What do we expect this time? Toyota Motor Corporation has been known to be one of the leading and biggest auto manufacturers in the industry along with General Motors. However, the Japanese automakers came up short in their latest monthly U.S. sales. Yesterday, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., reported May sales of 257,404 vehicles, a decline of 7.9 percent from last May of 2007, on a daily selling pace starting point.

"The all-new Corolla really found its stride this month. Launched amid soaring fuel prices and economic uncertainty, Corolla strikes a sweet spot for buyers seeking refinement in addition to fuel efficiency and affordability," saysTMS President Jim Lentz.

The Toyota Division posted May sales of 230,811, a decrease of 6.3 percent from last May. The Lexus Division reported May sales of 26,593 units, a decrease of 19.6 percent from the year-ago month.

Toyota Division passenger cars recorded May sales of 152,652 units, down 0.9 percent over the same period last year. Lexus passenger cars reported May sales of 16,290 units, a decrease of 21.3 percent from May 2007. Passenger-car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan with May sales of 6,831 units. On the other hand, TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 127,353 units. TMS posted May sales of 26,019 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division posted sales of 23,654 hybrids for the month.

Notes: There were 27 selling days this month, as compared to 26 selling days last May.

To check out the full monthly U.S. sales report, just click HERE.