Toyota RAV4 Rides Redesign to Record February Sales

Warwick, 03/11/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

Fueled by a 2013 model-year redesign, the Toyota RAV4 posted its best-ever February sales last month. The compact crossover sold 13,329 units in the United States, a 5 percent increase over February 2012. Buyers appear to be responding positively to the changes in the new 2013 RAV4, including its new efficient six-speed automatic transmission, increased cargo space and a sleeker exterior design that ditches the rear-mounted spare tire.

Two other Toyota models also saw impressive sales last month, with the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks both achieving their best February sales since 2008. The Tacoma sold 12,644 units for an increase of 19 percent compared to the same month last year, while sales of the Tundra jumped 16 percent, totaling 7,306 units. Toyota's pickups have started the year off strong in the showroom, with their combined sales rising 23 percent year-over-year through January and February.

"Even with unstable gas prices, Toyota's crossovers and trucks are performing very well, and that's due in large part to the improved fuel economy of even its most capable models," said Bill Camastro, general manager of Balise Toyota of Warwick, a Rhode Island Toyota dealer. "The Toyota Tundra and Tacoma don't skimp on capability, but they'll help you keep more money in your pocket over the long term."

The sales success of Toyota's pickup trucks last month came as they were receiving critical acclaim from U.S. News & World Report. The publication's annual Best Cars for the Money Awards featured the Tacoma and Tundra as winners in the Compact Pickup Trucks and Full Size Pickup Trucks segments, respectively. Focusing on tangible criteria like purchase price and depreciation, as well as the subjective opinions of the automotive press, the U.S. News awards were created to help consumers choose a vehicle that is both practical and pleasing to drive.

U.S. News incorporates a range of industry research to determine its Best Cars for the Money Awards, including average price paid and five-year cost of ownership information from TrueCar.com and reliability data from J.D. Power and Associates. Editors also factor in the auto journalists' reviews in regard to performance, interior features and comfort, as well as crash-safety scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"When drivers are searching for a new truck or car, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration, and the U.S. News awards help to distill that information down for easy consumption," added Camastro. "The latest awards show that Toyota trucks should be considered alongside anything that Ford or Chevy produces, as the Tacoma and Tundra offer more performance and value for the money than any other pickups out there."

About Balise Toyota of Warwick:
A member of the Balise Auto Group, Balise Toyota of Warwick’s dedicated staff has earned the trust of discerning Rhode Island drivers. Offering a broad inventory of new and used Toyota vehicles, the Warwick, R.I. Toyota dealer is home to an expert sales team that takes great pride in finding each customer’s ideal vehicle at the right price. Existing Toyota owners have also come to rely on Balise Toyota’s expert service technicians to keep their car running like new. Browse their inventory online at www.balisetoyotaofwarwick.com or call 401-352-5911 to set up a test-drive at their dealership, which is located at 1400 Post Rd. in Warwick. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BaliseToyotaScionWarwick.