Toyota Hints at Extension of Sales Incentives

Toyota Motor Corp. brand sales chief Bob Carter hinted on Wednesday that the automaker would extend sales incentives beyond April 5, but he did not offer specifics.

Carter said the automaker would announce its sales plan next Tuesday, the day after current offers are scheduled to expire.

"We will announce the April plans on Tuesday morning," April 6, said Carter when asked in an interview with Reuters whether Toyota would extend sales incentives unprecedented for the automaker.

"We always adjust inventory and such, but I will give you a broad statement: Why would I change? I would have to have my head examined to change these programs," Carter said on the sidelines of the New York International Auto Show.

Toyota's March incentives including zero-percent financing helped boost its sales after declines in January and February linked to safety recalls and production halts along with the suspension of sales for some of its top-selling vehicles.

There will be regional "minor adjustments" of incentives, Carter said, to manage vehicle inventory.