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Automotive Intelligence - the web for automotive professionals and car enthusiasts |
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May 13, 2008 This Week:
© 1998 - 2008
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In fiscal year 2008, Toyota's consolidated sales reached 8.91 million units, an increase of 389 thousand units over the last fiscal year. In Japan, vehicle sales decreased by 85 thousand units over the last year, to 2.19 million units. Operating income from Japanese operations was 1.44 trillion yen which was second only to the last fiscal year. Exports increased due to strong demand mainly in resource-rich countries and emerging countries. Toyota group's market share including mini-vehicles reached a record level of 42.0 percent due to successful launches of new models. In North America, vehicle sales reached 2.96 million units, an increase of 16 thousand units. The new Camry launched in 2006 became the best-selling passenger car for six consecutive years, and sales of the Prius increased remarkably due to additional production capacity in Japan. As a result, Toyota's market share in the U.S. reached a record high of 16.3 percent. The dramatic decline in interest rates in the U.S. during this fiscal year resulted in an exceptional increase in valuation losses on interest rate swap transactions. Operating income was 305.3 billion yen for this fiscal year, but on a non-USGAAP basis, excluding the valuation losses on interest rate swap transactions of 91.4 billion yen, was 396.7 billion yen, despite profit decline in the financial business due to a slow down in the economy. In Europe, operating income increased by 4.2 billion yen, to 141.5 billion yen. In Western Europe, sales of the Auris and Prius were strong although the markets in general saw a sluggish growth rate. Sales in Russia and Eastern Europe showed steady growth due to strong sales of models such as the Camry and Avensis. Toyota will continue to respond to growing local demand and further increase profits. In Asia, operating income more than doubled to 256.4 billion yen over the last fiscal year. Improved profitability in Asia has become an important driver for Toyota's strong growth. Sales of models such as the IMV and Yaris were strong in countries including Indonesia and Thailand. Increase of production capacity in Thailand, in order to meet strong demand for the IMV vehicles from countries outside of Asia, showed steady contributions. Production of the new Corolla which started in Thailand and Taiwan this year, is expected to contribute to profit growth in Asia. In Latin America, Oceania and Africa, operating income for this fiscal year increased more than ever by 60.4 billion yen, to 143.9 billion yen. Vehicle sales in all the three regions increased due to strong sales of models, such as the Corolla in Brazil, the IMV in Argentina and the Camry in Australia, which were developed to satisfy local tastes. The strong brand values of Toyota contributed to the high profitability. TMC also announced its consolidated financial forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009. Based on an exchange rate of 100 yen to the U.S. dollar and 155 yen to the euro, TMC forecasts consolidated net revenues of 25.00 trillion yen, operating income of 1.60 trillion yen and net income of 1.25 trillion yen. Watanabe concluded by commenting on the outlook. "We are facing a severe business environment. However, Toyota considers this headwind as a valuable opportunity to turn it into a more flexible and stronger company. To this end, we will aim to eliminate waste and review the process and structure of every aspect of our operations. Through such internal reforms, we will develop human resources and thus work to establish a company with true strength and long-term stability." (May 8, 2008)
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