Toyota Retakes Title as World Auto Sales Leader

ToyotaToyotaJapan, 1937 > present155 models
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has retaken the crown as world leader in auto sales. It sold 9.75 million cars in 2012, a 23% improvement over the previous year. These figures include its subsidiaries Hino MotorsHinoJapan, 1942 > 19671 model
and DiahatsuDaihatsuJapan, 1951 > present33 models
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Motors. That beats the 9.29 million cars sold by General MotorsGMUnited States of America, 1998 > present8 models
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and 9.07 million cars sold by VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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Group. 

Toyota was able to boost sales by 2% in Europe to 837,969 cars. In the US, Toyota sales rose 27% to 2.08 million cars. Japanese sales were up 35% to 2.41 million cars.

Toyota followed the trend for Japanese auto sales in China. Sales were down in China to below a million cars. Chinese buyers have turned against Japanese companies in recent months because of a territorial dispute in the East China Sea. It is a problem that has affected Japanese companies all over China, not just automakers. 

The brand is estimating that sales will continue to increase next year to 9.91 million cars. It estimates the increase because the weakening yen makes pricing more competitive and growing demand in North America.

Toyota showed a concept for a new Corolla at the North American International Auto Show. It will likely have a production version on sale before the end of the year. 

Toyota held the position as top world automaker from 2008 to 2010. The natural disasters in Japan and Thailand lost the automaker the title in 2011. 

Source: Automotive News