Toyota recovers the crown of world’s largest automaker (2012)

After a solid first half, Toyota recovered the title of world’s largest automaker.

Toyota kick's GM once again. Since the earthquake and tsunami, and the problems with brakes in North America, Toyota is back to the top putting General Motors and Volkswagen to second and third place.

Number of sold cars during the first half of the year 2012, according to Bloomberg:
Toyota Group - 4.97 million
GM Group - 4.67 million
VW Group - 4.45 million

In 2011 Toyota lost the crown to GM as the result of Japan’s natural disasters. However, Toyota automaker has now fully recovered the position. This a tight race. Toyota will try to keep its lead for the rest of the year. VW Group is trying to shorten the distance since Porsche as become the last brand in the Group. The German automaker is planning to attack the first position until 2018. They are the one that have more brands but still to work more to get GM and Toyota.

Toyota Motor Group brands

Toyota
Scion
Lexus
Daihatsu
Hino Motors

Volkswagen Group brands

Volkswagen
Audi
Seat
Lamborghini
Bentley
Bugatti
Skoda
Porsche
Scania
Ducati

GM Group brands

Chevrolet
Buick
Cadillac
GMC