Volkswagen tops Toyota as world’s largest vehicle producer
November 12, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Figures from automotive industry analyst IHS Global Insight show that Volkswagen has overtaken Toyota as the world’s largest vehicle producer for the first three-quarters of 2009.
VW made 4.4 million vehicles from January to September compared to the 4.2 million tallied in Toyota’s recent financial report.
However, Toyota today claimed that it has actually produced 4.9 million vehicles, but offered no explanation for the discrepancy.
Some sources are speculating that the difference could come from counting kit units assembled by Toyota’s affiliates, but there is no clear word yet.
Either way, VW’s stay at the top is expected to be short-lived, with the Japanese manufacturer known to have slowed production dramatically through the global financial crisis and capable of ramping it up to a 10 million vehicle capacity.
Toyota produced 9.24 million vehicles in 2008 and is expected to make closer to seven million this year.
While VW does not have the capacity to match Toyota, its growth has come through diversifying.
In July, VW sold 128,000 cars in China, nearly one-quarter of its global monthly sales.
by Tim Beissmann
Print it: 
I am not surprised. Toyota quality is slowly going down and they engines nothing special. If you check the International engine of the year website hardly any Japanese engines there. http://www.ukipme.com/engineof.....ories.html
I had Toyota before now I have a Honda but my next car is a VW or Skoda.
This is 2 day-old news.
So long Toyota, boring will be left on the shelf by increasing numbers.
Yes this news is more than 2 days old and IHS global insight information is not factual as GM still produce the most cars in the world. It beats VW by 400,000 vehicles. The report failed to take into account GM’s subsidaries in China.
Now VW probably sold more vehicles than GM or Toyota, thats a different story!
Outside the GTI and R
Golf and Passat put a lot of people to sleep too.
Passat has nice specs that will rarely be used, since their owners are 40-50 year mid-management types who drive to the limit all the time (most)
And the young ones who drool over the engine specs can’t afford them… too bad.
yeah i think toyota is getting a little lazy being at the top. when i see toyota specs i’m not like oh f*** yeah like when i see german car specs
But lets definie German here..
Audi? Mercedes? BMW? (main 3)
Those cars have the typical
- 180~220kW
- 250~400Nm
numbers on them.
But How much are those cars retailing for?
75K… or 85K drive away price tag?
Then factor in the service, running cost, which is approximately twice the amount that of japanese brands.
Insurance per year? $1200~$2000.
If you have the money then go ahead. Lucky you eh
We compare that to Toyota vehicles that cost 30K~35K drive away. With service fees of around $200~$300.
The cost is dramatically different.
Thats why its ridiculous to see all these young people here who can’t afford those “european” cars, bag the cheaper alternatives in the japanese brands.
Dude, newsflash, you can’t afford an Audi S4… be happy that car companies sell cars that you can afford. So instead of putting them down… maybe some appreciation?
Toyota, or Honda etc can easily… very very very easily give you a 3.5L that has 220kW~400Nm torque… then charge you $75~85K for it… but you’d whine about “Im not paying 75K for a Toyota”…
Do you see the logic there?
No.
Jamison
Your sensible post is spot on…even comparably priced European cars to Japanese cars will set back their owners with expensive running costs not to mention the consumer reports which tend to have the Jap cars consistantely at the top for reliability and build quality
Finally! I never cared that Toyota was getting more sales, but I did care that more people were choosing cars that were not up to Volkswagen standard in quality, looks, drive, economy (can anybody match Toyota’s claimed economy?) or refinement. Volkswagen does all those things better and I don’t think Golf drivers look silly in the same way Corolla ones do.
Very well done Volmswagen. Congratulations.
Looks are subjective, the only people you’re impressing in a Golf is pom’s and late sipping darlinghurst wankers.
I don’t care to impress anyone – I’m self assured and don’t need approval to be viable.
My GTI impresses me every time I drive it.
GTi’s are awesome, no one disputes that.
yeah, VW looks stupid to me
^^ Meant to write Volkswagen at the end there.
This news is definitely not surprising, it’s very noticeable that Toyota is just not doing a good job in their models right now. Though it’s a shame because I’ve always liked Toyota cars. But as for VW being on top, good job!
Good work VW – now make the DSG better@
ok VW, nows a good time to discount your cars!
Yep, all successful marketing campaigns reduce their prices when they have trounced the competition – but only in dreamland, sadly.
Toyota may have the capacity to produce mre cars than VW, but that’s worth jack schmidt if nobody is buying them. That’s what’s happened to Toyota, it’s all very well to defend them and say they reduced production because of the GFC, but that’s just rubbish.
They reduced production because 2.3 million fewer people bought them, that’s it!
VW will be buying their disused plants in the near future, haha, and then they won’t have excess capacity any longer……
Yeah, start selling us the high quality ones from South Africa again at cheaper prices!!!
This was inevitable, as most Chinese are getting richer off western consumers buying Chinese stuff, while buying more exotic Volkswagens rather than almost domestic Toyotas.
Makes me proud to own a VW.
You should see how many cars VW sold in China.
it tells you in the article, 128,000 for July, one quarter of their global sales, which is approx 512,000 or around 11% of the three quarter production figures. I’d say unlike Toyota they don’t have a surplus.
VW sold more cars in China than Germany.
VW group need government bailout money to keep going.
most manufacturers do you clown!
No a Government bailout, not industry funding.
Two of the worlds top 4 didn’t need it. Both VAG & GM did. GM just that little bit bigger, well a whole lot bigger, OK massively bigger.
Still doesnt change the fact that the VW group needed bailing out.
The real amazing thing about them breaking the chinese market is they are typiclly people who are very loyal to their own products.
Its unusual for them to committ to products that makes another nation richer.
In nicer terms the asian etchic seems to be pretty damn loyal
Figures like this that shoot from the hip dont really tell the true story.
Are these figures from units made or sold.
does this include only VW and Toyota badged numbers, or their other companies too.
Either way, what ever these figures are reflective of, I still wouldnt have thought VW was that close yet so thats something.
Now they have a sniff, watch out for their mass market cheaper models or discounting to begin.
I know they are already sniffing out the fleet sales that has once pulled Toyota, Holden and Ford to the top of the sales tree
I guess that in the next 9 months this situation might change. Toyota will react to this situation; it remains to be seen whether they’ll be inspired on their next moves or not.
If you were in Northern Australia from WA, to Darwin through to Cairns you would account for a vast proporation of Toyota’s southern hemisphere output. It’s Toyota land bar none.
I think people are mis-reading the numbers… or misunderstanding the meaning behind them.
MADE is different from SOLD.
Toyota is KNOWN as a Just In Time producer, efficient, low stock/inventory system THAT all manufacturers inspire to.
Hence, when market demand was low, they adjusted quickly to reduce supply. Which saves a lot of cash.
Volkswagen, Im not too familiar with their production system or demand/supply system. But nonetheless the figures show they produced more cars than Toyota so I take it at face value.
SOLD cars is different however.
And its funny how VW has such a good reputation in Australia. Almost regarded as premium cars. When they aren’t really.
VW is a high volume manufacturer… with a European name.
They aren’t Audi, nor BMW… or Merc for that matter.
And you have to realize that yes, on the show room and spec sheet, VW is impressive. But they aren’t premiumly built cars like the other high-end Euros. I just wanted to say that since Ive spoken to people saying that VW is as good as Audi etc. No… sorry. But good job VW marketing.
And lets compare service fees, running cost with japanese manufactured cars and see who’s happier.
Again, 99% of the market don’t care about how much kilowatts or torque a car has. Im not saying VW is all specs no substance… they are one of the better car affordable car brands out there… but nonetheless good job VW. And Toyota is obviously putting a lot of effort on recapturing the young demographic…. look at their sports car lineup (both Lexus and Toyota). They have 4-5 models out in the next 2-3 years.
Why are you defending Toymota????
2.3 million people decided not to buy a Toyota, lots of them bought a VW instead. And 99% of them will wonder why they drove such bland washing machines before and will NEVER go back.
Toyota will not recover since VAG is just gaining momentum.
VW built more cars because Toyota reduced production to purge thier surplus. However, Toyota sold more cars. From January to September, VW sold 4.76 million units as opposed to Toyota whom sold 5.65 million.
VW is strong in Europe and China which have been helped by the many incentives from these countries while Toyota is particualy strong in North America which has taken a big hit during the recession.
However, as the North American market recovers so will Toyota and if Europe or China has a decline sometime in the future as all markets experiance (ups-n-downs a natural cycle) then VW will be hit particuarly hard.
While Europe was been hit hard aswell during the current recession, China however has remained relatively bouyant in comparison which as helped VW alot. In China and Europe, no Japanese car manufactuer is particuarly strong however no European car maker is particualy strong in North America as opposed to the Japanese.
Correct Shane but Toyota’s figures included all Daihatsu and Hino vehicles. VW was made up of their car manufacturers only, they didn’t include the likes of Scania, Porsche or Man AG, which would have put them damn close to out selling Toyota as a complete manufacturer.
Toyota has the capacity to produce 10 million cars. VW is only up there because Toyota has reduced its output during the financial crisis. In fact GM should be up the top but it culled its brands and workforce to be more competitive with the Asian brands.
VW’s Audi subsidiary will be ramping up production and increasing its product lines over the next couple of years. So they will become bigger. Europe may see the Polo sedan before we do. Hope they Polo sedans reach our shores.
Good but unfortunately many idiots out there will still buy Toyota no matter how mediocre.
Realistically most of Toyota’s line up should retail for Korean prices all things considered although in most respects the Koreans are now passing Toyota in terms of design etc.Korean diesels make Toyota’s offerings very sad looking indeed.
Hyundai is nothing special and produce little more then normal, everday passenger cars and SUV’s.
Toyota 4WD’s, Commercials, Pickups, Hybrid’s, Luxury Motoring (Lexus) and Motorsport on the other hand makes Hyundai Motor Company look very ordinary indeed.
Betterstill, Hyundai adopted ‘The Toyota Way’ to improve thier own structure.
Adopt the Toyota way??? What have an executive team that Fudged the books for quite some time until the got caught by the family and stood immediately?? Notice that since the change and Mr Toyoda actually sitting back in charge again the real Toyota figures have been getting released?? Recording first time losses etc…
And who was actually responsible for the developement of the Famed Toyota 4wd and Light Truck classes, as well as their light car class???? Ever Heard of Daihatsu???? Check them out :-)
Just having a Friday afternoon stir….. Take it to heart or take it as factual light hearted banter and respond in kind ;-)
Should have added Yamaha for the design and engineering of their only collectable car the GT2000 and most of their engine designs!
When has Hyundai ever topped a Quality / Customer Satisfaction Survey … NEVER !!
What has Hyundai got to compete against the IQ, Prius, Venza, Mark X, Prado, Landcruiser, Seqouia, Troopy, Hilux / Tacoma, Tundra … NOTHING !!
What has Hyundai got to compete against the Lexus IS, HS, ES, GS, LS, RX, GX, LX … NOTHING !!
What has Hyundai got to compete against the IS-F or better still – the LFA … NOTHING !!
What Motorsport history does Hyundai have … virtually none !!
[When has Hyundai ever topped a Quality / Customer Satisfaction Survey … NEVER !!]
However it tokk them a lot less years to make it into the the top ten listings in the same serveys as Toyota took…..
What has Hyundai got to compete against the IQ, Prius, Venza, Mark X, Prado, Landcruiser, Seqouia, Troopy, Hilux / Tacoma, Tundra … NOTHING !!
Hmm What has Toyota got to compete with off shore oil rigs, Ro-RO ships Oil Tankers…. oh and Hyundai actually do have a lot of those vehicles covered in their domestic market……
What has Hyundai got to compete against the Lexus IS, HS, ES, GS, LS, RX, GX, LX … NOTHING !!
WHy is it when Toyophiles are protecting Toyota they include Lexus but when we say that Lexus is just s trumped up Toyota the get all defensive and say it is a seperate company???
What Motorsport history does Hyundai have … virtually none !!
So Hyundai hasn’t gone out and spen billions of dollars chasing stupid goals only to retract from the sport unsuccessfully, like Toyota F1? Nor has Hyundai gone out and bought up the successful teams to get them to put stickers on a silhouette car and call it their own. However there have been several successful individual trophies one in Hyundais. Try Pikes peak and several low cost Asian Rallies etc…
As I said it is Friday arvo and tha means free for stirring (in good Humour :p)
Hyundai Motor Company has long been a seperate identity to the other Hyundai nameplates. Mr Hyundai died several years ago and the 3 sons /amegoes (spelling) each took control of the 3 different corporations. Hyundai Motors is now a stand alone entity.
Toyota / Lexus have now consistantly and constantly been either No.1 or in the top 10 in each and every Quality / Customer Satisfaction Survey for the past 15 years wether it be in North America, Europe, Asia or Australia.
Lexus is 100% owned By Toyota … others include Scion 100%, Daihatsu 52%, Hino Trucks & Buses 52%, Subaru Heavy Industries 18%, Denso 23%, Toyota Industries 23% (Tow Trucks, Forklifts etc), Aisin Seiki 23% and other minor holdings including Yamaha & Isuzu.
F1 was a challenge however Rally Racing including the WRC, Japanese GT and NASCAR have all been highly successful endevours. As the ‘ole saying goes … you win some, you lose some.
Unlike Hyundai with virtually no motorsport history (Pikes Peaks… whhaaooo), Toyota has countless race wins (and Manufactuer Titles) alongside it’s loses – that is called history.
In Europe, each and every Toyota vehicle sold has more diesel drivetrains available then petrol offerings while in Australia Toyota sells more diesel vehicles then any other car maker. Infact, in Australia – Toyota sells more diesel and hybrid vehicles then any one else.
Hyundai has a long, long, long way to go.
Reckon there is a portion of Toyota buyers that would say it’s the best regardless.
The brainwash is deep and far.LOL
Sample some of your Toyota buying friends and u’ll find that the most they know about a car is where to put the key.
At least the Koreans have the faith in their product to offer better warrantees!
Obviously the model range isn’t as extensive but then again they don’t use the same platform for every vehicle either.LOL
KOREAN DIESEL TECH IS LEAVING TOYOTA BEHIND IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS. Toyota and their smoking diesels.LOL
Cmon put the VW and Toyota lineups side by side and tell me u prefer the Toyota.LOL
Finish,design,styling,Interior,Refinement,Technology Veedub in front.
Like comparing a Sanyo appliance to a Miele or Smeg.LOL
I agree as long as the VW you are buying isn’t built in South Africa. Because if it is I’m affraid according to reports from US and Aussie GTI owners who drive SA built cars, you will be extremely dissapointed with the warranty issues, creeks, rattles and pops just after a few thousand k’s of driving. VW have adressed this for now with the Gen VI GTI, with all of them being built in Germany. BMW face the same problems with any 3 series that are built outside of Germany. Unfortunately despite quality control efforts South Africans can’t build cars properly, VW is finding this out very painfully.
Toyota themselves admit their their biggest fear is not VW but the Koreans. So I’m curious does anyone have the sales figures for the Korean car makers?
Realcars – if you believe your dribble then it is crystal clear you know very little about cars, if anything at all. VW (German) electronic reliability … mmm !!
When has VW ever topped a Quality / Customer Satisfaction Survey … never !!
Realcars – If you believe Hyundai Diesel Tech is leaving Toyota behind then quite frankly, you are kidding yourself. However, Hyundai has virtually no hybrid programme at all.
On the otherhand, Toyota diesel engines have long been proven throughout the world for many generations to be amoung the most reliable, dependable and durable the market has available and are used by the ‘millions’ by Tradies, Farmers, Heavy Industries, Mines and 4WD enthusiasts everyday of the year.
Are Hyundai’s … NO – pretty much limited to regular use in passeneger cars only.
What more is there to say.
you might want to check out the Elantra LPG hybrid launched in Korea and the new R Diesels out now in the Kia sorento.
Toyota (and VW and everyone else) has some serious competition on their hands.
Volkswagon tops Toyota. So what ?
I’D never buy a Volkswagen – and i tell you the reason why.
Volkswagons are posers. Shiny outside and inside, but no long-term
quality at all. In their mother country Germany the best Volkswagon
ranks at 22 in the quality statistics ( the van ), the Golf at No. 38
the Passat shares rank 58 with the Touran. After 100.000 km’s they are
all scrap, technically, and that’s what counts. Chrome wont bring me
home, blingbling neither. Volkswagons are not reliable.