Drivers embrace Toyota's more power, less fuel, made-in-Canada value

TORONTO - Canadians drove away in 9,681 Toyota models, up 0.3 per cent to set a new January record for the brand. This included 3,806 Toyota trucks, up 7.8 per cent to set a new January record for the division. In anticipation of new and refreshed models like the 2010 RX 350 that will be arriving in dealerships soon, Lexus guests took the keys to 588 luxury models last month, off 35.1% from last January's record sales.

Highlights for January 2009 (versus January 2008):

- 2,612 Canadian-built Toyota Corolla models sold, up 35.2 per cent to set a new monthly record

- 1,397 Canadian-built Toyota RAV4 models sold, up 37.1 per cent to set a new monthly record

- 1,121 Canadian-built Toyota Matrix models sold, up 63.6 per cent

- 68 Lexus RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV models sold, up 3 per cent to set a new monthly record

"Toyota's three Canadian-built models, all updated in 2008, continue to dominate sales in our line-up. Strong year-over-year gains for our Canadian models include best-ever January sales for the Corolla and RAV4," said Warren Orton, Director at TCI. "We'd like to thank Canadians for embracing the benefits of Toyota ownership: namely, a well-built, quality vehicle offering more power, less fuel and no compromise."

"We also thank Canadian drivers who turned to Lexus in January for a vehicle that delivers maximum moments of personal satisfaction," said Tony Wearing, Director of Lexus in Canada. "With exciting new models on the way - including the 2010 RX 350 luxury crossover, 2010 RX 450h luxury hybrid crossover, HS 250h luxury hybrid sedan and IS C luxury convertible coupe - we're looking forward to an exciting year."