Toyota Prius, Camry and LS600h sales up, other hybrids down
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Through the end of September 2007, Toyota's total worldwide sales of hybrid vehicles is ahead of 2006 by about 10,000 units and North America remains the biggest market for hybrids. However not all of their hybrids are thriving. The Prius has sold 211,806 copies so far this year compared to 185,589 the previous year. Also doing surprisingly well so far is the new LS600h which has sold 5,064 units so far. Not doing so well are the Lexus RX400h and GS450h and the Highlander. All three are down substantially although the Highlander drop is probably at least in part due to lack of availability in mid year as the switch was made to the new 2008 models. Overall sales growth has definitely slowed this year for Toyota's hybrid models with only a three percent increase year to date. Check out the full sales chart here.
[Source: Toyota]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Karkus 12:22PM (10/31/2007)
That's a real nice sales chart you compiled there.
Thanks!
However, since sales are only for 9 months for 2007, I wouldn't say sales growth has slowed down much. If you extrapolate through the end of the year, the overall sales growth would be ~37% (similar to the 2005-2006 increase). Also, the RX400h and GS450h sales seem about on pace with last year. Only the Highlander is down significantly (perhaps partly because of reasons you suggest).
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GoodCheer 4:42PM (10/31/2007)
Two out of three Toyota hybrids sold worldwide this year were Prii, despite there being 11 hybrid models. I hope that design team got a bonus!
You'd also think that these figures would give other automakers (and Toyota) an idea about the format of vehicle hybrid buyers want to buy, but no... clearly it's big SUVs.
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mike 5:04PM (11/01/2007)
All I can say is hybrids are great if you have to evacuate Dodge in case of an emergency.
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