Toyota posts record sales in March

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s top automotive seller Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMPC) set a new monthly sales record in March amid strong demand for the Vios and other newly introduced vehicle models.

In a statement, TMPC said it set sold 8,840 units in March, the highest sales ever achieved in a single month.

Driving the firm to achieve new monthly sales record was the sustained demand for the Vios, with 2,290 units sold last month.

Also supporting the record monthly sales were other Toyota vehicles introduced in the first quarter such as the Corolla Altis, Innova and Wigo.

For the first quarter, the company’s sales rose 34 percent to 22,828 units from the 17,061 units sold in the comparable period last year.

Of the total first quarter sales, 14,383 units were commercial vehicles, while the balance or 8,340 units were passenger cars.

“We are overwhelmed and grateful for the patronage our customers show towards our vehicles, most especially towards our CKD (completely knocked down) models, the Vios and the Innova. This record breaking sales performance is indeed proof of the trust and loyalty our customers have shown to our brand. I would like to thank the public – for this feat would not be possible without them. Their faith in our brand inspires us to continuously give our best and move forward with even better products and services,” TMPC president Michinobu Sugata said.

He likewise expects sales this year to be supported by the Yaris which was unveiled late last month.

“Just like our other newly introduced vehicles this year, we look forward to the support the customers will express towards the Yaris,” he said.

TMPC wants to attract young and fashionable individuals for the Yaris.

Earlier, Sugata said the firm may raise its sales goal of about 90,000 units this year, noting that the first few months of the year have been very encouraging with strong growth posted in sales.

Last year, TMPC achieved record-high sales of 75,587 units.