Toyota auto sales up 3% in November

Toyota's U.S. sales rose 3% in November, as the company's crossovers and sport-utility vehicles benefited from the industry-wide trend away from cars.

Although Toyota has long been known for staples such as the Camry sedan, the Prius hybrid and the Corolla compact, the strong November performance underscores the company's balanced lineup of vehicles.

While Toyota brand cars fell 3%, Toyota brand crossovers, SUVs and pickup trucks rose 5%, led by a 30% increase for the RAV4.

At 27,368 vehicles, the RAV4 was the automaker's second-best selling vehicle for the month, trailing only the Camry at 30,945.

The company's Lexus luxury brand recorded a 7% sales increase for the month.

Toyota said it enjoyed its best Black Friday weekend in eight years.

"The auto industry is on-track to exceed 2015 expectations," said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager for the Toyota division, in a statement.

Follow Paste BN reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey.