Toyota Motor Philippines enjoys strong 2014 sales start: Lexus scores J.D. Power hat trick

MANILA, Philippines - The number one automotive company in the country, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), starts 2014 strongly, selling 7,062 units in January. The company experienced a 50 percent increase versus its sales last January 2013 of 4,716 units sold. This strong sales performance can be attributed to continuous high demand for its Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) models the Innova and Vios as well as ample supply of its other models. Furthermore, based on the most recent CAMPI report, TMP garnered 45 percent share of the automotive market.

This was led by the country’s bestselling model, the Vios, proving to be a valuable asset in Toyota’s hold on the no. 1 spot in the Passenger Car segment and overall sales. Furthermore, in the CV segment, the Fortuner experienced its highest sales since its introduction with 1,623 units sold in a single month.

In a statement, TMP president Michinobu Sugata stated, “I am pleased to announce that TMP started the year strong in terms of sales. Coming from an encouraging performance last month, we are optimistic that demand will continue to be favourable because of positive economic outlook and new model introductions. Just after the successful launch of the All-New Corolla Altis last January, this month, TMP will be launching two new models that are expected to boost our sales even further.”

Toyota’s luxury division Lexus, meanwhile, scored a hat trick by ranking highest in vehicle dependability among all nameplates for a third consecutive year in the 2014 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The study tracks the number and type of problems owners have with their three-year-old vehicles (a lower score reflects higher dependability).

The Lexus ES, Lexus GS and Lexus LS topped their individual segments, demonstrating their long-term durability after each received a J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) award when they were new in 2011.

The Lexus RX topped its segment as well, while the new IS and the face-lifted GX placed second in their segments after the ES and RX respectively.

J.D. Power and Associates’ VDS finds long-term durability continues to be an important consumer purchase consideration. The number of problems an owner experiences affects their repurchase intent and their vehicle’s retained value.

The 2014 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 41,000 original owners of 2011 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. The study was fielded between October and December 2013.