Camry (Toyota)

On July 24, Toyota West Virginia announced the start of production for the fifth-generation hybrid transaxle, a core part of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to electrification.

Assembly of the new transaxles is a result of more than USD 300 million in investments at the plant announced in 2021 and 2022.

The fifth-generation hybrid transaxle is part of the all-new Toyota Camry and Corolla Cross and a key component of the company’s portfolio approach to vehicle electrification.

Toyota believes that a diverse array of products will provide all customers a role in reducing carbon emissions. Since 2021, Toyota has announced new investments totaling more than USD 18.6 billion into its U.S. manufacturing operations to support electrification efforts.

With more than 2,000 employees, Toyota West Virginia represents a USD 2 billion investment and assembles both engines and drivetrain components for Toyota’s North American operations.

(Toyota press release on July 24, 2024)

U.S. new vehicle sales compiled by MarkLines as of July 8 (preliminary figures including estimates from GM, Stellantis, Tesla, etc.) of 1,344,092 units for the month of June represented a decrease of 3.0% from one year ago in June 2023.

June’s passenger car sales decreased 7.3% to 269,439 units, while SUV and truck sales decreased 1.9% to 1,074,653 units.

Total U.S. vehicle sales of 7,892,786 units for the first six months of 2024 represent a 2.3% increase from the same period in 2023.

CDK Global, which provides management systems to North American dealerships, was hit by a cyber attack on June 19, affecting the sales operations at approximately 15,000 dealerships and postponing some sales from June to July. 

There were 26 selling days in June 2024, same as the 26 days in June 2023.

General Motors June sales decreased 4.7%, Ford sales fell 6.1%, and Stellantis sales dropped 17.5%, marking the sixth consecutive month of double-digit declines.  

Tesla sales fell 9.1%, marking the fourth consecutive month of declines compared to the same month last year. 

Among Japanese companies, Toyota sales were nearly flat at 193,313 units, Nissan sales were up 3.2%, Honda sales were up 1.1%, Subaru sales were up 0.1%, Mitsubishi sales were down 2.7%, and Mazda sales were up 19.8 %.

Hyundai sales were down 2.8%, and Kia sales were down 6.5%.

Among European companies, VW brand sales were up 29.8%, Audi sales were down 22.5%, and Volvo Car sales were down 11.2%.

The best-selling models in June 2024 were:

  1. Ford F-Series (65,428 units)
  2. Chevrolet Silverado (44,944)
  3. Toyota RAV4 (41,663)
  4. Ram Ram pickup (35,487)
  5. Tesla Model Y (33,067)
  6. Honda CR-V (31,710)
  7. GMC Sierra (27,520)
  8. Toyota Camry (25,432)
  9. Honda Civic (21,829)
 10. Chevrolet Trax (18,862)

(MarkLines data compiled as of July 8, 2024)

On June 27, J.D. Power released its 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study, with Ram ranked as the highest brand overall for quality, and Porsche the best among premium brands.

The study was based on responses from 99,144 car purchasers and lessees of new 2024 model-year vehicles that were asked about: infotainment; features, controls and displays; exterior; driving assistance; interior; powertrain; seats; driving experience; climate; and unspecified unique repairs.

The study rates quality by "problems per 100 vehicles" in the first 90 days of ownership. The industry average this year was 195 problems per 100 vehicles. 

Mass market brands had a combined average of 181 problems per 100 vehicles, outperforming the industry average. The premium brands, with more advanced tech, averaged 232 problems per 100 vehicles.

Gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles average 180 problems per 100 vehicles, while EVs are 86 points higher at 266. Polestar topped the list with 316 problems per hundred cars. Tesla and Rivian each rated a score of 266.

Best vehicle brands and scores (mass market)

•    Ram - 149
•    Chevrolet - 160
•    Hyundai - 162

Best vehicle brands and scores (premium)

•    Porsche - 172
•    Lexus  - 174
•    Genesis - 184

Best cars

•    Overall: Lexus LC
•    Small premium car: BMW 2 Series
•    Midsize car: Toyota Camry
•    Compact car: Kia Forte
•    Premium sporty car: Lexus LC
•    Compact premium car: Lexus IS
•    Upper midsize premium car: Genesis G80
•    Small SUV: Ford Bronco Sport
•    Small premium SUV: Lexus UX
•    Midsize SUV: Nissan Murano
•    Upper midsize SUV: Chevrolet Traverse
•    Midsize premium SUV: Cadillac XT5
•    Upper midsize premium SUV: Cadillac XT6
•    Compact SUV: Chevrolet Equinox
•    Compact premium SUV: BMW X4
•    Large SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe
•    Large premium SUV: Infiniti QX80
•    Minivan: Kia Carnival
•    Midsize pickup: Hyundai Santa Cruz
•    Large light-duty pickup: Ram 1500
•    Large heavy duty pickup: Chevrolet Silverado HD

(J.D. Power release on June 27, 2024) (Detroit Free Press article on June 27, 2024)