Toyota February sales in the US likely affected by recalls

Industry analysts expect Toyota Motor Corp.'s February sales to have fallen at least ten percent from last year following the company's series of recalls involving popular models like the Camry and the Prius hybrid.

The Japanese carmaker's quality and the perceived trust problem may have also shrunk Toyota's market share in the United States last month to 12.6 percent from 15.9 percent from February 2009, automotive industry tracking firm Edmunds.com said.

Analysts quoted by AutoNews.com said clients have not totally abandoned Toyota although brands like Ford, Nissan and Hyundai may benefit from trust issues between motorists and the troubled Japanese carmaker.

"There is a wait-and-see approach by Toyota loyalists. They want to see how this plays out before making a buying decision," IHS Global Insight analyst Chris Hopson said on AutoNews.com.

Toyota is the leading brand for Filipino drivers based on data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines. It represents 35 percent of the market with total of 46,193 Toyota units were sold in the Philippines in 2009.

Sales of Toyota Motor Philippines were up 21 percent in January, before news over Toyota Motor Corp.'s massive recall broke out.

Local automotive sales figures are expected to be released on March 8.