Toyota overtakes General Motors as world's largest automaker

Japanese giant Toyota has regained its largest car manufacturer position from GM by selling 2.49 million units worldwide in the first quarter of 2012. General Motors on the other hand sold 2.29 million units in the same period. 

Toyota took the title of world’s largest automaker in 2008, as the U.S. market collapsed and GM came close to shutdown in 2009. The 2011 was an unfortunate year for Toyota and other Japanese manufactures as their production was severely hit due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and flooding in Thailand. GM then regained its top position with 9 million sales worldwide followed by Volkswagen in second position with close to 8 million units.

Toyota’s North American vice president of external affairs, Jim Wiseman said, “Although being No. 1 is not the main goal for us, it’s nice to see because hopefully it shows we’re on the right track. With customers reacting so positively to all of the new and updated products we’re introducing this year, we’re optimistic the good momentum will continue.”