New Toyota and Lexus hybrids enjoy best July ever

(TORONTO) – Record July sales for Lexus lead sales gains at Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI). TCI sold 19,232 Toyota and Lexus cars, SUVs and trucks in July (down 12.5% from June 2008).

· Lexus sold 1,512 luxury models (up 13.9%) to establish its best July on record. This included 887 Lexus luxury SUVs (up 87.1%) – a new July record.

· Toyota sales of 17,720 (down 14.2%) included a new best-July ever record for Toyota Trucks, at 5,931 (up 19.0%).

· TCI remains the preferred hybrid lineup choice of Canadians enjoying its best July ever for hybrid sales, at 1,280 (up 40.0%) thanks to the all-new Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 450h. TCI has now broken the 40,000 sales mark for hybrid vehicles at 41,107 sales in Canada since the first Prius went on sale in 2000.

Sales of “more power, less fuel” champions continued strong in July at both Toyota and Lexus, as Canadians continue to look for high quality and dependable choices. These include the world’s most popular, extensive and proven fleet of low-emissions hybrid cars and SUVs and made-in-Canada models which now make up 50% of all Toyota and Lexus sales in Canada.

Highlights for Toyota in July 2009 (versus July 2008):

· The all-new, third-generation 2010 Toyota Prius enjoyed its first full month of sales in July. Sales of 772 (up 159.1 %) powered the new Prius to a best July ever and top the 1,000 units sold mark in less than two months.

· Best July ever for the Toyota RAV4 compact SUV, with 2,436 models sold (up 41.5%). This is the seventh-straight record sales month for the Canadian-built RAV4, following a best-ever year in 2008. More than 15,000 Canadian drivers have purchased the fun and functional RAV4 models this year.

· The Canadian-built Toyota Corolla – one of the country’s most popular passenger cars – enjoyed a sales boost of 9.4% to 6,099 for the model’s best July ever. More than 30,000 Corolla models have been sold so far this year.

· The stylish and functional, North American designed and built Toyota Venza sold 882 units in July, easily crossing the 5,000-unit mark in just seven months since its debut. Sales since the Venza launch in January are now at 5,418.

"Many Canadians turn to Toyota when shopping for a new car, SUV or truck for more power and less fuel, their high-quality construction and design and impressive safety innovation that are well-matched to a winning combination of attractive pricing, financing offers and robust resale values that Canadians are looking for,” said Warren Orton, Director at TCI. “We’re very pleased that so many Canadians have embraced the all new, third-generation Toyota Prius hybrid in its first full month of sales, while they continue to make made-in-Canada Corolla and RAV4 popular choices. Truly they are seeing the overall unmatched real value of Toyota.”

Highlights for Lexus in July 2009 (versus July 2008):

· Best July ever for the Canadian-built Lexus RX350. The all-new, third-generation, 2010 model helped power July RX350 sales to 690 (up 113.6%), for its six-straight record month. More than 4,000 RX350 models have been sold so far this year.

· Best July ever for the Lexus RX450h hybrid luxury SUV, with sales of 168 (up 42.4%).

“Canadians have embraced the RX series – including the world’s first luxury hybrid SUV – for one very compelling reason: they’re looking for a vehicle that uses advanced technology and intuitive design to deliver exceptional moments of luxury motoring – with no need to compromise their values,” said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Lexus in Canada. “Lexus continues to redefine luxury for our guests with new generations of popular models like the RX series, and all-new models like the 2010 Lexus HS250h.”

Lexus announces HS250h pricing to start below $40K

Continuing the growth of Lexus hybrid leadership and the world’s only luxury hybrid lineup, and in response to the growing demand of the entry-level luxury buyer, Lexus will soon be offering a dedicated hybrid model to Canadians. The Lexus HS250h, the world’s first dedicated luxury hybrid sedan, goes on sale later this year with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at $39,900.

“Canadians in the market for an entry luxury sedan can join the growing community of Lexus guests who have chosen to pursue their perfect moments in life in the world’s only line-up of advanced, hybrid luxury vehicles,” Mr. Hutchinson continued. “Through our research we know that six in 10 Canadians shopping for an entry luxury sedan want a hybrid option. With the HS250h, that choice is now theirs, as Lexus defines a whole new category: the world’s only entry luxury hybrid. We look forward to hosting new Lexus guests soon in this new champion for sustainable luxury.”