Toyota Ireland is offering immediate delivery on a range of popular models despite the long production and delivery delays currently plaguing the car industry.
The company said that it had a high level of stock available for delivery in March and April of its best-selling models such as the Corolla, Yaris, C-HR and RAV4 amid a landscape of high demand for new cars and manufacturers struggling to get cars out the factory door.
Current affairs
The global semiconductor shortage has meant that buyers have, in some cases, had to wait more than a year for delivery of their new cars. While this is still a serious issue for carmakers that isn't expected to abate until later this year or even in 2023, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has also thrown another spanner in the works: manufacturers that rely heavily on Ukrainian factories and supply chains (notably Skoda and Volkswagen) have had to slow or suspend production of certain models, a move that will likely further contribute to customer delays.
One of Toyota's major suppliers of plastic and electronic components was struck by suspected Russian cyber-attack following the announcement that Japan would join in with US and European sanctions on Russia, an incident that reduced Toyota's output by around 13,000 units. With the majority of Toyotas in Ireland being manufactured in the UK and Europe, however, Irish supplies have not been affected.
Ireland's best-selling car brand
The ready availability of new cars is also likely to further bolster Toyota's position as Ireland's best-selling car brand. While the Hyundai Tucson was the country's best-selling model in 2021 and in January and February of this year, strong sales for a number of Toyota models meant that, overall, Toyota was the country's best-selling brand last year, something that has also continued into 2022. The Corolla and Yaris were the country's second and third biggest sellers last year with the C-HR and RAV4 in sixth and seventh places, respectively. The Corolla is currently top of the charts in the mid-sized car segment with 37 per cent of the market; the Yaris tops the small car segment with a 31 per cent share.
Commenting on both the company's market position in Ireland as well as its availability of cars, Toyota Ireland's Marketing Director, Michael Gaynor, said:
"While the supply shortages in the motor industry are well documented, our close alignment and planning with Toyota Europe is such that we've good availability on Corolla hatchback and Corolla saloon hybrid, Yaris hybrid and petrol, C-HR hybrid and RAV4 PHEV, all for delivery in March and April. Therefore, if customers are looking to change to low emitting hybrid-electric cars and want immediate delivery, we would encourage them to talk to their Toyota dealer today."