Toyota Motor North America reported a 3.7% rise in annual U.S. auto sales on Friday, benefiting from higher demand for its hybrid vehicles. The company, a unit of Japan's Toyota Motor Corp, sold 2.33 million vehicles in 2024,

Toyota had snatched the U.S. sales lead from GM in 2021, marking the first time Toyota led yearly U.S. auto sales — a throne that GM had held for more than 90 years. It was also the first time a foreign automaker led the U.S. in total yearly sales. But GM grabbed back the U.S. sales lead in 2022.

The auto industry is on track to report that it eked out a small increase in U.S. vehicle sales for 2024, helped by better availability on the new-car lot and a flurry of promotional deals in recent months.

Key Takeaways Ford and GM reported more new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2024 than any year since 2019.Both companies reported large electric vehicle sales gains in 2024.Ford shares fell 19% last year,