Toyota first-half sales fell even as hybrids and EVs gained in U.S.

Toyota Motor’s global sales and output fell in the first half with sizable declines in Japan and China canceling out a resurgence of hybrids in North America.

Toyota’s global output — including that of subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor and Hino Motors — dropped 9.8% versus the first six months of 2023 to about 5 million units, according to a statement Tuesday. Worldwide sales declined 4.7% to 5.2 million.

Even though hybrid sales grew 57.2% to a record 473,000 units during the period in North America, the overall number was dragged down by a lackluster showing in Japan and China, where sales tumbled 22.3% and 10.8% respectively. That was due in large part to broad recalls of the Prius and other models, as well as intense competition from EV-makers such as China’s BYD.