Toyota 86 local sales success

Australia is the world's third highest market for the 86 so far, behind Japan with 30,000 sales and the United States with 21,400.

Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said Australia's 86 tally of 6,096 cars to the end of June was a remarkable achievement given the relatively small population.

Mr Cramb said cumulative global sales had passed 70,000 for a car praised widely for delivering maximum driving pleasure.

"Australian motorists have bought approximately eight per cent of all 86 sports cars delivered around the world since its debut last year," Mr Cramb said.

"The success of the 86 demonstrates that Australians love their cars and they love Toyota - and this car enables them to indulge both those passions," he said.

Mr Cramb said that, in addition to its ability to delight driving enthusiasts, the GT variant of the four-seat sports car remains priced from an amazingly low $29,990* - more than a year after its launch.

He said the aggressive pricing meant the great handling and performance of the 86 had extended its appeal to people who never imagined they could afford such a fun car.

"With its balance and handling rated in the same league as some legendary sports cars, the 86 has become a halo car that demonstrates Toyota's commitment to 'waku doki' - designing and engineering cars that really get your heart pumping."

Tight supply in 2012 limited the 86 to 2,047 sales to the end of December. In the face of persistent hot demand, Toyota Australia was able to secure a substantial increase in shipments.

Additional supply has enabled local dealers to deliver 4,049 cars so far in 2013 - a higher number than have been sold in Europe for the same period.

Mr Cramb said Toyota appreciated the support of local customers and he thanked them for their patience as Toyota worked hard to meet demand.

"On its own this year, the 86 has outsold the entire offerings of well-established brands in Australia such as Peugeot, Renault and Volvo," he said.

"If this remarkable machine were regarded as a standalone franchise, the 86 would be ranked in the top 20 brands so far this year.

"It is a powerful reminder of Toyota's sports-car heritage. The last time a Toyota sports car sold more than 5,000 in a year was in 1982 with Celica, while the highest Supra sales were 707 in 1984 and the best year for MR2 was 1990 with 483 sales."

Toyota's 86 shares bodywork, trim and its front-mounted, horizontally opposed 'boxer' petrol engine and rear-wheel drive with Subaru's BRZ, the vehicle being a joint development between the two companies, but sold under their individual badges.

Global 86 sales - to July, 2013:
1. Japan 30,000
2. USA 21,400
3. Australia 6,096
4. UK 2,400
5. Canada 2,400

Toyota 86 Australian pricing - as of August 9, 2013
Grade RRP#
86 GT manual $29,990
86 GT automatic $32,490
86 GTS manual $35,490
86 GTS automatic $37,990