Resurgent Toyota Retakes Lead in Global Auto Sales

Japanese Automaker Completes Rebound from March 2011 Earthquake

WATERTOWN, MASS. (05/23/2012)(readMedia)-- Adam Skolnick, general manager of Greater Boston Toyota dealership Toyota of Watertown, looks out over his full dealership lot and smiles, knowing that one year ago he was facing a much different picture. Inventories at Toyota dealerships were sparse for much of 2011 after the March 11 earthquake in Japan hindered production at Toyota plants worldwide, but months of work have put the automaker back at the top of its game.

"Toyota's resurgence is nothing short of incredible," Skolnick said. "It's amazing that a year ago we were worried about production troubles; now our only inventory concerns are due to high demand. Toyota's recovery is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved with the company, as well as the enduring appeal of the quality vehicles we sell."

Strong global sales through the first quarter of 2012 have helped Toyota Motor Corp. reclaim its crown as the world's largest automaker, a title it previously held from 2008 to 2010. Americans played no small part in the feat, purchasing 487,284 vehicles from the company in the first quarter, a 12.3-percent increase year-over-year. That elevated demand continued last month at U.S. Toyota dealerships, with sales up 13.1 percent compared to April 2011.

The Prius family has been particularly instrumental in boosting Toyota's sales, moving 25,168 units in the United States last month for the vehicle's best April ever. That equals a 126.9-percent increase year-over-year and, thanks to the help of new models like the 2012 Toyota Prius c, sales of the hybrids are now outpacing Toyota's initial target of 220,000 units for the year.

The smallest member of the Prius family, the 2012 Toyota Prius c subcompact combines impressive fuel economy with an affordable price. Standard models start at around $19,000 and return up to 53 mpg in the city, offering a faster return on investment for those looking to save on gas. Featuring an efficient 1.5-liter engine and a permanent-magnet electric motor, the Prius c has three different driving modes: Normal, Eco and EV. Eco mode limits throttle inputs and climate control to improve fuel economy, while EV mode allows electric-only travel for short distances.

Those looking for a longer electric-only range can opt for the new 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which can drive for up to 13 miles solely on electricity before reverting to hybrid mode. The Prius Plug-in recharges in just three hours using a conventional 120-volt plug, but it can juice up in half that time when plugged into a 240-volt outlet. Once the vehicle's lithium-ion battery pack is drained, it operates like a conventional Prius, returning 51 mpg in the city.

"The Prius family has set the bar when it comes to functionality and efficiency," Skolnick noted. "No other automaker offers so many diverse model options for one of its hybrids, and that is how the Prius became the third-best-selling car in America last month. That would have been unimaginable for a hybrid not too long ago."

About Toyota of Watertown:

Family-owned since 1957, Toyota of Watertown is the dealership that Toyota fans around Boston turn to for sales and service. A multiple-time winner of Toyota's coveted President's Award, they are renowned for their selection and low prices, as well as customer service that is second to none. They strive to make the buyer's automotive experience a positive one for the life of the vehicle. For more information, visit them online at www.toyotaofwatertown.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ToyotaOfWatertown, call them at 617-926-5200 or visit their showroom at 149 Arsenal Street in Watertown, Massachusetts.