Market Snapshot

FULLSIZE TRUCK ENTHUSIASTS FUEL TOYOTA TUNDRA'S DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH

Toyota recently announced plans to release 13 new model variations of the fullsize Tundra pickup for the 2008 model year. The automaker says the biggest change will be increased availability of the two most popular cab styles—Double Cab and CrewMax—in the newly-named "Tundra Grade," aimed at price-conscious customers. The new additions are set to hit dealerships in mid-October.

The Double Cab is the top-selling Tundra configuration, Toyota says, accounting for 68% of non-fleet sales, while the larger CrewMax accounts for 26% of Tundra sales. The Tundra's 381-hp, 5.7L V8 is chosen by 72% of customers, making it the most popular engine choice and helping push new Tundra sales to double-digit growth through September 2007, compared to the year prior.

From January to September 2007, consumers purchased 144,480 new Tundras, a 57.9% jump from the 91,525 sold during the same 2006 period. The Cadillac Escalade EXT was the only other fullsize truck to experience a double-digit gain.



Results from SEMA’s 2007 Automotive Lifestyles survey of enthusiasts, which garnered nearly 3,000 complete responses, showed that the Tundra and Tacoma topped the list of Toyota models owned and accessorized. Bedliners, trailer hitches, air intakes, exhaust kits, tonneau covers and side steps ranked among the parts and accessories most purchased by this small sample (0.5% of the entire survey sample) of Tundra owners.