The first two months of the year were dismal for new car sales in the U.S. and Toyota expects more of the same from the month of March. Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe said on Thursday he expects new car sales for March to be equal to or worse than February’s final tally.
“Annualized sales in January and February were a little above 9 million, and we’re hearing that March will be about the same if not worse than February,” President Katsuaki Watanabe told Automotive News.
Watanabe didn’t predict when new car sales would rebound, but said more government incentives are needed to jumpstart the market. However, Wantanabe added he doesn’t foresee any more factory shutdowns beyond May, indicating Toyota is predicting a market uptick during the second half of the year.
If true, Toyota’s recovery timeline would coincide with Fiat’s prediction for the market. Although that should be good news to the world’s automakers, it remains to be seen if General Motors and Chrysler have sufficient funding to even hold on for another two months.
03/26, 1:13 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Best news I’ve heard all wekk. Toyota is a victim of the American Revolution. Toyota and the rest of the japs can rot in hell. This is GM Country.
Buy American. Buy GM. I tis your patriotic duty
03/26, 1:44 PM
posted by:
Bubs Solo
In Canada the “American Revolution” is down 51.7% YTD(Jan-Feb). Ford has sold nearly 2000 more F150s than Silverado/Sierra combined. Up north there is a “Revolution” go on… just not at any GM dealership.
03/26, 2:31 PM
posted by:
gta89mike
Bubs Solo – Actual sales numbers in Canada from Automotive News, 2009 YTD
GM – 25,563
Ford – 23,404
Toyota – 20,405
Revolution is still going on at GM dealerships. Everyone is down, not just GM.
03/26, 2:37 PM
posted by:
Bubs Solo
What is the change in market share YTD? The Revolution is down baby.
03/26, 2:40 PM
posted by:
Bubs Solo
GM down 8.4% YTD
Toyota up 1.7%
Ford up 2%
03/26, 2:43 PM
posted by:
gta89mike
I didn’t look at that. You can show whatever number you want. The facts are GM still outsells every other brand in US and Canada. And almost every other manufacturer is seeking money from their respective governments. It is not just GM, it is everyone.
03/26, 3:36 PM
posted by:
Borat
Mike, I have a suggestion: put your money where your mouth is. Buy GM stock. If revolution is going on you’ll be not only vocal but also rich. I sold my shares 2 years ago (with profit)
03/26, 3:46 PM
posted by:
gta89mike
Actually, I have bought GM stock. I figure if GM goes under, losing the value of that stock will be the least of my problems. Life as we know it in America will be very different, in my opinion.
03/26, 3:47 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
No reason for anybody to expect better sales this month
or next
03/26, 4:42 PM
posted by:
Get Real
What is real ??
The news is reporting things have bottomed out and are getting better, people are buying.
The stock market is way up as of today.
So ARE things gettting better ??
03/26, 7:33 PM
posted by:
fan
difference between Toyota (or almost any other manufacturer out there) and GM: all the others got a clear plan, a clear lineup of good products that are well designed… GM on the other side… welll… they are GM and everything they make looks and drives the same, and they managed to have everybody hate them for a good reason…
now, guess who will make it and who wont?
03/26, 8:44 PM
posted by:
MHW
That’s some good stuff your sniffing fan, you must hang out with NMOFGM on the weekends. Toyota has one of the most bland car lines in the business. I can think of at least 8 GM cars and trucks that I would choose over anything that Toyota has to offer.
03/26, 9:23 PM
posted by:
Borat
fan, what clear plan are we talking about? The one they missed to present to the congress/senate for March 31st deadline? Or the fact that we pay their salaries? That is some clear plan that will work for another month or so and then Chapter 11. Judges and sheisters will have clear plan for them.
03/27, 3:59 AM
posted by:
fan
MHW: says alot about yourself…
borat: read my comment again. im not saying GM has a plan (except of, maybe, being the most annoying company, ever)
03/27, 10:05 PM
posted by:
MHW
What it says about myself is that I can see past the end of my nose and recognize that GM has some very nice models in their mix. Is that to say that I think all of their cars are great? No I don’t, but unlike yourself I can give credit where credit is due for the many that are.
03/28, 4:15 AM
posted by:
fan
well, go, buy them…