Toyota's April US Sales Up 1.8%

(RTTNews) - Toyota Motor Corp. (TM) Friday said its U.S. sales for April increased 1.8 percent, as strong sales of trucks and crossover SUVs helped the Japanese automaker offset some weak car sales.

Toyota's U.S. sales in April increased 1.8 percent to 203,329 units from 199,660 units a year ago.

Sales at the namesake division in April inched up 0.5 percent from a year ago to 177,453 units and Lexus division sales rose 11.7 percent to 25,876 units.

"Light truck sales have carried the auto industry to its best start in 15 years," said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. "The demand for crossover SUVs is off the charts and both the RAV4 and Highlander set April records."

Toyota division car sales in April dropped 5.5 percent from a year ago to 92,343 units, as weak sales of Prius, Camry and Avalon more than offset Corolla's sales growth of 10.1 percent. Lexus division car sales in April rose 2.6 percent from a year ago to 13,425 units.

Toyota division truck sales rose 8.0 percent to 85,110 units. Sales of RAV4 jumped 21.7 percent, 4Runner gained 18.0 percent, and Highlander rose 10.0 percent. Lexus division truck sales jumped 23.5 percent to 12,451 units, driven by sales of GX brand.

TM is currently trading at $138.99, down $0.03 or 0.02%, on the NYSE.