2013 Toyota Avalon Debuts at the New York International Auto Show

Toyota revealed a boldly-designed, all-new Avalon flagship sedan today at the New York International Auto Show, calling it “the beginning of a new era for vehicle development” in the United States for the American market.

“It’s an all-new premium mid-size sedan that will attract a wide range of buyers looking for style, technology, performance, comfort, safety and value,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “With a unique slim upper grille and a large exotic lower grille, the Avalon conveys a new forward presence for Toyota.”  

When the new model arrives in dealerships late this year, it will offer a modern, spacious interior highlighted by abundant rear seat legroom and more interior passenger space than the BMW 5 Series.  There’s also an abundance of technology buyers want — like capacitive touch sensor controls for climate settings and audio, full-color displays with intuitive color animations.  

In addition, the new Avalon comes with 10 airbags believed to be among the most offered as a standard safety feature in the segment, and has an available pre-collision system, blind-spot monitor and a rear cross-traffic alert notification.

The all-new Avalon is the result of a North American-focused design and engineering effort.  The sedan’s dramatic exterior and interior design was conceived by a youthful and talented team at Calty Design Research in Southern California and Michigan.  The car’s engineering development was principally led by Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich.  And it will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky.  

To see photos and read more, please visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

TMS Reports Best March Sales Since 2008; Toyota Division Sets New Records

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) today reported March sales of 203,282, a 15.4 percent increase on a volume basis from last March and the best March results since 2008.  Toyota Division sales of 183,142 rose 17.7 percent.  Lexus Division reported vehicle sales of 20,140, a slight decrease of 2.6 percent, but up 21 percent from February.  For the first quarter, TMS reported sales of 487,284 vehicles, an increase of 12.3 percent.  

“Toyota set several new records, led by all-time record Prius sales and Carmy’s best March ever,” Jeff Bracken, Toyota Division vice president of sales, told journalists during a conference call this morning.  “Prius family sales hit a new one-month record of 28,711, up 54 percent from last March.”  He said fuel economy remains top-of-mind with many consumers, and Prius sales were boosted further by two new models added during the month, the Prius c and Prius Plug-in.  

“Camry’s best-ever March was driven by strong demand for the SE sport model.” Bracken said.  ”Total Camry sales of 42,567 were up 35 percent from a year ago, while Camry Hybrid sales of 5,400 were up 262 percent.  Combined Toyota Division hybrid car sales increased 61 percent and accounted for one out of every five passenger cars we sold in March.”  

To keep the momentum going in April, the Toyota brand will offer zero percent financing on six models including Avalon, Tundra, Venza, RAV4, Highlander and Sienna.  Special lease rates will be available on nearly every Toyota brand vehicle.

Lexus Division had a solid month with car sales continuing to show strength with an increase of 9.3 percent over last March.  

“The new Lexus GS continues to exceed our expectations,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager.  “We sold 2,558 units in March and dealers are turning them at a blistering rate.  In fact, as of last week, GS had already exceeded its total 2011 sales.  The arrival of the GS 450h hybrid this month should bolster sales even more.”

Further March sales results can be found on www.toyotanewsroom.com.