Toyota beats GM in global sales

NAGOYA: Toyota Motor has overtaken General Motors of the United States in global auto sales during first half of 2008, according to data released by the two automakers.

Recording a growth of 2.2 per cent in its sales from last year, Toyota has this year sold 4,817,941 units against GM's 4,540,409 units.

The Toyota figure, gathered on a preliminary basis, includes sales of motor vehicles made and sold by its group companies -- compact car manufacturer Daihatsu Motor Co and truck maker Hino Motors Ltd.

The company officials attributed the record to good sales in emerging economies such as China and Russia.

Toyota Motor Corp has been vying with GM for the title of the world's largest automaker.

As for sales in January to March this year, Toyota seized top place on the global sales ranking list, eclipsing GM's sales by about 160,000 units.