Toyota Says Its Sales of Hybrids Will Jump 50%

Toyota Motor Corp. expects its hybrid auto sales to increase 50% this year.

The automaker sold about 150,000 hybrid models in 2005, said Jim Press, president of Toyota’s U.S. sales unit.

Gains this year will come from current models and the addition of a hybrid Camry sedan and the new Lexus GS450h luxury sedan, he said.

Toyota’s overall sales may grow as much as 10% this year, after a 9.7% gain last year, Press said.

The company said it produced a record 1,558,828 vehicles and 1,295,227 engines in North America in 2005.