Toyota Becomes Largest Automaker

Since first unveiling its affordable Model AA in 1936, Toyota has become one of the world’s most well known automotive companies.  After building automotive plants in the United States, Toyota gained notable success in the American market.  Models such as the Camry and Corrolla have been best-sellers in the United States for decades and more recently the Prius hybrid led the trend for more environmentally friendly automobiles.  With over 70 models currently available, Toyota’s affordability, environmental focus and reliability have allowed the company to challenge for worldwide automotive dominance.

On this day, January 21, in 2009, Toyota surpassed General Motors as the largest car maker in the world. General Motors had previously held the position for more than 70 years.  Automobile sales actually showed slight declines for Toyota in 2008, but the automotive giant was still able ascend to the top position with more severe struggles experienced by GM.  Toyota boasted of 8.97 million vehicles sold in 2008, which topped GM by more than 600,000.

Toyota would continue its success for the next year and a half, but in the end, would not be able to hold its title as largest car maker.  GM would take back its top position in August of 2011.