Japan's Toyota may overtake GM as world's top automaker soon

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2005

TOKYO (AFP) — Toyota Motor plans to boost output to 8.9 million vehicles in 2006, raising the possibility it will overtake struggling General Motors as the world's biggest automaker very soon, according to a press report.

The Japanese automaker, which is set to announce its new production plan on December 20, has decided to raise its group output to some 8.9 million units from 8.28 units planned for 2005, the Asahi Shimbun said.

As Toyota has been conservative in drafting production plans, actual output is likely to near nine million units, the daily said, without citing sources.

The higher output could mean Toyota will take the crown of top automaker as early as next year, depending on how General Motors recovers in the key North American market, it said....