Canadian sales and manufacturing set new benchmarks in 2009

Lexus sets new annual sales record, and Toyota, Lexus and Made-in-Canada vehicles set December records

TORONTO , Jan. 5 /CNW/ - Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) set a new December sales record, as did the Lexus brand, Toyota brand and all four Canadian-built Toyota and Lexus models, which accounted for 54% of 2009 sales. Manufacturing operations increased employment and production to record levels in Toyota's 22-year history.

"A strong finish helped TCI record its third-straight year of sales topping 200-thousand, at 205,115, its second best year on record," said Yoichi Tomihara, President of Toyota Canada Inc. "I just want to thank Canadians for making it possible to achieve record sales."

TCI sold 17,707 Toyota and Lexus cars, SUVs and trucks in December 2009 - up 81.6% from December 2008 to set a best ever December record.

    
    -  Toyota sold 16,472 vehicles (up 86.2% to set a new December record).
       These included 9,607 cars (up 79.4% to set a new December record) and
       6,865 trucks (up 96.6%).

    -  Lexus sold 15,802 vehicles in 2009 to set an all-time yearly sales
       record. This included 1,235 luxury vehicles sold in December (up 36.3%
       to set a new best-ever December). These included 725 luxury SUVs (up
       55.6% to set a new December record) and 510 luxury sedans (up 15.9%).

    -  TCI sold 750 Lexus and Toyota hybrid vehicles (up 37.4% versus last
       December).

    Highlights for Toyota in December 2009 (versus December 2008):
    --------------------------------------------------------------

    -  One of Canada's most popular cars, the built-in-Canada Toyota Corolla,
       set a new December record with 4,677 models sold (up 112.5%). It's the
       third straight month the Corolla has set a new monthly record.

    -  Stylish, versatile, and built in Canada, the Toyota Matrix,
       established its third-straight monthly record with 2,369 models sold
       (up 140.3%) for its best-ever December.

    -  Another made-in-Canada success, the Toyota RAV4 continues its record-
       breaking sales streak, with best ever December sales of 2,036 models
       (up 47.3%). The RAV4 pitched a perfect game in 2009, setting new
       records each month for its best-ever sales year, at 25,784 models.
    

"With the addition of the first shift in Woodstock in 2009, production at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada has grown to 319,548 units," said Ray Tanguay , President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. "Now, with a second shift building RAV4, we forecast even further growth in production as a highlight in 2010."

"2009 was a year of adjustment in the Canadian auto industry. As a company that responded quickly to the changing economy and the changing values, we were able to continue to deliver value to Canadian drivers," explained Warren Orton , Director at TCI. "From engine upgrades to new generations and all new models, plus several key awards for reputation, quality and retained value, Toyota is ready to welcome more drivers in 2010. To get things rolling, all Toyotas purchased in January or February will benefit from a new Toyota Complimentary Maintenance Program, which covers oil changes, tire rotations and other services for the first two years or 48,000km of ownership."

    
    Highlights for Lexus in December 2009 (versus December 2008):
    -------------------------------------------------------------

    -  In December, 603 Lexus RX 350 models were sold (up 81.1%) to set a
       best-ever December record for this Canadian-built model. The RX series
       has set new monthly records each month since February 2009 - achieving
       its best-ever annual sales in 2009, with 7,642 models sold.

    -  Canadians also acquired 107 Lexus RX 450h models in December (up
       10.3%) to set a new monthly record for the world's pioneering hybrid
       luxury SUV.
    

"In 2009, Lexus delivered two all-new models - the HS 250h and IS C - and new generations of the Lexus RX 450h hybrid and best-selling, built-in-Canada Lexus RX 350. Canadian luxury drivers have told us we are delivering the vehicles they need, with the advanced technology performance, intuitive design and attention to quality and detail that makes them feel like an honoured guest," said Larry Hutchinson , Director of Lexus in Canada . "We look forward to continuing to advance the Lexus experience as we head into 2010."

Toyota Canada Inc. also announced revised Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices on certain 2010 Toyota and Lexus models. As in previous years, TCI is delivering value to Canadian drivers by enhancing the standard features on, and options packages available for, Toyota and Lexus models while keeping the average price increase at less than 1%. This, coupled with the Toyota and Lexus reputation for quality, durability and reliability, delivers peace of mind and maximizes resale value.

For further information: For more details, including a full list of media contacts, digital images and product details please visit media.toyota.ca