Quake Could Knock Toyota From No. 1 Auto Spot

Toyota's global car production, disrupted by parts shortages from Japan's earthquake and tsunami, won't return to normal until November or December—imperiling its spot as the world's top-selling automaker. "To all the customers who made the decision to buy a vehicle made by us, I sincerely apologize for the enormous delay in delivery," said President Akio Toyoda.

Toyota earlier said it has suffered a production loss of 260,000 cars. Earlier this week, it resumed car production at all of its plants in Japan for the first time since the quake, but the factories are running at half capacity because of the parts shortages. Japanese manufacturers are also grappling with power shortages. Last year, Toyota sold 8.42 million vehicles, barely keeping its lead over a resurgent GM. (More Toyota stories.)