Toyota reports strong global sales record of 8.72 million units in 2012 with an increase of 23% over 2011

In line with this impressive sales growth, the Middle East region also reported a record year selling 660,285 units, resulting in a YoY increase of 31% as compared to the previous year.

Across the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), Toyota sold 624,400 vehicles which is a 31% increase YoY over 2011. Toyota maintained its position at the top of the GCC automotive industry with a further increase in its dominant market share to 43%, achieving a phenomenal 4% increase in market share from 2011.

According to Nobuyuki Negishi, Chief Representative of Middle East & North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation "2012 has once again turned out to be a great year for Toyota in terms of our sales growth and it is especially satisfying considering we celebrated our 75th anniversary in 2012. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal customers who have placed their faith in us. It gives me enormous satisfaction to see this enthusiastic response from our customer base which is a true reflection of their trust in our vehicles over the years. These impressive sales figures also demonstrate a magnificent year in terms of sales performance from the entire Toyota Middle East team and our valued distributors."

He added, "We have always strived to improve the quality, durability and reliability of our cars, in addition to providing excitement and exhilaration with our diverse product range to provide the ultimate driver performance and experience, and we will continue to do so. The Middle East region represents a very important and strategic market for Toyota and with our new slogan of Always Better Cars, we will continue our drive to exceed customer expectations across the region by pushing the boundaries of design, technology, craftsmanship and customer service to drive further growth in sales."

In 2012, Toyota introduced a range of new and re-designed models in the Middle East which included notable highlights like the Toyota 86, an epoch making sports model which has received worldwide adulation from customers, media and the motoring industry at large.

In 2012, Toyota also introduced the new, redesigned 2012 Aurion to the Middle East market. Across the Lexus brand, Toyota introduced Middle East customers to a dynamic, fresh styling, that reflected the new face of Lexus through its bold new design and superior craftsmanship with the launch of its flagship LX570, RX 350 and RX 450h in the SUV segment and the all-new ES lineup which includes the ES 350 and ES 250 to name a few.

Toyota group (Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu & Hino) reports strong global sales of 9.75 million units in 2012 with an increase of 23% over 2011.