Toyota's January U.S. Sales Rises 15.6%

(RTTNews) - Toyota Motor Corp (TM) on Tuesday said its U.S. sales in January climbed 15.6 percent year-over-year, driven mostly by car brands Corolla and Camry, as well as trucks RAV4 and 4Runner. The uptick in sales come amid low gas prices, reduced interest rates and a pick up in economy.

The month was favorable for U.S. automakers such as General Motors and Ford, both posting double-digit sales growth in January.

Toyota's U.S. sales in January increased 15.6 percent year-over-year to 169,194 units from 146,365 units a year ago. The month had 26 selling days, compared with 25 days a year ago.

Sales at the company's eponymous Toyota division in January increased 13.5 percent from a year ago to 146,063 units, and Lexus division sales climbed 31.2 percent to 23,131 units. "The year is off to a strong start as the sales momentum we saw in 2014 continued into January," said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. "Highlander, RAV4 and Corolla all set January records.

Toyota division car sales in January rose about 13 percent from a year ago to 76,277 units, as Corolla sales climbed 20.2 percent and Camry gained 14.7 percent. Among smaller volume brands, Yaris climbed 43.5 percent and Avalon was up 111.7 percent.

Lexus division car sales in January rose about 14 percent from a year ago to 11,654 units, driven mainly by sales of IS and GS brands.

Toyota division truck sales in January rose 14 percent from last year to 69,786 units. Sales of , RAV4 rose 17.4 percent, 4Runner surged 75.5 percent, and Tacoma gained about 16 percent. Meanwhile, sales of FJ Crusier fell 86.4 percent.

Lexus division truck sales surged 55 percent from last year to 11,477 units, driven by sales of NX, RX and GX brands.

Among U.S. automakers, General Motors (GM) said its U.S. sales in January jumped 18.3 percent from a year ago to 202,786 units, due mainly to strong truck sales.

Ford Motor's (F) U.S. sales in January jumped 15.3 percent from a year ago to 178,351 units, driven mainly by trucks sales as its new-design F-150 jumped 16.8 percent.

Chrysler Group, now called FCA US, said its U.S. sales in January rose 14 percent from a year ago to 145,007, units.