Overview
- Toyota reported global vehicle sales fell 4.0% to 5.05 million units and global production dropped 1.9% to 4.89 million for the April–September half-year.
- Overseas sales declined 6.5% to 4.25 million units, making this the first half-year loss versus the prior year in two years.
- Sales in China collapsed 25.1% to about 680,000 units, a downturn Toyota and reporters link to higher gasoline prices and stronger competition from local manufacturers that have shifted consumer choices away from petrol cars.
- North America and Europe posted record half-year sales, with North America rising 1.8% to 1.53 million units and Europe up 1.4% to 590,000, driven by steady demand for Toyota’s hybrid models.
- The split performance highlights risks to Toyota from fuel-price shocks and regional rivals in China and points to possible strategic pressure to accelerate electrified models and adjust production and sales plans for different markets.