Toyota recorded its 13^th consecutive year of growth in the UK in 2005. The company, which has two UK production plants in Derbyshire and Deeside, achieved 5 per cent market share for the first time ever with 138,536 cars and commercial vehicles sold.

Corolla (24,199), Verso (9,570) and Prius (3,749) all recorded their highest ever annual sales and Toyota’s best selling model was the Yaris (33,981).

These record results are in contrast to the car market overall which was down 5 per cent. Retail sales (i.e. to private, not company buyers) were down 7.3 per cent overall, but Toyota bucked that trend too with sales in the sector up a record 5.5 per cent, a sign that in challenging market conditions customers were happier to place their faith and investment in Toyota’s quality than rivals’ short term incentives.

Toyota also scored a record year for parts and accessory sales, up 3 per cent against 2005.

Toyota’s run of success is set to continue in 2006 with many new models being introduced, starting with Yaris in January and the RAV4 compact SUV in February.