Toyota's China car sales stage dramatic recovery


China sales at the world's biggest carmaker are set for a record

New Yaris L

The new Yaris L at the Guangzhou Auto Show Image: Toyota China

Toyota Motor Corp reported vehicle sales in China rose to 89,800 units (a 41% increase) in November 2013, bringing the eleven-month total to 809,000 units.

Sales slumped significantly after anti-Japanese sentiment - caused by border disputes - impacted sales at Toyota, Nissan and Suzuki.

If sales continue in this fashion, Toyota will deliver a record year for its China operations in 2013. The Japanese automaker credits the recovery to the introduction of popular Yaris L and Reiz compact models, as well as the RAV4 crossover.

Nissan, the largest Japanese carmaker in China by volume, has already seen China sales rise above and beyond pre-2012 backlash levels, according to Ren Yong, VP of Dongfeng Motor Co, with whom Nissan share a joint venture company.