Yaris leads Toyota’s 62-plate September sales success

KEY POINTS

• Toyota sales rise 18.6 per cent in September, increasing UK new car market share to 4.41 per cent
• 62-plate success led by new Yaris, with sales – including new Yaris Hybrid – up 73 per cent compared to September 2011
• Further momentum gained from the introduction of four new models in the past six months – Yaris Hybrid, GT86, Prius+ and Prius Plug-in
• Aygo sales on the up, too, with 21 per cent year-on-year growth, even though model is into its eighth year

Toyota sales soared by 18.6 per cent in September, the rush for new 62-plate cars helping the company increase its share of the UK market to 4.41 per cent, according to data from the Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders. Top performer among the Toyota models was the new Yaris, the supermini posting an exceptional 73 per cent increase in sales – including the new Yaris Hybrid – compared to the same month last year.

Toyota can point to five principal areas of customer appeal that have helped it achieve such significant growth: –

• Competitive ownership costs when it comes to servicing, maintenance and repairs, fuel economy and emissions performance.
• Clever Toyota engineering and design that keeps exterior dimensions compact, yet provides excellent, flexible space inside, for passengers and their luggage.
• Industry leading application of hybrid power, offering strong economy, environmental performance and a smooth driving experience. Toyota currently offers five hybrids in its range: Prius, Auris Hybrid, Yaris Hybrid, the seven-seat Prius+ and Prius Plug-in
• A model range that covers all bases, from city cars, family hatchbacks and MPVs to the world’s toughest SUVs.
• Toyota’s established reputation for quality, durability and reliability, backed by a five-year new vehicle warranty

In addition to these qualities, Toyota is introducing a strong new element of driver appeal in its latest models. True to the principle of “always better cars” laid down by company president, Akio Toyoda, the GT86 sports coupe has been greeted with high praise from the media and has proven its “driver’s car” quality on the track.

At the other end of the scale, the Toyota Aygo city car continues to prosper. It remains a hugely popular choice for its economy, fun-to-drive character and styling that has not dated. Compared to the first nine months of last year, Aygo clocked up a 21 per cent increase in sales, even though its part of the market has recently welcomed a raft of new models from other manufacturers.

Sales data

(figures SMMT)

ENDS