Toyota still tops in global auto sales, VW beats GM for runner-up
by Yuri Kageyama, The Associated Press
GM had been the top-selling automaker for more than seven decades before losing the title to Toyota in 2008
Toyota RAV4 assembly at Toyota Manufacturing Canada Inc. in Woodstock, Ont. PHOTO Toyota
TOKYO—Toyota Motor Corp. remains No. 1 in global vehicles sales after the first six months of this year, followed by Volkswagen AG, which bumped General Motors Co. (GM) out of second place as the U.S. automaker grapples with a recall scandal.
Toyota’s January-June global sales totalled 5.097 million vehicles, up nearly four per cent from a year earlier. Sales grew in the Japanese market as well in the rest of Asia, U.S. and Europe.
Sales in Japan were strong because of a rush to beat the rise in the consumption tax that kicked in from April 1, according to Toyota.
Toyota’s vehicle sales soared 12 per cent in China, while they also held up in North America, growing 5 per cent. Toyota also did well in Europe, with sales edging up 8 per cent.
Toyota declined comment on being No. 1. and officials say they are merely trying to satisfy customers, one car at a time, and not competing to be at the top.
All auto officials tend to make such comments in public, but there is no question of the intense competition.
Volkswagen sold 4.97 million vehicles in the first half, outpacing GM, which sold 4.92 million vehicles, according to figures released earlier this month. VW’s sales are growing faster than that of Detroit-based GM, which is grappling with a major recall over faulty ignition switches.
Toyota, which makes the Camry sedan, Prius hybrid and Lexus luxury models, finished at the top last year with a record 9.98 million vehicles. GM was second and VW third.
Toyota expects to sell more than 10 million vehicles this year, a milestone in the industry.
GM had been the top-selling automaker for more than seven decades before losing the title to Toyota in 2008. GM retook the sales crown in 2011, when Toyota’s production was hurt by the quake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.
Toyota made a powerful comeback in 2012, and appears on track to retain its title this year.
