Toyota car sales in the US declined sharply

The Toyota brand was responsible, as usual, for the bulk of the sales, with 51,238 units sold. The light trucks division accounted for 44,844 units, while the Scion brand was responsible for 4,696 cars sold. Lexus managed to shift 5,681 units. All the brands’ posted number represent sharp decreases. The main reason behind the drop in sales, says Toyota, is the uncertainty when it comes to production caused by the effects of the Japanese March 11 twin disaster. A situation which, hopes the automaker, will begin reversing this month, as the production in Japan is expected to return to 90 percent of capacity. “As expected, May was an especially challenging month due mainly to uncertainties about our production forecast. But thanks to the tremendous efforts of our manufacturing team members and suppliers, we are ramping up much faster than expected,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “Beginning this month, Japan production will be at 90 percent of normal levels, and eight of twelve North American-built vehicles will be at 100 percent. With more vehicles arriving at our dealerships and enhanced dealer support programs gaining traction with customers, we’re optimistic that our sales outlook will continue to improve.”.