Toyota Records Consistent Growth With Sales of 691,631 Vehicles in 2013

01 Mar 2014

• Toyota 86’s fun to drive image helps sales zoom by +149%
• RAV4’s striking new design propels sales increase by +41 %
• Sales of the ever reliable and elegant new Corolla rise by +27 %

Dubai – UAE, Feb 23, 2014: – Toyota today announced a consistent growth in sales in the Middle East selling 691,631 units in 2013 to end the year with a 10 % growth in sales as compared to 2012. Sales in the GCC grew by +7% to reach 633,037 units vs. last year, sales in Yemen increased by +52% to reach 13,305 units vs. last year, while sales in the Levant & Iraq increased by +72% to reach 45,289 units vs. last year. It was also a record year for the Camry with Toyota reaching the milestone of 1 million Camrys sold in the GCC & Yemen since being first introduced in 1992.

According to Nobuyuki Negishi, Chief Representative of Middle East & North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, “2013 has been a satisfactory year for Toyota as we continued to reinforce our leadership position in the region with the help of our distributors. Last year, we introduced a range of new and exciting models to enhance our market leadership in the region with steady sales and a sustained performance to end the year on a high note.”

He added, “I would particularly like to highlight the success of Toyota’s new design direction which has caught the imagination of our customers. This new design philosophy has led us to develop cars with dynamic and exciting exterior designs while increasing the fun to drive quotient as exemplified by the RAV4, Avalon, Yaris and Corolla in terms of our recent launches. It is also a great sense of accomplishment for us to reach this significant sales milestone of 1 million Camrys sold since its introduction across the GCC & Yemen in 1992.”

The Toyota 86 which marked Toyota’s return to its sporting heritage has continued to wow customers across the region to see a phenomenal +149% rise in sales with 878 units sold during 2013. Providing the driver with the ‘Fun to Drive’ feeling was the main objective behind the Toyota 86. Based on a new platform with a low, highly aerodynamic body shell stretched tight over the engineering hard points, the 86 has succeeded in providing a pure driving experience to satisfy the most discerning enthusiasts

The RAV4 which exemplified a bold reinvention of the world’s original crossover sport utility vehicle with its striking design saw substantial demand to post a +41% increase in sales selling 12,871 units in 2013. In addition to its exhilarating exterior, the RAV4’s refined, premium-quality interior design and more engaging and fun drive with fuel efficient powertrain impressed customers and signified Toyota’s focus in giving them the best compact SUV in the market.

The new look Corolla added to its popular appeal to sell 106,388 units posting a +27% growth in sales in 2013 compared to 2012. Making a strong design statement with its unique visual signature which is highlighted by a more elegant and sportier image, the Corolla signifies Toyota’s brand evolution which has been driven recently by more design-focused product launches. It builds on the model’s legendary reputation for reliability and durability with significant enhancements in every aspect of its design and engineering to ensure complete customer satisfaction.

In the case of the Avalon, Toyota sold 13,873 units in 2013 with a 14% growth over 2012. The Avalon’s elegant and athletic design with its longer flowing roofline and more appealing side silhouette has struck a chord among customers. With its great styling, superb handling performance, and advanced technologies, the Avalon has also proved to be a worthy addition to Toyota’s impressive lineup of sedans.

Since its regional debut in 1992 and subsequent evolution over five generations, the Camry has come to be embraced not only for its high level of performance as a standard mid-size sedan, but also for its high level of QDR (Quality, Durability, and Reliability). In particular, its identity as a vehicle with excellent ride comfort and quietness has become widely known and it has established an unshakeable presence in the standard mid-size sedan market.

Mr. Negishi said, “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for the trust and loyalty they have shown in our vehicles. Their confidence in our brand inspires us to keep moving forward and continuously find ways to serve them better.”