Toyota’s October Sales Hit Record as Global Volume Climbs 3%

Toyota reported record global sales for October, driven by growth in the United States that offset declines in China and Japan. The company said worldwide sales—including Daihatsu Motor and Hino Motors—rose 3% year over year to 1 million units. Toyota and Lexus sales in the United States increased 12%, while sales fell 6.6% in China and 4.2% in Japan.

Toyota said strong demand for the RAV4 and other crossover models supported US volume despite ongoing tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts. The company also noted that geopolitical tensions continue to affect its China operations. Recent comments by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan prompted China to adopt economic and diplomatic measures, adding pressure on the automaker’s performance in the region.

Earlier in November, Toyota raised its annual operating profit outlook. The company expects a ¥1.4 trillion (US$8.96 billion) impact from tariffs but still projects operating profit of ¥3.4 trillion (US$21.8 billion) for the fiscal year ending in March. Battery-electric vehicle sales rose 74% year over year in October, reaching 18,322 units globally.

Honda reported its seventh consecutive monthly sales decline, with October deliveries down 5.6% to 292,319 units. The company attributed much of the decrease to a 20% drop in China, where domestic electric-vehicle manufacturers continue to gain preference over Japanese brands. Honda also cited supply chain disruptions affecting its North American operations. Production in the region fell 14% to 134,454 vehicles after shipments of chips from Nexperia were disrupted. Nexperia, owned by China’s Wingtech Technology, has been under Dutch government oversight due to concerns tied to legacy-chip manufacturing.

Nissan said October sales fell 4.8% to 258,517 units. A 14% decline in the US offset an 11% increase in China, resulting in a net contraction for the month.