TOKYO (Reuters) – Toyota Motor (NYSE:)’s global output decreased for the ninth consecutive month in October, mainly due to significant drops in production in the United States and China. However, the decline was less severe compared to previous months.
The world’s largest automaker also saw its first increase in global sales in five months, with a 1.4% growth to 903,103 vehicles, setting a new record for the month of October.
On Thursday, Toyota reported a global production of 893,164 vehicles, a decrease of 0.8%. This is an improvement from the 8% decline seen in September.
In the United States, production dropped by 13% due to a four-month halt in the production of SUV models Grand Highlander and Lexus TX, caused by an airbag issue. Production of these models resumed on October 21, and output at the Indiana plant is expected to return to normal in January.
In China, where competition with local brands is fierce, production fell by 9%. Toyota also produced 13% fewer cars in Thailand due to weak demand.
In Japan, which contributes about a third of Toyota’s global output, production increased by 8%, recovering from lower numbers a year ago when a supplier’s facility accident led to a partial production stop at multiple plants.
In Canada and Mexico, Toyota’s production increased by 2% in both countries.
The production and sales figures include vehicles from Toyota’s luxury Lexus brand but exclude group companies Hino and Daihatsu.