent from a year ago to 104,033 units, as Corolla sales jumped 19.7 percent and Yaris surged 39.5 percent. Lexus division car sales in March declined 2.8 percent from a year ago to 15,929 units.

Toyota division truck sales rose 9.7 percent to 90,872 units. Sales of RAV4 jumped 27.9 percent, 4Runner gained 22.5 percent, Sienna rose 16.6 percent. Lexus division truck sales rose 23.9 percent to 15,125 units, driven by sales of GX brand.

TM closed Wednesday's trading at $138.13, down $1.76 or 1.26%, on the NYSE.