Toyota Opens 2021 with Record-breaking Fleet Sales
Records tumbled as Toyota rounded off an excellent first quarter for its fleet and business sales in 2021.
Despite the lockdown restrictions, it completed the first three months of the year with its highest market share since records began more than 25 years ago for Toyota brands (passenger cars and LCVs) at 5.34 per cent; for Toyota passenger cars at 5.19 per cent; and for all TGB brands (Toyota and Lexus models) at 5.75 per cent.
The results signal the growing momentum in the shift of the fleet market away from diesel to self-charging hybrid electric power. With unmatched experience in developing the technology – now in its fourth generation – Toyota has built a full range of hybrid electric models that extends from the Yaris supermini to the just-launched Highlander seven-seat SUV. As well as helping businesses improve their environmental profile with their excellent fuel and emissions efficiency, Toyota hybrids also deliver low running costs with their impeccable reputation for quality, durability and reliability.
Total Toyota fleet sales volume rose by 16.4 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2020, which as a period only partially under lockdown restrictions, comfortably outperforming the market which increased by 2.4 per cent. Aygo, new Yaris, the British-built Corolla and RAV4 all achieved top-five placings in their segment.
The mighty Toyota Hilux pick-up, newly available with a more powerful 2.8-litre engine, accelerated its performance, with sales volume up by almost 85 per cent. In Q1 2021, one in every four pick-ups bought in the UK was a Hilux – its market share at 26.5 per cent.
Stuart Ferma, General Manager Toyota and Lexus Fleet sales, said: “Fleets are increasingly moving to our hybrid models as they transition towards greener alternatives. Not only do we offer a well-established established technology, our new hybrids give them excellent cost of ownership and an enjoyable, dynamic experience for the driver.
“Throughout the lockdown periods, our full Toyota and Lexus fleet team remained in place to ensure customers could rely on an interrupted level of support. Our localisation programme also ensured our dealers were able to maintain deliveries.”
ENDS
