4,961 T4R's sold in February '08

[GatorGreg]

...according to Toyota's N. American pressroom: http://pressroom.toyota.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2008030386090

I can't remember the last time the T4R sold less than 5,000 units in a month

TOYOTA RETAIL SALES
(INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII)
February, 2008

----- CURRENT MONTH -- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE --
DSR % DSR %
2008 2007 CHG 2008 2007 CHG

YARIS 9,758 5,702 64.3 17,424 11,572 47.6
COROLLA 21,202 28,321 -28.1 41,938 53,840 -23.7
CAMRY 34,914 32,148 4.3 66,515 63,609 2.5
AVALON 4,073 5,583 -30.0 8,228 12,112 -33.4
PRIUS 10,893 12,227 -14.5 22,272 20,526 6.3
SCION xA 10 1,722 -99.4 19 3,480 -99.5
SCION xB 3,824 2,868 28.0 7,143 5,701 22.8
SCION tC 3,261 4,366 -28.3 6,208 8,779 -30.7
SCION xD 1,788 0- 3,385 0-
TOTAL TOYOTA DIV.
PASS. CAR 89,723 92,938 -7.3 173,132 179,620 -5.5
ES 350 4,795 5,286 -12.9 9,141 10,606 -15.5
LS 460/600h L 1,891 2,423 -25.1 3,797 5,429 -31.5
SC 430 189 282 -35.7 372 584 -37.6
GS 350 1,201 1,388 -16.9 2,471 2,756 -12.1
GS 460/450h 221 175 21.2 431 358 18.0
IS 250/350/F 3,906 3,937 -4.8 7,168 7,332 -4.2
TOTAL LEXUS
PASS. CAR 12,203 13,491 -13.2 23,380 27,065 -15.3
TOTAL TOYOTA
PASS. CAR 101,926 106,429 -8.1 196,512 206,685 -6.8
SIENNA 11,262 11,039 -2.1 21,668 21,888 -3.0
RAV4 10,377 11,643 -14.4 21,274 23,568 -11.5
FJ CRUISER 3,520 5,040 -33.0 6,591 9,988 -35.3
4RUNNER 4,961 7,555 -37.0 10,431 14,885 -31.3
HIGHLANDER 10,513 9,368 7.7 22,836 19,690 13.7
LAND CRUISER 394 226 67.4 854 460 81.9
SEQUOIA 2,617 2,312 8.7 4,994 4,370 12.0
TOTAL SUV 32,382 36,144 -14.0 66,980 72,961 -10.0
4X2 TACOMA 7,654 8,698 -15.5 14,013 16,176 -15.1
4X4 TACOMA 5,471 6,324 -16.9 10,176 11,909 -16.3
TOTAL TACOMA 13,125 15,022 -16.1 24,189 28,085 -15.6
TUNDRA 14,400 9,669 43.0 26,473 15,990 62.2
TOTAL PICKUP 27,525 24,691 7.0 50,662 44,075 12.6
TOTAL TOYOTA DIV.
LT TRUCK 71,169 71,874 -4.9 139,310 138,924 -1.7
LX 570 569 269 103.1 1,279 556 125.4
GX 470 1,549 1,672 -11.1 3,206 3,385 -7.2
RX 350/400h 6,956 7,086 -5.8 13,711 13,630 -1.4
TOTAL LEXUS
LIGHT TRUCK 9,074 9,027 -3.5 18,196 17,571 1.5
TOTAL TOYOTA
LIGHT TRUCK 80,243 80,901 -4.8 157,506 156,495 -1.4
TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. 160,892 164,812 -6.3 312,442 318,544 -3.9
TOTAL LEXUS 21,277 22,518 -9.3 41,576 44,636 -8.7
TOTAL TOYOTA 182,169 187,330 -6.6 354,018 363,180 -4.5
MEMO:
DOM. COROLLA 20,147 25,549 -24.3 40,869 48,311 -17.1
DOM. CAMRY 33,992 24,990 30.6 64,553 47,834 32.3
DOM. PICKUP 27,525 24,691 7.0 50,662 44,075 12.6
DOM. RX 350 4,795 4,832 -4.7 9,482 8,621 7.8

SELLING DAYS 25 24 50 49



TOYOTA DIV.
IMPORT CAR 31,511 36,816 -17.8 59,482 71,363 -18.3
LEXUS IMPORT CAR 12,203 13,491 -13.2 23,380 27,065 -15.3
TOYOTA DIV
NA BUILT CARS 58,212 56,122 -0.4 113,650 108,257 2.9
TOTAL TOYOTA CARS 101,926 106,429 -8.1 196,512 206,685 -6.8

TOYOTA DIV.
IMPORT LT TRUCK 29,765 33,832 -15.5 61,986 68,591 -11.4
LEXUS
IMPORT LT TRUCK 4,279 4,195 -2.1 8,714 8,950 -4.6
TOYOTA DIV
NA BUILT LT TRUCK 41,404 38,042 4.5 77,324 70,333 7.7
LEXUS NA BUILT
LT TRUCK 4,795 4,832 -4.7 9,482 8,621 7.8
TOTAL TOYOTA
LT TRUCK 80,243 80,901 -4.8 157,506 156,495 -1.4

SPORT UTILITY
VEHICLES 37,936 40,131 -9.3 78,585 80,544 -4.4
Memo: Lexus
Sport Utility 9,074 9,027 -3.5 18,196 17,571 1.5

SMALL VANS 11,262 11,039 -2.1 21,668 21,888 -3.0
PICKUPS 27,525 24,691 7.0 50,662 44,075 12.6

* NORTH AMERICAN BUILT VEHICLES
COROLLA 20,147 25,549 -24.3 40,869 48,311 -17.1
CAMRY 33,992 24,990 30.6 64,553 47,834 32.3
AVALON 4,073 5,583 -30.0 8,228 12,112 -33.4
SIENNA 11,262 11,039 -2.1 21,668 21,888 -3.0
PICKUP 27,525 24,691 7.0 50,662 44,075 12.6
SEQUOIA 2,617 2,312 8.7 4,994 4,370 12.0
RX 350 4,795 4,832 -4.7 9,482 8,621 7.8
TOTAL 104,411 98,996 1.3 200,456 187,211 4.9
N.A. VEHICLES
% OF TOTAL 57.3% 52.8% 56.6% 51.5%

SELLING DAYS 25 24 50 49
DSR = DAILY SELLING RATE

#

 

[T?@\7]

5,000 seems like ALOT to me..... but i dont keep up with these numbers, and there arent THAT many 4r's on the road here.

 

[josh220]

I think about 1/2 of those were sold in CA, they are everywhere here. People are just in shock over gas prices. Once they deal with it, sales will go up.

 

[Thai]

People are just in shock over gas prices. Once they deal with it, sales will go up.

Well, it's hard for people to get over the gas price shock when the gas prices are still climbing!

I can't imagine that the Sienna is actually outselling the 4runner! I thought that minivans have fallen out of favor. Hell, it's outselling the Highlander and all other SUVs from Toyota/Lexus! I was sure that the Highlander would outsell the Sienna.

 

[wifesrunner]

Yeah gas prices are terrible, but for most people if they want an SUV they are going to get one and just hope the gas prices fall. That's how I am. The 4R gets some of the best gas mileage of any SUV out there of its size. My wife consistantly gets around 21mpg and she has a HEAVY foot. Also, in our experience you have less maintenance with any toyota over any other brand so you save money that way too. We replced virtually nothing on her 2000 4R and it had about 130K on it when we traded it in and got great trade in money for it.

Just my .02

 

[RonMAIDEN]

5000 is weak compared to the late '90s when they were selling almost 10,000 a month but the FJ has been one reason for those lower sale numbers so I don't think Toyota is too concerned.


I still say the next 4Runner probably will stray further away from what we've known as a 4Runner and will be more street friendly than ever but the aftermarket will still keep them going off road but it will cost more to do so.

I think Toyota has overdone their SUV segment anyway with 6 available right now and that doesn't include the Lexus line.

 

[josh220]

I think too many people "settle" for vehicles these days. They go with small cars, to balance out the rising gas prices. But they don't consider that they might be much happier with a nice SUV. Prices don't bother me, because I have only owned SUV's, so my wallet is accustomed to it. I think "playing it safe" when choosing a vehicle can turn out to be a huge regret down the line, when you wish you had gotten something else. I would much rather own a nice SUV such as a 4Runner, that has some balls on it, than a compact car, that is just for the city. My .02

 

[RonMAIDEN]

When did compact cars become just for the city?? I guess if you mean one of those Smart cars or something but people still travel cross country in cars that get 50mpg which would be nice since our 4Runners won't see half that so traveling outside the city in an SUV isn't as cost effective by quite a bit but if you are having to take a family of 4 or more than a small car isn't practical.

If you can afford to fill up an SUV then great but when gas does hit $5/gal I think alot of people will think pretty hard about their next vehicle choice and their current vehicle could also become a casualty to paying for gas or other luxuries like rent and food.

Not everybody can afford to drive a 17mpg SUV when they are commuting a hundred miles a day or so;I'm lucky,my round trip is 16 miles a day so even right now I could afford $5 a gallon but it would hurt.


I think people need to choose a vehicle that fits their needs instead of using a vehcile as a status symbol like owners of H2s that NEVER go off road or people that drive Excursions because they just had a kid and need the room.

There are nice small gas efficient cars that are still are fun to drive but you gotta consider your needs. I plan on buying a 4-5 year old Civic EX with the nicer options and 5 speed as my DD so I can keep the miles off the 4Runner and still get high 20s around town which will be a plus for me all around.

 

[josh220]

When did compact cars become just for the city?? I guess if you mean one of those Smart cars or something but people still travel cross country in cars that get 50mpg which would be nice since our 4Runners won't see half that so traveling outside the city in an SUV isn't as cost effective by quite a bit but if you are having to take a family of 4 or more than a small car isn't practical.

I meant for things like offroading, snowboarding/skiing when the roads are covered in snow and there are chain control check points, getting to campgrounds that are way off the beaten path, etc. Freeways, streets, etc were what I meant by City Driving. An SUV is by no means practical for long commutes on a daily basis, which is it's handicap. Whereas with a car, it's handicap is what I stated above. I think that's why many people choose to have an SUV for fun, and a car for work/commuting. But if you bring in a 2nd vehicle into the picture, you also have to weigh the payments/insurance and also extra maintenance issues that could arise vs. paying more for gas.

 

[Black Majik]

Whoo! I'm part of the statistic

 

[r32]

I think it's less about what people would be happy with, and more about what they can and cannot afford. Lord knows I would be happy with a Lamborghini in the garage, but that isn't going happen.

For the first time this year, I've seen some of my truck-loving friends sell thei trucks and get more fuel efficient vehicles because they (or them and their wife) are strapped for cash. Sure they'd be much happier with a truck, but just can't afford it no longer. Filling up for a $100 a shot isn't something a lot people I know can really afford.

Having a 2nd (gas efficient) vehicle almost seems worth it as gas prices keep climbing. Regardless of the extra insurance, tag fees, maintenance etc.

I think RonMaiden said it best: I think people need to choose a vehicle that fits their needs...

A bit of side info, gas has already hit $4/gallon in Big Sur. :/

 

[Derek]

I think too many people "settle" for vehicles these days. They go with small cars, to balance out the rising gas prices. But they don't consider that they might be much happier with a nice SUV. Prices don't bother me, because I have only owned SUV's, so my wallet is accustomed to it. I think "playing it safe" when choosing a vehicle can turn out to be a huge regret down the line, when you wish you had gotten something else. I would much rather own a nice SUV such as a 4Runner, that has some balls on it, than a compact car, that is just for the city. My .02

I agree completely. I traded my '04 4Runner for a small car to save on gas.... 6 months later I traded the small car for my '05 4Runner because I missed it so much. I'm not making that mistake again! :bash:

 

[peter78]

Everyone is down, Toyota is down this month overall at 2.9% from last February. 4Runner is down 37% so it is taking a bigger hit. There are a few things that I think are effecting this drop. Of course the economy, gas prices, but also take in to effect the vehicle is near the end of it's life cycle, more and more people going away from frame SUV's, the new Highlander and Sequoia just came out. The RAV4 is doing really well and has moved up and is quite roomy. I think the 4Runner will stay down for awhile too. Still, it is a great vehicle and it just may be the time to buy.

 

[josh220]

Maybe it will go back up when they introduce the 5th gen then? I am really worried about what they could do to it though. I think they should upgrade the V8 to 5.7 liters. I just hope they don't try to take it in the direction of a Sequoia, and make it less capable offroad.

 

[JP4RNR]

I bet the sales for the new Sequoia are going to be slugish. I saw a 4WD Limited and they were asking $54,000 for it and combine this with nearly $4.00 a gallon for gas

 

[charlier180]

I agree with others here on several points.

4Runner sales appear to have much more down-side when it comes to sales.
The economy, gas prices and nearing end-of-model-life are all coming together for the perfect sales storm for the 4Runner.

Now for a little perspective on 4Runner Sales History:

- 2007 Sales = 87,718 (- 15.2%)
- 2006 Sales = 103,086 (- .4%)
- 2005 Sales = 103,829 (- 8.8%)
- 2004 Sales = 114,212 (+4.1%)
- 2003 Sales = 109,307

Source = http://pressroom.toyota.com

I also share the concern of others here that Toyota will remove features from the next generation 4Runner that will make it
less and less appealing to the 4Runner's core owners.

BTW, did anyone notice how poorly the FJ Cruiser is selling?
Down 33% in February and down 35.3% for the YTD.
If I was Toyota I would be more concerned about the FJC's sales.
To have sales declining at these levels for the much younger FJC is not a good situation.

 

[Uneek]

Well, it's hard for people to get over the gas price shock when the gas prices are still climbing!

I can't imagine that the Sienna is actually outselling the 4runner! I thought that minivans have fallen out of favor. Hell, it's outselling the Highlander and all other SUVs from Toyota/Lexus! I was sure that the Highlander would outsell the Sienna.

I agree, I would've expect the new Highlander to top the Sienna in sales, especially since it's just newly redesigned. I see tons of second gen Highlanders, probably a 2:1 to (4th gen) 4Runners when I head up to sierras on the weekends.

Can't remember where I read it, but supposedly minivans are losing their popularity to crossovers and thus Ford doesn't even offer a minivan anymore.

IMO, minivans offer the most versitility between utility and people mover. Try hauling 4x8 plywood or sheetrock in a SUV, or carrying more than five passengers--third row seats in SUVs aside from behemoths like the Sequioas, Tahoes and Suburbans are useless if you're over 5.

 

[Thai]

BTW, did anyone notice how poorly the FJ Cruiser is selling?
Down 33% in February and down 35.3% for the YTD.
If I was Toyota I would be more concerned about the FJC's sales.
To have sales declining at these levels for the much younger FJC is not a good situation.

Yeah, this is surprising a bit for the FJ...but it helped my brother in getting one at invoice!

Remember, percentages are tricky. The FJ was in such high demand last year (for the first 6-8 months) that every one that was made sold immedicately. This year, the honeymoon is over...early demand saturated...so sales go down naturally. Therefore, the percentages when compared to last year will be negative. But, it may not mean that it's not selling well. Toyota had consrevative sales goal initially i believe.

In addition, the FJ is more of a niche/cool vehicle rather than a practical one (unlike Highlander, 4runner, Sequoia)...therefore, once the off-roaders & posers buy their FJs, the sales will dip down because it's not a mass market product. As many of you commented in the past about the FJ, it's not a vehicle for everyone. I would never expect it to sell as good as a Highlander or even a 4runner.

 

[charlier180]

Remember, percentages are tricky. The FJ was in such high demand last year (for the first 6-8 months) that every one that was made sold immedicately. This year, the honeymoon is over...early demand saturated...so sales go down naturally. Therefore, the percentages when compared to last year will be negative. But, it may not mean that it's not selling well. Toyota had consrevative sales goal initially i believe.

In addition, the FJ is more of a niche/cool vehicle rather than a practical one (unlike Highlander, 4runner, Sequoia)...therefore, once the off-roaders & posers buy their FJs, the sales will dip down because it's not a mass market product. As many of you commented in the past about the FJ, it's not a vehicle for everyone. I would never expect it to sell as good as a Highlander or even a 4runner.

I see what you are saying about the pent up demand for the FJC and it being a niche vehicle.

When looking at 4Runner sales it is interesting to see what the sales numbers would be if the yearly sales declined 31%.
IF that would happen, yearly 4Runner sales would be about 60K units. At that sales level, the 4Runner would not be much higher than the FJC during it's intro year.

Also noticed that for the last few months my local Toyota Dealer is lucky to have ONE V8 4Runner on their lot.
Obviously, that reflects the consumers concern about fuel prices. Unfortunately, if someone needs a V8 (for towing) they potentially face a supply shortage.
Toyota, on the other hand is not faced with slower moving vehicles that will have to be cleared out at deep discounts at the end of the model year.
Oh well, that's business.

 

[maine runner]

I am seeing many more new 4Runners up here lately. 75% are SR-5's and 24% Sports and 1% LTD

When looking at a replacement for my 1999 LTD, I was shocked at the lack of competitors. (I need part time 4x4 and tow <=5k)

There is no decent replacement other than a new 4Runner without significant sacrifices. To get the tow rating, other vehicles get WORSE mileage and don't have the options I want.

I am sticking with my truck since New England dealers don't have many, if any LTD's and the options I want and a special order is a pain in the ass.

I only have 90k on it so I am happy to stay where I am