Toyota's strategy to focus further on fleets in 2012 is already yielding strong results, according to March year-end sales figures.

Sales of Toyota and Lexus cars and LCVs in the fleet market increased by 9.8% in the year to March 2012 over the same period the previous year, according to latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

At the same time, the overall fleet market declined by 4.1%, putting Toyota’s growth into perspective.

The biggest seller for Toyota was the new Yaris, introduced last autumn, which more than doubled its volume of fleet sales.

To date this year, more than one in three Toyota cars sold to fleets has been built in Britain, with Auris leading the way in improved performance, up 22.3%.

Lexus models continue to be a hit with fleet drivers, too, led by the CT 200h, which marked a 92.3% growth in fleet sales. Overall, Lexus increased strengthened its fleet performance by 17.5% compared to 2010 - 2011.

It’s a busy year for Toyota and Lexus, with five new models set for launch this summer, including four hybrids. Yaris Hybrid, Prius+ and Prius Plug-in Hybrid will all be arriving in showrooms from July, along with the GT86 sports coupe. The next-generation Lexus GS 450h executive saloon will also be launched in July.

 

More articles on: