GM’s 90-year reign ends as Toyota becomes best-selling car brand in US

Updated Jan 05, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Yet, Toyota has no plans of gloating over its latest victory.

There’s a first time for everything, and this holds true in the auto industry. The most recent upset so far involves Toyota, which has broken nine consecutive decades of sales dominance established by General Motors (GM) in the U.S. market. 

Toyota Camry front shot

Toyota has dislodged General Motors as the U.S. sales leader for 2021

Reuters cites Toyota Motor North America’s (TMNA) yearend report saying that a total of 2.332 million vehicles rolled off showrooms in 2021, an increase of 10.4 percent on a volume basis and 11.5 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. In contrast, GM sold 2.218 million vehicles, representing a 13-percent slump for the year. 

By the numbers, this is the first time that GM was dethroned as the overall sales leader in the U.S. since 1931, when it overtook Ford. In 2020, GM sales for the U.S. market reached 2.55 million units, while Toyota took second place with 2.11 million vehicles sold. The Japanese automaker is on its 10th consecutive year of being the number one retail brand for Americans.   

Toyota Prius

Electrified powered vehicles such as the Prius make up a quarter of Toyota's overall sales in America

The 2021 figures are broken down into 2,027,786 Toyota vehicles and 304,476 Lexus units handed over to customers. Toyota identified the Camry, Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, Tacoma, and the Lexus NX as the best-selling models in their respective categories. Electrified powered vehicles (EPVs) – including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles – make up 25 percent of TMNA’s total sales volume, continuing its status as the leading seller of EPVs for 22 straight years. 

Toyota’s achievement is made even more remarkable considering various problems it faced related to COVID-19, especially the worldwide shortage of semiconductor chips that delayed production of several models. The carmaker is coy about its recent win, saying that its earned sales lead in the U.S. is not likely to be sustainable in the long run.     

Chevrolet Suburban

Despite relinquishing its long-standing lead, General Motors says it still did well with pickups and full-size SUVs

"Despite a second consecutive year of challenges, TMNA focused on delivering an exceptional customer experience, and we remain optimistic as our electrification strategy further evolves," said TMNA Senior Vice President Jack Hollis, thanking dealers and promising that no less than 21 models will be introduced for the 2022 model year.   

Get the latest news on industry leaders at Philkotse.com.       

Know more about Toyota Camry 2024

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan positioned by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) for the premium market. The latest generation version was introduced globally in 2017, while TMP revamped its variant lineup with the all-new 2024 Toyota Camry V HEV 2.5 AT. Currently, this is the sole variant for the said model and Toyota Camry Price Philippines starts at Php 2,442,000. Under the hood of the new 2.5 V HEV is a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine capable of making up to 176 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque. Combined with the motor generator, it can produce up to 208 horsepower. It is then paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which then sends power to its front wheels.  

Size-wise, the 2024 Toyota Camry is 4,885mm long, 3,840mm wide, and 1,445mm in height. It also has a ground clearance of 140mm and a wheelbase length of 2,820mm. 

For the local market, the Toyota Camry rivals the likes of the Honda Accord and the Mazda6

 

Toyota Camry Launch

The latest generation of the Toyota Camry (XV70), was first introduced globally in 2017 at the North American International Auto Show. Later in 2021, TMP then brought the Camry V HEV 2.5 AT for the model year 2024. 

Toyota Camry Exterior

When it comes to size, the all-new 2024 Camry is 4,885mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,445mm in height. It has a wheelbase length of 2,820mm and a ground clearance of 140mm. 

As for exterior equipment, this Toyota-made four-door sedan gets rain-sensing wipers, power-adjustable and power-folding side mirrors, automatic LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED front fog lamps, LED taillights, and a moon roof, among others. 

Toyota Camry Interior

Like most sedans, the 2024 Toyota Camry can comfortably seat up to five occupants. As a sedan that’s positioned on the premium side of things, it is also equipped with leather seats, a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a sizable seven-inch TFT multi-information display, a 3-zone automatic air-conditioning system with rear vents, a power rear sunshade, and a handful of interior lighting. 

Technology & Safety Features

Positioned on the Camry’s dashboard is a nine-inch touchscreen headunit with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The said unit can also handle AM/FM radio, and it also has Miracast. It is then linked to a nine-piece JBL speaker system. 

Other features found inside the 2024 Camry Philippines are a wireless phone charger, two rear USB chargers, and a 12-volt accessory outlet, among others. 

Moving on to standard safety equipment, this model from Toyota is kitted out with what you’d expect from a modern car. It gets anti-lock braking, hillstart assist, stability control, an engine immobilizer and car alarm, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. It also comes standard with seven airbags.

Beyond that, the new Camry also gets the latest version of the Toyota Safety Sense driver assist suite. This includes a pre-collision system, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, lane trace assist, lane departure alert, and dynamic cruise control. 

Other safety features found on the 2024 Toyota Camry are a panoramic view monitor and a total of eight sensors (sonar) for clearance and the rear. 

Platform & Chassis

The 2024 Toyota Camry uses the new TNGA-K unibody platform. It shares this with the new Toyota RAV4, as well as the Lexus ES and NX. For suspensions, it gets a MacPherson strut for the front and a double-wishbone suspension for the rear. Braking is then handled by disc brakes for all four wheels, and it also gets an electronic parking brake. 

Engine & Drivetrain

Under the hood of the 2024 Toyota Camry is a 2.5-liter inline-4 A25A-FXS hybrid gasoline engine. In total, this powertrain can produce up to 208 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque. It is then paired to a CVT, which sends power to the car’s front wheels. 

Toyota Camry Q&A

1. Does the Toyota Camry have a sunroof?

No, no variants of the Camry are equipped with sunroof.

2. How much is the Toyota Camry 2024 in the Philippines?

The price of the Toyota Camry 2024 ranges from 2,442,000 Php for the 2.5 HEV version and 2,457,000 for the pearl white color.

3. Is the 2024 Camry a good car?

Yes, the Camry 2024 is a good car to buy. Good warranty, durable ride and performance, and fuel economy are big plus points of the car.

4. What is the ground clearance of the Toyota Camry 2024?

The ground clearance of the Toyota Camry is 140mm.

5. Is the Camry 2024 an SUV?

No, it isn’t. The Toyota Camry is a sedan.

 

₱ 2,442,000 - ₱ 2,457,000

Explore
Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapatilya

View more