Toyota’s Corolla has taken an early lead as Australia’s best-selling vehicle in 2008, according to official sales figures released today. Corolla posted a January sales record with 3,843 finding new homes in Australia, an increase of 10.3 percent over the previous January’s result.

Corolla has achieved top-seller status in seven months - once in 2005 (September), twice in 2006 (June and July), three times in 2007 (January, June and December) as well as in January 2008.

Interestingly, the Toyota Hilux was the third best selling vehicle in January with 3,020 sales, continuing the Hilux’s strong 2007 performance, while the Toyota Yaris was the fifth best selling vehicle with 2,433 sales.

Toyota are on a roll having recorded a January total of 17,852 sales - 9.9 per cent higher than January 2007 and 24.1 per cent better than January 2006.

“We are seeing the result of concerted efforts by Toyota and our dealer network to improve vehicles, service and the overall customer experience. Having three of Australia’s five most popular vehicles demonstrates the strength of the Toyota range. The January result gives us a great platform for the rest of 2008,” said David Buttner, Toyota Australia’s senior executive director sales and marketing.