Toyota expects to do better than industry average in 2011, Lexus to keep No.1 luxury spot

Toyota executives have told analysts that they expect U.S. industry sales to come in at 12.5 million cars and trucks in 2011 – about a million more than last year. Toyota also believes it will do better than the industry average because of the new models it plans on introducing during the year.

“The first half of 2011 will look like the second half of 2011. We’ll see good signs and some growth but other indicators that will cause us to wonder,” said Bob Daly, senior vice pesident, Toyota Planning & Development.

Automakers will reveal their Dec. 2010 year-end sales on Tuesday and Daly said Lexus is expected to keep its No.1 luxury sales spot for the 11th consecutive year.

“It’s been a very difficult year for the industry and Toyota,” Daly said talking of the recalls and the negative publicity Toyota faced in 2010. Toyota remains the No. 1 retailer automaker “under circumstances that would have killed off other automakers.”

He went onto say that recall work was largely completed and most of the customer loyalty has bounced back.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoObserver