Toyota capitalized on a month filled with confidence, as the automaker's total sales rose 1 percent in March. The manufacturer sold 205,342 vehicles throughout the month, which capped off an impressive quarter of sales to start 2013.
There was also a significant increase between February and March sales, with the total number of models sold rising by 23 percent month to month. While more business days in March may have been the cause for some of this growth, it can also be attributed to a steadier economy and improved customer confidence. As drivers decide to forgo auto repair in favor of investing in a new vehicle, sales should continue to climb.
"The auto industry continued its string of impressive monthly results, and at Toyota we had our best month since Cash for Clunkers in August of 2009," said Bob Carter, a senior vice president at Toyota. "A strong first-quarter close and increased customer confidence continue to position the auto industry as a leader in the economic recovery."
The brand was boosted by its luxury line Lexus, which had sales increase by 19 percent and was led by a strong performance from the ES luxury sedan, USA Today reports. In total, Lexus' numbers are up by more than 15 percent over this time last year.