Key facts
- Toyota's sales in China from April to September fell 25% year-on-year.
- Global sales dropped 4% in the same period.
- Toyota plans to produce next-generation EVs and range-extended electric vehicles in China starting next year.
Toyota Motor's sales in China from April to September, its fiscal first half, fell to a nine-year low as the auto giant and peers struggle in the world's largest market. The company's sales in China, including Lexus, totaled 684,903 vehicles, a 25% decrease from the same period a year earlier. Monthly sales have been below year-earlier levels since February. Rising gasoline prices dampened demand for both gasoline-powered cars and hybrids, while competition intensified with the expansion of new-energy vehicles. Toyota plans to counter by producing next-generation EVs and range-extended electric vehicles in China starting next year. Globally, Toyota sold 5,059,014 vehicles worldwide, down 4% from the same period a year earlier, with production falling 2% to 4,895,406 vehicles.