Toyota Motor announced global car sales of 10.54 million units last year, its first record in two years, cementing its position as the world's leading car manufacturer for the sixth year in a row and firmly ahead of Volkswagen, according to Nikkei.
Sales increased by 3.7% year-on-year due to strong demand in North America, Japan, Africa and other regions, and sales outside Japan exceeded a record 9 million vehicles. North America accounted for 28% of global sales, which grew by 7.3% as Toyota's hybrid vehicle line continued to enjoy popularity even after the Trump administration raised duties on Japanese cars to 27.5% and then reduced them to 15% in September. Sales in the United States increased by 8%, while shipments from Japan increased by more than 14%. In China, sales remained virtually unchanged at 1.78 million units amid fierce competition, although hybrids and new electric vehicles such as the bZ3X and bZ5 performed well. Southeast Asia showed mixed trends, while India stood out with 17.1% growth, helped by lower taxes and high demand for SUVs, as well as the launch of Toyota's first electric vehicle in this market.
Strategically, hybrid vehicles remain Toyota's main source of profit, accounting for 4.4 million units or 42% of sales, while BEV sales, while remaining modest (about 199,000 units), grew by more than 40%, underscoring the gradual but steady shift to electric vehicles as Chinese automakers gain global momentum. an impulse.
