Japanese automakers' U.S. sales up 15% in Q1, led by hybrids

As EV sales sputter in America, hassle-free hybrid vehicles steal spotlight

20240403 RAV4

Toyota Motor's sport utility vehecle "RAV4" are among the popular hybrid vehicles in the U.S. market.

AZUSA KAWAKAMI and HIROKO NISHIMURA, Nikkei staff writers

NEW YORK -- Six Japanese automakers, including Toyota Motor, saw a 15% year-on-year increase in U.S. sales of new cars to about 1.43 million in the first quarter, driven by strong demand for hybrid vehicles amid a slowdown for electric vehicles, according to their announcements on Tuesday.

The 15% uptick marks their fourth consecutive quarter of roaring double-digit growth. As sales of EVs sputter in America, hybrids are stealing the spotlight, offering more bang for the buck and hassle-free usability without the need for frequent charging.

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