According to Japan Today, Toyota had sold around 1,354,000 vehicles in Asia until the end of November, while Japan only managed to reach the 1,256,000 mark. Out of the total units sold in Asia, except Japan, China is to be held accountable for nearly half: 622,000 units, with analysts saying that the total number at the end of the year may very well be around 700,000 units.
The facts Japan Today is telling us about will make Asia become the second largest market for the Japanese carmaker, behind the US, where Toyota managed to sell 1,770,000 vehicles by the end of November, despite a very bad year in terms of both finances and public perception of its products. Toyota remains the number one selling brand in the US, followed by American manufacturer Ford.
Even though Toyota is spending huge amounts with its winter sales, called Toyotathon, officials say that the first place is not necessarily their aim.
"Being No. 1 is so overblown," said Toyota General Manager Bob Carter. "Do I want to sell a lot of cars? Absolutely. I have a lot of respect for Ford, but we're focused on what we do best, and that's the retail side of the market."
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