February sales show that drivers choose Canadian-built Toyota and Lexus vehicles

(TORONTO) – Even in a challenging time for the market, Canadian drivers look to make smart vehicle-buying decisions. Three Canadian-built Toyota and Lexus models were popular choices last month, reaching year-over-year gains - including two that have set new records for best-ever February sales.

Overall Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) sales totalled 20,405 year-to-date, down 15.5 per cent versus last year.

· Toyota sold 19,102 vehicles – down 14.8 per cent

· Lexus sold 1,303 luxury vehicles – down 24.6 per cent

February sales were robust for Canadian-built models (versus February 2008):

· 276 Lexus RX350 models sold, up 28.4 per cent to set a new February record

· 1,252 Toyota RAV4 models sold, up 16.1 per cent to set a new Feburary record

· 1,156 Toyota Matrix models sold, up 12.6 per cent

In other highlights, Canadians drove away in 493 Toyota Venza models, surpassing January’s sales of this all-new model in its second month of availability.

"As we gear up to launch our annual Toyota Red Tag Days event, which has been much anticipated by Canadians for over 15 years, Toyota is pleased that drivers continue to turn to our Canadian-built models when they’re looking for a high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicle that represents, above all, tremendous value,” noted Warren Orton, Director at TCI. “We’d like to thank our Canadian customers, who in difficult economic times, decided that buying a new Toyota is money well spent, and we look forward to welcoming more drivers to Toyota during the next few months, which are traditionally the auto sector’s busiest retail period in Canada.”

More information on Toyota’s Red Tag Days event can be found on www.toyota.ca, or any Toyota Dealer.

“In February, on the heels of the launch of the all-new 2010 Lexus RX 350, our Canadian guests recognized that this luxury crossover delivers a winning combination of advanced and intuitive performance, luxury and design – plus the personal satisfaction of purchasing a vehicle built right here to meet the unique challenges of all-season Canadian driving,” said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Lexus in Canada. “With new offers for Lexus guests just around the corner, we look forward to welcoming more Canadians to pursue their own luxurious motoring experience in the coming months.”

More information on Lexus vehicles and offers can be found at www.lexus.ca or at any Lexus Dealer.

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