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Toyota Finally Tops GM

First-quarter sales rise 9%, ending GM's 76-year reign as world's biggest automaker

By J. Kelman, Newser User

Posted Apr 24, 2007 10:06 PM CDT

(Newser) – Toyota vroomed past General Motors in the first quarter to become the biggest automaker in the world, ending GM's 76-year reign. Riding the strength of its innovative Prius hybrid and solid standbys like the Camry, Toyota posted record first-quarter sales of 2.35 million vehicles, compared to GM's 2.26 million.

“Everyone was expecting it to assume the No. 1 position—the question was when," one industry analyst told the New York Times. Toyota claims it doesn't aim to permanently usurp GM's mantle. "Our goal has never been to sell the most cars in the world," spokesman Paul Nolasco said.

New Toyota Prius Hybrid car (Getty Images)

' (Associated Press)

Visitors at Toyota Motor Corp. (Associated Press)

The Toyota Prius is on display at the New York International... (Getty Images)

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Toyota Finally Tops GM

First-quarter sales rise 9%, ending GM's 76-year reign as world's biggest automaker

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Toyota Finally Tops GM

First-quarter sales rise 9%, ending GM's 76-year reign as world's biggest automaker

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Related articles

Toyota • General Motors • prius • automaker • cars

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

US Vehicles Edge Out Imports in Quality

Ford highest-ranked carmaker overall, Toyota falls

Big Three See Bumpy Road With 20-Somethings

Demographic key to rebuilding for US automakers

GM Sales Off 45% as US Auto Sales Hit 25-Year Low

Asian brands add market share amid sales freefall

US Auto Sales Off Big, But GM Holds Top Spot

21.4% drop keeps Toyota from No. 1; Honda manages gain

Toyota Overtakes GM in Q1

US giant's worldwide sales off 0.6% as overseas growth mitigates domestic dip

About Us

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?