Toyota finished the year with sales of 1,957,575 vehicles, while General Motors Chevrolet sold 1,801,131 vehicles to American customers last year. Toyota nosed out Chevrolet even after the 113,904 vehicles sold under the Scion name plate were subtracted from the Japanese automaker’s totals. Chevrolet and Ford had been the best selling nameplates for the past century.

For the full-year, car sales, which were estimated at 13.5 million units, also finished the year down 17 percent and at the lowest ebb since 1992. The Ford F-150 pickup truck, however, was the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for the 27th year in a row. It was also the 32nd year in a row that the F-Series was the best selling truck in the U.S.

“Our thanks go out to our customers, our dealers and, of course, the Ford employees and supplier partners who design, engineer and manufacture quality, fuel-efficient trucks delivering unmatched capability,’ said Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president, marketing and communications.

George Pipas, sales analyst for the Ford Motor Co., estimated that passenger cars outsold trucks, sport utility vehicles and minivans for the first time since 2000, reversing more than three decades of decline in the popularity of traditional passenger cars.

Truck sales appeared to make a very modest comeback during the fourth quarter at least in part because fuel prices had dropped and truck buyers had better access to credit than buyers of more fuel-efficient vehicles. However, Pipas also said the shift to passenger cars appeared very well established.

The sudden drop in sales during the second half of 2008 also left every carmaker selling vehicles in the U.S., with the exception of Subaru, reporting a drop of sales for the full year.

Two of the biggest and most painful declines in 2008 were recorded by GM and Chrysler.

GM reported a 35 percent sales drop in December and a 27.5 percent decline for the year, while Chrysler sales fell 53 percent in December and by 30 percent for the year. Ford saw its sales decline by 32 percent in December and by 20 percent for the year. Toyota’s sales dropped 37.5 percent in December despite an advertising and incentive blitz and 15 .7 percent for the year.

Honda also reported a 34.7 percent decline in December but a modest 8.2 percent decrease for the year, while Nissan’s sales fell 30 percent in December and by 11 percent for the full year.

In tough economy, smart USA exceeds sales goals

In a very tough year for carmakers, Bloomfield Hills-based smart USA exceeded its sales targets. For December, smart USA, which is a partnership between Daimler AG and Penske Automotive Group of Bloomfield Hills, recorded 2,341 sales. With year-to-date sales for 2008 at 24,622 units, smart USA surged past its sales objectives in its first year of business in the U.S. market. The total sales exceeded smart USA’s original projection of 20,000 units during what proved to be the auto industry’s worst year since 1992. The strong sales of smart USA also helped Daimler mitigate the drop in sales at Mercedes-Benz USA, which had dropped 11.7 percent. Overall, car sales dropped 35 percent during December and by 17 percent for 2008.

Daimler officials also said the smart for-two offers a combination of outstanding fuel efficiency, innovative safety features, environmental friendliness and excellent value. The smart for-two, finetuned by BRABUS, a specialist in tuning Mercedes vehicles, will go on sale in the United States later this month. There are currently 74 smart centers open in 35 states. Daimler also plans to show off an all-electric version of the smart car during the North American International Auto Show next week in Detroit.

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Toyota Division recorded year-end sales of 1,957,575 vehicles, down 14.9 percent from the prior year. Lexus reported sales of 260,087 units in 2008, down 21.2 percent from 2007. Scion Division reported sales of 113,904 units for the year.

TMS reported December sales results of 141,949, a decrease of 36.7 percent from the same period last year.

“Our New Year’s resolution is to shift the focus back to where it belongs, to the consumer,” said TMS President Jim Lentz. “The sooner stimulus efforts find their way to where they’ll do the most good – into the hands of consumers – the sooner we’ll see a turnaround in confidence levels and a return of buyers to the marketplace.”

Toyota Division

Toyota Division reported December sales of 118,587 units, down 37.5 percent from December 2007. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded December sales of 67,717 units, with year-end sales of 1,207,006 units, down 8.4 percent from last year. For the year, passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted annual sales of 436,617. Corolla posted year-end sales of 351,007. The Yaris subcompact reported best-ever year-end sales totaling 102,328, up 20.3 percent over 2007. Prius recorded sales of 158,884 units for the year.

Toyota Division light trucks reported December sales of 50,870 units, with year-end sales of 750,569, down 23.5 percent from 2007. Light truck sales were led by the Tacoma mid-size pickup, with year-end sales of 144,655 units. Tundra reported sales of 137,249 units in 2008. RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle reported year-end sales of 137,020 units for the year. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 104,661 units for the year. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported sales 19,391 units in 2008. Sequoia reported year-end sales of 30,693 units, up 31.5 percent over the prior year.

Scion Division

Scion reported December sales of 4,127 units. The Scion xB urban utility vehicle recorded December sales of 1,794 units, with year-end sales totaling 45,220. The tC sports coupe reported December sales of 1,348 units, with year-end sales reaching 40,980 units. The xD posted sales of 985 units in December and year-end sales of 27,665 units.

Lexus Division

Lexus reported December sales of 23,362 units, down 32.4 percent from the year-ago month. Lexus passenger cars reported December sales of 11,542 units, with year-end sales of 151,567 units in 2008. Lexus passenger car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan with December sales of 5,236 units and year-end sales of 64,135. The IS entry luxury sport sedan recorded combined December sales of 3,539 units and combined year-end sales of 49,432 units. The LS flagship sedan reported combined December sales of 1,451 units and year-end sales of 20,255 units. The GS luxury sport sedan posted combined December sales of 1,200 units, with year-end sales totaling 15,759 units.

Lexus Division light trucks reported December sales of 11,820 units and year-end sales of 108,520 units. The RX luxury utility posted combined December sales of 9,932 units and year-end sales of 84,181 units. The RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV reported sales of 15,200 units for the year. The LX posted yearly sales of 7,915 units, up 219.7 percent over 2007.

TMS Hybrids

TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 241,405 units. In December, TMS posted sales of 12,201 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division posted December sales of 10,637 hybrids and year-end sales of 224,547 units. Lexus Division posted sales of 1,564 hybrids for the month and 16,858 units for the year.

There were 308 selling days in 2008, compared to 307 selling days in 2007. There were 26 selling days this sales month and last December.

TOYOTA RETAIL SALES
(INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII)
December, 2008
	—– CURRENT MONTH —–			– CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE –
			DSR %			DSR %
	2008	2007	CHG	2008	2007	CHG
	4,417	5,477	-19.4	102,328	84,799	20.3
COROLLA	22,129	28,582	-22.6	351,007	371,390	-5.8
CAMRY	25,275	38,831	-34.9	436,617	473,108	-8.0
VENZA	1,474	0	#N/A	1,474	0	#N/A
AVALON	2,436	5,694	-57.2	42,790	72,945	-41.5
PRIUS	7,859	14,212	-44.7	158,884	181,221	-12.6
SCION xA	0	14	-100.0	39	9,547	-99.6
SCION xB	1,794	3,785	-52.6	45,220	45,834	-1.7
SCION tC	1,348	3,507	-61.6	40,980	63,852	-36.0
SCION xD	985	1,638	-39.9	27,665	10,948	151.9
TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. PASS. CAR	67,717	101,741	-33.4	1,207,006	1,313,651	-8.4
ES	5,236	8,005	-34.6	64,135	82,867	-22.9
LS	1,451	3,257	-55.4	20,255	35,226	-42.7
SC	116	348	-66.7	1,986	3,927	-49.6
GS	1,200	2,579	-53.5	15,759	23,381	-32.8
IS	3,539	5,651	-37.4	49,432	54,933	-10.3
TOTAL LEXUS PASS. CAR	11,542	19,840	-41.8	151,567	200,334	-24.6
TOTAL TOYOTA PASS. CAR	79,259	121,581	-34.8	1,358,573	1,513,985	-10.6
SIENNA	6,901	12,350	-44.1	115,944	138,162	-16.4
RAV4	8,795	13,816	-36.3	137,020	172,752	-20.9
FJ CRUISER	3,168	4,079	-22.3	28,668	55,170	-48.2
4RUNNER	3,707	7,421	-50.0	47,878	87,718	-45.6
HIGHLANDER	7,791	14,714	-47.1	104,661	127,878	-18.4
LAND CRUISER	227	648	-65.0	3,801	3,251	16.5
SEQUOIA	2,399	2,567	-6.5	30,693	23,273	31.5
TOTAL SUV	26,087	43,245	-39.7	352,721	470,042	-25.2
4X2 TACOMA	4,287	7,858	-45.4	79,773	102,696	-22.6
4X4 TACOMA	4,404	5,431	-18.9	64,882	70,542	-8.3
TOTAL TACOMA	8,691	13,289	-34.6	144,655	173,238	-16.8
TUNDRA	9,191	19,219	-52.2	137,249	196,555	-30.4
TOTAL PICKUP	17,882	32,508	-45.0	281,904	369,793	-24.0
TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. LT TRUCK	50,870	88,103	-42.3	750,569	977,997	-23.5
LX	508	132	284.8	7,915	2,468	219.7
GX	1,380	2,748	-49.8	16,424	23,035	-28.9
RX	9,932	11,835	-16.1	84,181	103,340	-18.8
TOTAL LEXUS LIGHT TRUCK	11,820	14,715	-19.7	108,520	128,843	-16.0
TOTAL TOYOTA LIGHT TRUCK	62,690	102,818	-39.0	859,089	1,106,840	-22.6
TOTAL TOYOTA DIV.	118,587	189,844	-37.5	1,957,575	2,291,648	-14.9
TOTAL LEXUS	23,362	34,555	-32.4	260,087	329,177	-21.2
TOTAL TOYOTA	141,949	224,399	-36.7	2,217,662	2,620,825	-15.7
MEMO:
DOM. COROLLA	17,192	28,571	-39.8	252,877	348,016	-27.6
DOM. CAMRY	24,790	37,757	-34.3	428,841	418,757	2.1
DOM. RAV4	210	0	#N/A	247	0	#N/A
DOM. PICKUP	17,882	32,508	-45.0	281,902	369,793	-24.0
DOM. RX	8,221	8,414	-2.3	63,610	74,351	-14.7
SELLING DAYS	26	26		308	307
TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT CAR	21,825	29,719	-26.6	481,024	473,933	1.2
LEXUS IMPORT CAR	11,542	19,840	-41.8	151,567	200,334	-24.6
TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT CARS	45,892	72,022	-36.3	725,982	839,718	-13.8
TOTAL TOYOTA CARS	79,259	121,581	-34.8	1,358,573	1,513,985	-10.6
TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT LT TRUCK	23,478	40,678	-42.3	321,781	446,769	-28.2
LEXUS IMPORT LT TRUCK	3,599	6,301	-42.9	44,910	54,492	-17.9
TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT LT TRUCK	27,392	47,425	-42.2	428,788	531,228	-19.5
LEXUS NA BUILT LT TRUCK	8,221	8,414	-2.3	63,610	74,351	-14.7
TOTAL TOYOTA LT TRUCK	62,690	102,818	-39.0	859,089	1,106,840	-22.6
SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES	34,739	53,881	-35.5	432,573	543,715	-20.7
Memo: Lexus Sport Utility	11,820	14,715	-19.7	108,520	128,843	-16.0
SMALL VANS	6,901	12,350	-44.1	115,944	138,162	-16.4
PICKUPS	17,882	32,508	-45.0	281,904	369,793	-24.0
* NORTH AMERICAN BUILT VEHICLES
COROLLA	17,192	28,571	-39.8	252,877	348,016	-27.6
CAMRY	24,790	37,757	-34.3	428,841	418,757	2.1
VENZA	1,474	0	#N/A	1,474	0	#N/A
AVALON	2,436	5,694	-57.2	42,790	72,945	-41.5
SIENNA	6,901	12,350	-44.1	115,944	138,162	-16.4
RAV4	210	0	#N/A	247	0	#N/A
PICKUP	17,882	32,508	-45.0	281,902	369,793	-24.0
SEQUOIA	2,399	2,567	-6.5	30,693	23,273	31.5
RX	8,221	8,414	-2.3	63,610	74,351	-14.7
TOTAL	81,505	127,861	-36.3	1,218,378	1,445,297	-16.0
N.A. VEHICLES % OF TOTAL	57.4%	57.0%		54.9%	55.1%
SELLING DAYS	26	26		308	307
DSR = DAILY SELLING RATE

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Here’s its Top 10, new and used.

– New (all 2008s, priced $14,000-$17,000): Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Fit, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda3, Scion xB, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Matrix and Volkswagen Rabbit.

– Used cars (priced $11,000-$12,000): 2008 Chevy Aveo, 2007 Dodge Caliber, 2006 Hyundai Elantra, 2005 Ford Crown Victoria, and ’04 models Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda Tribute, Mazda3, Nissan Altima and Pontiac Vibe.

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The Toyota Division posted June sales of 172,981, down 10.3 percent from last June. The Lexus Division reported June sales of 20,253 units, a decrease of 21.1 percent from the year-ago month.

Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded June sales of 119,024 units, up 4.4 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by Corolla, which posted best-ever June sales of 42,180 units, up 30 percent over June 2007. Camry and Camry Hybrid reported combined sales of 41,572 units in June, up 0.3 percent over the year-ago month. Camry Hybrid recorded June sales of 3,054 units. With limited availability, the Prius hybrid gas-electric mid-size sedan posted June sales of 11,765 units. Yaris recorded monthly sales of 8,472 units, up 4.1 percent over last June.

“As the pendulum swings towards smaller, higher-mileage vehicles, we’re well-poised to offer the right products at the right time,” said TMS President Jim Lentz. “A five-door liftback will soon join the Yaris line-up, widening the choice for value-conscious consumers in challenging economic times.”

Toyota Division light trucks reported June sales of 53,957 units, down 31.5 percent from the year-ago month. Light truck sales were led by the Tacoma mid-size pickup with sales of 11,364 units. The Tundra full-size pickup recorded sales of 10,238 units for the month. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined monthly sales of 6,872 units. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported sales of 1,511 units for the month. Sequoia reported sales of 2,444 units in June, up 40.8 percent over the year-ago month.

Scion Division
Scion posted June sales of 11,870 units for the month. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with June sales of 4,685 units, up 0.3 percent over the year-ago month. The tC sports coupe, in its fifth model year, reported June sales of 4,155 units. The xD posted best-ever June sales of 3,026 units for the month.

Lexus Division
Lexus passenger cars reported June sales of 12,942 units, a decrease of 16.6 percent from June 2007. Passenger car sales were led by the ES 350 luxury sedan, with June sales of 5,726 units. The IS entry luxury sport sedan reported combined sales of 4,324 units. The LS flagship luxury sedan posted combined sales of 1,525 units for the month. The GS luxury sport sedan recorded combined June sales of 1,213 units.

Lexus Division light trucks reported June sales of 7,311 units, down 27.9 percent versus the year-ago month. Lexus sales were led by the RX luxury utility vehicle, posting combined June sales of 5,820 units. The RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 1,330 units for the month. The all-new LX 570 luxury utility vehicle posted monthly sales of 631 units, an increase of 230.2 percent over the same period last year.

TMS Hybrids
TMS first-half hybrid sales totaled 145,159 units. In June, TMS posted sales of 17,806 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division posted sales of 16,330 hybrids for the month. Lexus Division posted sales of 1,476 hybrids in June.

There were 24 selling days this month, compared to 27 selling days last June.

SCION xA
June 2008: 4
June 2007: 770
% Change: -99.4
YTD 2008: 39
YTD 2007: 8,866
% Change: -99.6

SCION xB
June 2008: 4,685
June 2007: 5,257
% Change: 0.3
YTD 2008: 25,926
YTD 2007: 18,588
% Change: 40.4

SCION tC
June 2008: 4,155
June 2007: 6,509
% Change: -28.2
YTD 2008: 23,730
YTD 2007: 33,550
% Change: -28.8

SCION xD
June 2008: 3,026
June 2007: 0
% Change: -
YTD 2008: 16,179
YTD 2007: 0
% Change: -

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“The all-new Corolla really found its stride this month,” said TMS President Jim Lentz. “Launched amid soaring fuel prices and economic uncertainty, Corolla strikes a sweet spot for buyers seeking refinement in addition to fuel efficiency and affordability.”

The Toyota Division posted May sales of 230,811, a decrease of 6.3 percent from last May. The Lexus Division reported May sales of 26,593 units, a decrease of 19.6 percent from the year-ago month.

Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded May sales of 152,652 units, down 0.9 percent over the same period last year. Passenger-car sales were led by Corolla, which posted all-time best-ever sales of 52,826 units, an increase of 12.4 percent over May 2007. Camry and Camry Hybrid posted combined sales of 51,291 in May. Camry Hybrid reported May sales of 5,999 units. With limited availability, the Prius hybrid gas-electric mid-size sedan posted May sales of 15,011 units. Yaris reported all-time best-ever sales of 14,397 units, up 26.6 percent over the year-ago month.

Toyota Division light trucks recorded May sales of 78,159 units, down 15.3 percent from May 2007. Light truck sales were led by the Tacoma mid-size pickup, reporting May sales of 17,341 units, up 4.2 percent over May 2007. The Tundra full-size pickup posted May sales of 12,144 units. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 10,841 units in May. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported May sales of 2,644 units. Sequoia posted sales of 3,575 units for the month, up 75 percent over the same period last year.

Scion posted May sales of 14,858 units, up 28.4 percent over the year ago month. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with May sales of 5,351 units, an increase of 40.9 percent over last May. The tC sports coupe, entering its fifth model year, posted May sales of 5,166 units. The xD reported all-time best-ever sales of 4,337 units.

Lexus Division
Lexus passenger cars reported May sales of 16,290 units, a decrease of 21.3 percent from May 2007. Passenger-car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan with May sales of 6,831 units. The IS entry luxury sport sedan reported combined sales of 5,420 units. The LS flagship luxury sedan reported combined sales of 2,115 units. Sales of the GS luxury sport sedan reported combined May sales of 1,708 units.

Lexus Division light trucks reported May sales totaling 10,303 units, down 16.7 percent from the year-ago month. Lexus sales were led by the RX luxury utility vehicle, which posted combined May sales of 8,082 units. The RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported May sales of 2,155 units, up 19 percent over the year-ago month. The all-new LX 570 enjoyed sales of 827 units, an increase of 201.7 percent versus the same period last year

TMS Hybrids
TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 127,353 units. TMS posted May sales of 26,019 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division posted sales of 23,654 hybrids for the month. Lexus Division posted May sales of 2,365 hybrids, an 18 percent increase over the same period last year.

There were 27 selling days this month, as compared to 26 selling days last May.

Scion xA
Current Month
- 2008: 4
- 2007: 1,297
- Chg: -99.7%
Calendar YTD
- 2008: 35
- 2007: 8,096
- Chg: -99.6%

Scion xB
Current Month
- 2008: 5,351
- 2007: 3,658
- Chg: 40.9%
Calendar YTD
- 2008: 21,241
- 2007: 13,331
- Chg: 56.9%

Scion tC
Current Month
- 2008: 5,166
- 2007: 6,615
- Chg: -24.8%
Calendar YTD
- 2008: 19,575
- 2007: 27,041
- Chg: -28.7%

Scion xD
Current Month
- 2008: 4,337
- 2007: 0
- Chg: -
Calendar YTD
- 2008: 13,153
- 2007: 0
- Chg: -

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First of all the xD RS 1.0 comes with a Hot Lava exterior paint job and interior details, a DAMD (a renowned Japanese tuning house) body kit, rear spoiler, special wheel covers, TRD (Toyota Racing Development) lowering springs and RAZO RS shift knob.

The Scion xD RS 1.0 will be limited to 2,000 units and will all be individually numbered. Prices start at USD 14,500 for the manual and the model with automatic transmission costs USD 15,350.

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In the past these have been your only alternatives, because no one has provided reliability information on new car designs soon enough, or updated this information more than once a year. But now there’s a third, better alternative in a growing number of cases: wait a few months for TrueDelta’s Vehicle Reliability Survey (VRS) results to update. “With prompt quarterly updates, TrueDelta’s Vehicle Reliability Survey is making it possible to buy a new design while it’s still new, without gambling that the manufacturer found and fixed bugs during development,” says Michael Karesh, developer of TrueDelta.com.

The latest results, released today, cover owner experiences through March 31, 2008. This is actually the third update to include some results for 2008 models. The next update, in August, will include at least one early 2009.

Some new designs prove solid:
TrueDelta reported back in February that the 2008 Honda Accord had required few repairs, and this continues to be the case. Additional owner data from the first quarter confirms February’s preliminary finding that the Nissan Rogue has had a cleaner launch than other recent Nissan designs, and has required few repairs. The new C-Class appears to be more solid than Mercedes’ recent reputation would suggest, and has a slightly better than average repair rate.

Last February, a preliminary result for the 2008 Scion xB suggested that owners might be experiencing more than the average number of problems, especially with exterior trim. But the updated result, based on additional data, finds that these problems were limited to a few early cars. The second generation xB’s repair rate is now better than average. With TrueDelta’s quarterly updates, people interested in the new xB had to wait only three months to learn that the initially high repair rate did not apply to more recently produced cars.

Redesigned GM models don’t fare so well:
A preliminary result for the 2008 Cadillac CTS three months ago suggested a high repair rate. The updated result, based on nearly three times as much data, indicates an even higher repair rate–the highest for any of the 122 results in the latest update, and about two-and-a-half times the average. “Most reported problems involve wind noise, interior trim fits, and driveline vibrations,” reports Karesh. “TrueDelta’s result actually under-represents the number of problems owners are experiencing, since our analysis includes only successfully completed repairs and some of the vibration issues are proving hard to eliminate.”

The 2008 CTS is not the only new GM design to require more than the average number of repairs. The latest update indicates a moderately high repair rate for the 2008 Saturn VUE, about one-and-a-half times the average. And last year TrueDelta reported similarly high repair rates for the 2007 GMC Acadia, 2007 Saturn Aura, and 2007 Saturn Outlook.

GM vehicles often fare better in their second model year. As reported three months ago for the Acadia and Outlook, the 2008 versions of GM’s large crossovers have about half the repair rate of the 2007s. The 2008 Aura also seems to have a much lower repair rate than the 2007, based on a preliminary result.

“GM isn’t the only manufacturer to identify and fix problems during the first model year rather than prior to launch,” says Karesh. As TrueDelta reported before others, even the 2007 Toyota Camry V6 had transmission problems early on, and the 2006 Honda Civic initially suffered from water leaks and warped interior trim. “But,” Karesh continues, “for GM rough launches appear to be the rule rather than the exception.”

How quickly will GM address problems with the 2008 Cadillac CTS and Saturn VUE? With its prompt quarterly updates, TrueDelta will answer this question before any other source of vehicle reliability information. The next update is never more than three months away.

About TrueDelta.com
One of themost innovative automotive websites in operation today, TrueDelta has repeatedly identified ways the Internet can be leveraged to better serve the information needs of car buyers and car owners. Car owners join TrueDelta as “panel members” and provide TrueDelta’s data through brief online surveys. In exchange for their participation, these owners receive full access to TrueDelta’s quarterly results free of charge.

Through rapid growth, the number of vehicles in TrueDelta’s panel will reach 30,000 in June. This growth is due in part to enthusiastic support from owner forums such as DriveAccord.net, NICOClub.com, SaturnFans.com, EnclaveForum.net, and CadillacForums.com. These forums were essential in quickly building a viable sample of 2008 model owners.

Car owners can view the latest VRS results and become involved at TrueDelta.com.

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“Smaller vehicles are going over big,” said TMS President Jim Lentz. “With oil prices at record levels, compact cars and hybrids continue to lead the way.”

The Toyota Division posted April sales of 194,350, a decrease of 2.7 percent from last April. The Lexus Division reported April sales of 23,350 units, a decrease of 17.1 percent from the year-ago month.

Toyota Division

Toyota Division passenger cars recorded April sales of 121,097 units, up 7.2 percent over the same period last year. Passenger-car sales were led by Camry, which posted April sales of 40,016 units. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 6,678 units in April, up 40 percent over April 2007. The Prius hybrid gas-electric mid-size sedan posted best-ever April sales of 21,757 units, an increase of 53.8 percent over last April. Yaris reported best-ever April sales of 11,434 units, up 45.9 percent over the year-ago month.

Toyota Division light truck sales were down 15.7 percent, with April sales of 73,253 units. Light truck sales were led by the Tacoma mid-size pickup, reporting April sales of 15,587 units. The Tundra full-size pickup posted April sales of 13,350 units. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 10,008 units in April. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported April sales of 2,578 units. Sequoia posted sales of 2,675 units for the month, up 24 percent over the same period last year.

Scion posted April sales of 11,260 units, up 41.5 percent versus the year ago month. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with April sales of 4,220 units, an increase of 232.1 percent over last April. The tC sports coupe, in its fourth model year, posted April sales of 4,119 units. The xD reported all-time best-ever sales of 2,913.

Lexus Division

Lexus passenger cars reported April sales of 13,766 units, a decrease of 22.1 percent from April 2007. Passenger-car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan with April sales of 5,439 units. The IS entry luxury sport sedan reported combined sales of 4,550 units. The LS flagship luxury sedan reported combined sales of 1,992 units. Sales of the GS luxury sport sedan reported combined April sales of 1,568 units.

Lexus Division light trucks reported April sales totaling 9,584 units, down 8.6 percent from the year-ago month. The all-new LX 570 enjoyed sales of 799 units, an increase of 207.3 percent. The RX luxury utility vehicle posted combined April sales of 7,160 units. The RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 1,624 units for the month, up eight percent over the year ago month.

TMS Hybrids

TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 101,334 units. TMS posted April sales of 32,841 hybrid vehicles, an increase of 42 percent from last April. Toyota Division posted sales of 31,013 hybrids while Lexus Division posted sales of 1,828 hybrids.

There were 26 selling days this month, as compared to 24 selling days last April.

                             TOYOTA RETAIL SALES
                          (INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII)
                                 April, 2008

                              -- CURRENT MONTH --  -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE --
                                               DSR %                     DSR %
                               2008     2007    CHG     2008     2007     CHG

    YARIS                     11,434    7,232   45.9   41,811   26,418   56.7
    COROLLA                   32,435   32,289   -7.3   99,482  120,484  -18.2
    CAMRY                     40,016   37,911   -2.6  147,018  143,774    1.3
    AVALON                     4,195    5,791  -33.1   17,004   25,426  -33.8
    PRIUS                     21,757   13,056   53.8   64,664   52,738   21.4
    SCION xA                       8    1,454  -99.5       31    6,799  -99.5
    SCION xB                   4,220    1,173  232.1   15,890    9,673   62.7
    SCION tC                   4,119    5,333  -28.7   14,409   20,426  -30.1
    SCION xD                   2,913        0       -   8,816        0       -
    TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. PASS.
     CAR                     121,097  104,239    7.2  409,126  405,740   -0.2
    ES                         5,439    6,544  -23.3   20,599   24,594  -17.1
    LS                         1,992    3,182  -42.2    7,914   11,745  -33.3
    SC                           217      341  -41.3      860    1,295  -34.2
    GS                         1,568    1,887  -23.3    6,138    7,104  -14.4
    IS                         4,550    4,363   -3.7   16,516   16,772   -2.5
    TOTAL LEXUS PASS. CAR     13,766   16,317  -22.1   52,027   61,510  -16.2
    TOTAL TOYOTA PASS. CAR   134,863  120,556    3.3  461,153  467,250   -2.3
    SIENNA                    11,215   12,773  -19.0   45,514   47,732   -5.6
    RAV4                      12,773   14,495  -18.7   47,002   55,900  -16.7
    FJ CRUISER                 2,682    4,587  -46.0   12,557   20,632  -39.7
    4RUNNER                    4,490    7,093  -41.6   19,996   31,030  -36.2
    HIGHLANDER                10,008   10,122   -8.7   43,676   41,505    4.2
    LAND CRUISER                 473      191  128.6    1,690      873   91.7
    SEQUOIA                    2,675    1,991   24.0   10,525    8,929   16.7
    TOTAL SUV                 33,101   38,479  -20.6  135,446  158,869  -15.6
    4X2 TACOMA                 8,648    8,813   -9.4   31,751   35,840  -12.3
    4X4 TACOMA                 6,939    5,958    7.5   23,612   25,259   -7.4
    TOTAL TACOMA              15,587   14,771   -2.6   55,363   61,099  -10.3
    TUNDRA                    13,350   14,200  -13.2   54,134   43,386   23.5
    TOTAL PICKUP              28,937   28,971   -7.8  109,497  104,485    3.8
    TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. LT
     TRUCK                    73,253   80,223  -15.7  290,457  311,086   -7.5
    LX                           799      240  207.3    2,720    1,066  152.7
    GX                         1,625    1,577   -4.9    6,510    6,816   -5.4
    RX                         7,160    7,861  -15.9   28,608   30,094   -5.9
    TOTAL LEXUS LIGHT TRUCK    9,584    9,678   -8.6   37,838   37,976   -1.3
    TOTAL TOYOTA LIGHT TRUCK  82,837   89,901  -14.9  328,295  349,062   -6.9
    TOTAL TOYOTA DIV.        194,350  184,462   -2.7  699,583  716,826   -3.4
    TOTAL LEXUS               23,350   25,995  -17.1   89,865   99,486  -10.6
    TOTAL TOYOTA             217,700  210,457   -4.5  789,448  816,312   -4.2
    MEMO:
    DOM. COROLLA              26,749   28,352  -12.9   89,507  106,896  -17.1
    DOM. CAMRY                39,224   33,538    8.0  143,198  115,792   22.5
    DOM. PICKUP               28,937   28,971   -7.8  109,497  104,485    3.8
    DOM. RX                    5,145    6,044  -21.4   20,012   21,273   -6.8

    SELLING DAYS                  26       24             102      101

    TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT CAR    50,929   36,558   28.6  159,417  157,626    0.1
    LEXUS IMPORT CAR          13,766   16,317  -22.1   52,027   61,510  -16.2
    TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT CARS  70,168   67,681   -4.3  249,709  248,114   -0.3
    TOTAL TOYOTA CARS        134,863  120,556    3.3  461,153  467,250   -2.3

    TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT LT
     TRUCK                    30,426   36,488  -23.0  124,921  149,940  -17.5
    LEXUS IMPORT LT TRUCK      4,439    3,634   12.8   17,826   16,703    5.7
    TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT LT
     TRUCK                    42,827   43,735   -9.6  165,536  161,146    1.7
    LEXUS NA BUILT LT TRUCK    5,145    6,044  -21.4   20,012   21,273   -6.8
    TOTAL TOYOTA LT TRUCK     82,837   89,901  -14.9  328,295  349,062   -6.9

    SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES    40,003   43,570  -15.2  160,727  176,213   -9.7
       Memo: Lexus Sport
        Utility                9,584    9,678   -8.6   37,838   37,976   -1.3

    SMALL VANS                11,215   12,773  -19.0   45,514   47,732   -5.6
    PICKUPS                   28,937   28,971   -7.8  109,497  104,485    3.8

    * NORTH AMERICAN BUILT
     VEHICLES
    COROLLA                   26,749   28,352  -12.9   89,507  106,896  -17.1
    CAMRY                     39,224   33,538    8.0  143,198  115,792   22.5
    AVALON                     4,195    5,791  -33.1   17,004   25,426  -33.8
    SIENNA                    11,215   12,773  -19.0   45,514   47,732   -5.6
    PICKUP                    28,937   28,971   -7.8  109,497  104,485    3.8
    SEQUOIA                    2,675    1,991   24.0   10,525    8,929   16.7
    RX                         5,145    6,044  -21.4   20,012   21,273   -6.8
    TOTAL                    118,140  117,460   -7.2  435,257  430,533    0.1
    N.A. VEHICLES % OF TOTAL   54.3%    55.8%           55.1%    52.7%

    SELLING DAYS                  26       24             102      101
    DSR = DAILY SELLING RATE

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Competition occurs as time trials held at various race tracks around the country. The competitors drive from race track to race track, (often driving 24 hours at a time) without the benefit of support crews. The field of competitors is divided into several classes based primarily on original manufacturers suggested retail prices and number of doors. Competitors may make any modifications to their vehicles as they see fit but must run on a single set of tires throughout the entire event. Race track events are time trials with up to eight cars on track at a time. Competition is for fastest time rather than wheel-to-wheel racing.

The first One Lap in 1984 circumnavigated the lower forty-eight United States with the scoring based on comparing the entrants’ declared mileage with that of the organizer’s (“guess Brock’s mileage”). From 1985 through 1991 competition was a series of Road Rallies: time speed distance events conducted on public roads. The length of the One Lap of America has been as long as 10,000 miles (16,000 km) over ten days (1989) to just under 4,000 miles (6,400 km) over six days.

The One Lap of America has attracted such famous drivers as Parnelli Jones, Price Cobb, Brian Makse, John Buffum, Elliott Forbes-Robinson, and Hurley Haywood.

The One Lap of America is a charity race that spans 4,000mi in seven days. It is an endurance race for not just the vehicle, but the drivers as well. The primary appeal of the OLoA is that the vehicle must not only race on tracks, but be driven between each event. This year the event runs from Indiana, to Wisconsin, to Iowa, to Texas, to Louisiana, to South Carolina, to Virginia, to Pennsylvania, and finally back to Indiana. All of this in a heavily modified 2005 Scion tC.

Last, and DEFINITELY not least, is to notify everyone that the charity we have chosen is Child’s Play, a non-profit organization specializing in the donation of books, cash, games, and toys to children’s hospitals all over the world. Because of this, we ask all of you to please donate. Since this is an endurance race, we ask that everyone donates a certain amount for each mile completed of the event as well as each track completed. A suggested payment scheme is as follows:

• 1-5¢ for each mile driven while still being qualified.
• $1-5 for each track event completed.
• $5 bonus for each top five finish.
• $25 bonus for a top ten finish overall.

YourSciontC.com One Lap of America Forum

One Lap of America – Official Site

Child’s Play Charity

Source |  Source

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An eclectic roster of stars of film, television and sports will strap into brand new race-ready Scion tCs to vie for the checkered flag in the world’s longest-running, most successful celebrity racing event: the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race on Saturday, April 19, part of the 34th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The field of 18 is revved up for competition in this historic, 10-lap race for charity on a 1.97-mile street circuit through the downtown streets of Long Beach in Southern California. The Pro/Celebrity race, one of six featured events during race weekend, gives fans a chance to see their favorite stars duke it out on the track during exciting action-packed competition.

This year’s field includes the following group of fiercely competitive entertainment personalities, sports stars and media:

• Drew Lachey - Singer and actor, best known as the second-season winner of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and member of the group 98 Degrees. Appeared on Broadway in “Rent.”

• Raymond Cruz - Actor, best known for his roles as Det. Sanchez on CBS’s The Closer and as Tuco in the critically acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad. Film roles include “Clear and Present Danger,” “The Substitute,” “The Rock,” and “Training Day.”

• Wilmer Valderrama – Actor, best known for the role of Fez in the FOX sitcom That ’70s Show and host of MTV’s Yo Momma.

• Eric Dickerson - Pro Football Hall of Famer, widely considered to be one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. In his 10-year career, played for the Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders and Atlanta Falcons.

• John Salley - Sportscaster, Emmy-nominated Best Damn Sports Show Period; four-time NBA champion. Retired from the NBA Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls and LA Lakers.

• Daniel Goddard - Actor, starring as Cane Ashby on The Young and the Restless. Also played Dar on the BeastMaster TV series.

• Jamie Little - Pit reporter for NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series. Has covered the Indy Racing League and both the Winter and Summer X Games.

• Nancy Lieberman - ESPN women’s basketball analyst. Renowned collegiate and WNBA professional basketball player and coach; member of the Basketball Hall of Fame; Olympic Silver Medalist.

• Brad Lewis - Film producer and director. Executive Producer of Pixar’s Academy Award winning film “Ratatouille,” the 20th Century Fox hit “Broken Arrow” (with John Travolta and Christian Slater) and Dreamworks’ “Forces of Nature” and “Antz.”

• William Fichtner - Actor, starring as FBI special agent Alexander Mahone in the FOX series Prison Break. Also appeared in Academy Award-winning best picture “Crash,” as well as “Blades of Glory,” “Armageddon,” “Black Hawk Down,” “Go,” and “Heat.”

Professional off-road racer, ESPN pit-reporter and feature host for the Champ Car World Series Beccy Gordon joins the “Pro” category with cyclist Marty Nothstein, the 2000 Gold and 1996 Silver Medalist in the 1000-meter (Sprint) Olympic Track Cycling competitions and 34-time U.S. Nationals Champion with titles in seven different events. Other Pro drivers include NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion Mike Skinner, NHRA Funny Car Champion Tony Pedregon, two-time NHRA U.S. Nationals Funny Car winner Whit Bazemore, and Grand-Am race car driver/fine jewelry designer Sarena Traver (who garnered a spot by bidding $80,000 in the Boys and Girls charity auction).
The Southern California Toyota Dealer seat is being filled by Bud Gordon, General Manager of Quality Toyota of Corona. Rounding out the field is the second Boys and Girls Club charity auction winner Craig Barto, whose matching $80,000 donation also earned him a chance to challenge the celebrities and pros in this year’s race.

“We’re looking forward to one of the most competitive races since we created the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race more than 30 years ago,” said Les Unger, Toyota’s national motorsports manager. “The Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race is renowned for attracting ‘the fast and the famous’ because it offers the unparalleled celebrity-pro challenge of real high-speed racing, combined with a chance to support a worthwhile charity.”

Toyota will donate $5,000 to “Racing for Kids” in the name of each celebrity racer, and another $5,000 to the winning racer’s charity of choice. Racing for Kids is a non-profit program benefiting children’s hospitals in Long Beach and Orange County, Calif.

Finally, a $15,000 donation is made in conjunction with the 11th annual “PEOPLE Pole Award.” Sponsored by PEOPLE magazine, the award honors the pole-position winner of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race qualifying session on Friday, April 18. On behalf of the race and its participants, Toyota has donated close to $1.6 million to various children’s organizations since 1991.

source

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