Toyota Global Sales Fall for Second Straight Month on China Weakness

Toyota’s global vehicle sales and production both fell for a second consecutive month in August, declining 6.4% to 790,743 vehicles and 5.9% to 700,860, respectively. China was the biggest drag, with sales down about 23% for a seventh straight month amid weak demand and intensifying competition from local electric-vehicle makers; sales also fell 4.4% in the U.S. and 37.5% in the Middle East. Japan sales rose 9.1%, supported in part by demand for new models and hybrids, but the gains were outweighed by declines in key markets; production also fell in China and the U.S., while an earthquake-related suspension contributed to lower output in Japan.