Toyota is projecting an 8-11% sales increase for combined Tacoma and Tundra sales in 2018. What’s behind this? Both the sales-leading Toyota Tacoma and the full-size Toyota Tundra are built on the same production line in San Antonio, Texas. This is partially why Toyota (TMNA) is grouping the two distinct truck into one sales number. Thanks to our friends at Trucks.com (written by: Carly Schaffner), we have an advanced look at projected sales numbers and more.
Jack Hollis, the sales chief of Toyota’s U.S. division, was recently interviewed by Trucks.com.
Toyota welcomes increased competition and the introduction of the 2019 Ford Ranger. Toyota is looking at it as a rising tide that lifts all boats. The demand for the existing Tacoma remains very strong, and the company plans to increase production to meet demand. The existing 2018 Tundra will continue to fight in the full-size segment, as a “new Tundra” is still far enough away to discuss it in more detail. We will have to wait for a completely redesigned Tundra until 2019 or beyond.
Regarding the next generation Toyota Tundra: “We’re working on a new Tundra. But, how are we going to compete this year? We’re going to compete with the truck that we have…”
Regarding the sales for the 2018 year: “We expect to sell between 340,000 and 350,000 Tacomas and Tundras in 2018. We have a combined number because we can move production [of Tacomas and Tundras] in San Antonio to maneuver where we think the market places are. And we increased production out of the Baja plant…”
You can read more details in the linked Trucks.com story.
Basically, what Toyota is saying is that they project a 8.1 – 11.3% combined (Tacoma and Tundra) sales growth. That’s pretty ambitious, but you have to remember: they are able to build more Tacomas in Mexico to add to their United States sales volume.
