Toyota ready to surpass GM as world's top automaker

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2005

TOKYO (AFP) — Toyota Motor said it planned a major boost in output next year, likely pushing the Japanese automaker over ailing General Motors for the crown of the world's top automaker.

Toyota's target is just short of GM's 2005 estimate, a possible sign it wants to avoid a backlash in the United States where Japanese auto sales have soared on the popularity of eco-friendly cars at the expense of their loss-making US rivals.

President Katsuaki Watanabe said in his year-end address that Toyota would boost output by nearly 10 percent to some 9.06 million vehicles in 2006 from the 8.25 million expected in 2005.

That compares with GM's target of 9.08 million vehicles for 2005.

Growing Toyota stands a good chance of overtaking its giant US rival, which...