Toyota Sales Dip as Japan Automakers Brace for Iran Impact

Toyota Motor Corp. sales dipped slightly in February, hurt by fierce competition in China’s electric-vehicle market and weak demand at home in Japan — with the downturn preceding any impact from the Iran conflict.

Global sales in February — including those of subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor Co. and Hino Motors Ltd. — fell 2.3% from last year to 806,905 units, the company said Monday. Toyota and Lexus brand sales fell 13.9% in China, while production there shrank 11.5%, mainly because of the timing of this year’s Lunar New Year holiday.