Toyota has reported that the Toyota Division posted April sales of 194,350, a decrease of 2.7 percent from last April. The Lexus Division reported April sales of 23,350 units, a decrease of 17.1 percent from the year-ago month.

The price increases will start in the middle of May, include a hike of $200 on the 2008 Yaris sedan, boosting the cost of the base model to $12,425, with higher prices for models with extra features. The 2009 Camry will go up $200, to $18,920 for a model without any extras .

The base hybrid car Camry, introduced as a 2007 model in late 2006, will cost $300 more, at $25,650, Toyota said.

Like other Japanese automakers, Toyota is enjoying sales growth while American automakers are struggling. Soaring gas prices have increased demand for smaller, fuel-efficient cars that Japanese automakers are reputed for.

Source: By Money Scoop Blog