Toyota overtook GM in sales last year

Posted Tue Jun 12 2007 8:21 AM by James Martinez

Latest findings show that Toyota actually surpassed General Motors in the global sales race last year with a lead of roughly 128,000 vehicles. There had been rumors that Toyota had in fact understated its figures so as to avoid a backlash from American consumers but this latest report goes some way towards disproving the theory.

Data compiled by Automotive News reveal that for its sales tally, GM counted vehicles produced by subsidiaries that it only had a minority stake in. These included the seven-seat microvan and other vehicles manufactured by China’s Shanghai Auto and Liuzhou Wuling Auto.

When allocating these production numbers to 51% owner SAIC, GM’s sales tally for 2006 stands at 8,679,860 units versus Toyota’s 8,808,000. Other brands that are counted in Toyota’s figures include Daihatsu and Hino, while GM’s tally compromises more than a dozen brands including Opel and Saab as well as America’s Chevrolet and Buick.

Toyota is once again on the path to being number one for this year as well. Its current sales projection stands at 9.34 million units versus 9.2 million vehicles for GM.

Reader Comments

Wed Jun 13 2007 9:05 AM
biturbo says

They won by the number of [very boring] vehicles sold.

I say that 10 Yaris do not equal a Corvette... :)

5 Camrys can't touch an Impala SS V8... :)
Wed Jun 13 2007 9:08 AM
biturbo says

What's up with the white Star Wars trooper image??
That car does not exist, it is just a concept that IF will come to production will be toned down into another boring, soul less appliance...
Toyota is run by accountants, do not forget that.
Wed Jun 13 2007 9:18 AM
admin says

Aaaand all current reports suggest it WILL be built.

I think Toyota is at a point where they make so much money they can afford to build cars like this simply to improve their image. What else would you call their F1 involvement?
Wed Jun 13 2007 12:06 PM
HECTOR says

@ biturbo

Let's remember that the same company that the company that makes the Corvette - which is only world class in its latest iteration - also makes the Monte Carlo.

And if you think the Impala - in any way, shape or form - is a car worthy of emulation.... Can't help you there my friend.

GM is bleeding customers and market value precisely because they build crappy cars that are a couple of product cycles behind Toyota and Honda.

As as Toyota being ran by accountants... Let's not forget that GM saves money by eliminating the independent turn signal in the rear and by inflicting those *&^$%# DRLs on us because the Canadian government demands it. (Then again so does Toyota).

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