Toyota on track to smash Aussie sales records

TOYOTA Australia says it is on track to set a second-half sales year record.

The company will sell more than 225,000 units in 2023, bringing it within striking distance of last year's mega 231,000 sales unit tally.

Speaking to Australian media gathered for the launch of the all-new HiLux GR Sport in regional New South Wales this week, Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley, said improved production and supply of ‘most’ models will see the importer top the sales ladder for the remainder of the year, and “well into 2024”.

“This year’s tally will be above 50,000 units, which also confirms that production and supply of HiLux is indeed healthy,” said Mr Hanley.

“Happily, that remark doesn’t apply only to HiLux. Today, I can share positive news about production and deliveries across most of our range. The momentum began to shift in the second quarter of this year when dealer throughput was 25 per cent higher than that of the first quarter.

“Now, that we’re well into the second half of the year, I can tell you that it’s only going to get better – and by better, I am talking about our ability to reduce wait times for our loyal and indeed patient customers.

“Last month (August), we delivered a record 22,321 vehicles, breaking a mark set 16 years ago. This result was not a one-off. We have been able to secure substantial production for the rest of the year and well into 2024.

“In fact, we expect to average more than 20,000 vehicles per month for the balance of 2023.”

Mr Hanley said the easing of supply chain restrictions would reduce customer wait times while simultaneously giving Toyota Australia its best half-year sales tally in history.

“We expect to supply more vehicles to customers in the last five months of the year than we did in the first seven. For the full year, we are on track to eliminate the wait for 225,000-plus customers, which is substantially better than we expected six months ago,” he added.

“Based on what we know today, July to December will be our biggest second half ever – and it’s shaping up to be the best half-year in Toyota’s history.

“That said, we are only interested in milestones and records to the extent that they contribute to happier customers and shorter wait times. We are also fortunate to have a swag of new models that will bolster the local Toyota model range next year.”

Last month, Mr Hanley detailed the arrival timing of no fewer than eight new Toyota models for Australian showrooms, including the mild-hybrid HiLux, four-cylinder LandCruiser 70 Series, fully electric bZ4X and hybrid-only C-HR, reaffirming what he says is a diverse line-up that offers traditional and new energy powertrains as part of a multifaceted approach to reducing CO2 emissions.

“The vehicles displayed at our showcase include a diverse range of electrified vehicle technologies, showing Toyota’s commitment to leaving no motorist behind,” Sean Hanley explained.

“Whether it’s battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric or hybrid electric, Toyota is dedicated to offering customers a wide range of powertrain options on the journey towards carbon reduction.”