(Reuters) TOKYO – As the pandemic demand slump impacted its German rival harder, Toyota Motor Corp. of Japan surpassed Volkswagen of Germany in car sales last year and reclaimed the top spot as the world’s best-selling automaker for the first time in five years.
On Thursday, Toyota reported an 11.3% decrease in group-wide global sales to 9.528 million vehicles in 2020. Comparatively, Volkswagen saw a decline of 15.2 percent to 9.305 million vehicles.
The coronavirus lockdowns that prevented customers from visiting car dealerships and made manufacturing facilities halt or restrict operations have hurt the auto industry.
Toyota, however, has fared better than other companies during the epidemic, in part because Asia as a whole and Toyota’s home market, Japan, have been less hit by the outbreak than Europe and the US.
A Toyota representative said, “Our focus is on serving our customers, not on what our ranking may be.
Toyota, Volkswagen, and other manufacturers are scurrying to meet the rising demand for electric vehicles as the global market for cars is recovering, notably in China. Toyota reported that its sales of electric vehicles increased from 20% in 2019 to 23% in 2018.
Tim Kelly and Makiko Yamazaki contributed to the reporting, and Clarence Fernandez and Jacqueline Wong edited it.
In This Article...
What automaker is superior to Toyota?
As was already noted, Toyota has a well-deserved reputation for building dependable vehicles that perform admirably on the road. These two brands measure fairly similarly in terms of safety. However, Honda triumphs in a few models. The Honda Ridgeline and Honda HR-V are among their safest vehicles.
Is VW bigger than Toyota?
Toyota has surpassed Germany’s Volkswagen Group to claim the title of largest automaker in the world based on sales volume for the second consecutive year. The business also ended General Motors’ 90-year reign atop the US sales charts.
Is Toyota still the leading automaker?
Are you thinking about purchasing a used Toyota? Then, you may be curious as to how long it will last.
Toyota received a score of 74, placing it second among 26 automobile brands in terms of dependability, according to the reputable nonprofit Consumer Reports. With a score of 83, Mazda dethroned Toyota as the top brand for the 2021 model year.
With a score of 71, Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota, came in third. Lincoln, Ford’s high-end brand, came in last place with a score of 8.
The Auto Dependability Surveys of Consumer Reports’ members provide the company with its reliability data. 329,009 vehicles were surveyed by the nonprofit, which included models from 2000 through 2020. The average expected reliability score for the brand’s model lineup is the basis for Consumer Reports’ brand-level rankings.
On a scale of 0 to 100, the anticipated reliability score is determined, with the average rating lying between 41 and 60 points. There must be enough survey data for two or more models in order to rank a brand.
Which car is the most dependable?
The quest for good, dependable cars might require hours of research into every make and model. But fortunately, a lot of the legwork has already been done by industry specialists.
In its 2022 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, J.D. Power categorizes the most dependable cars based on 177 distinct issues that can cause car owners trouble. Here are the nine least problematic vehicles for your consideration.
Toyota Corolla (Top-rated compact car)
The Corolla wins the award for its dependable reputation and dependability for city dwellers or those seeking a smaller option. This vehicle, now in its twelfth model year, offers a large cabin for its small size and good resale value.
Hyundai Sonata (Top-rated midsize car)
The technology package for the 2022 model has been enhanced to include dynamic speech recognition and an infotainment system with a user-friendly layout. It’s a terrific option for families looking for some extra space in a fuel-efficient vehicle because of the roomy cabin.
Chevrolet Impala (Top-rated large car)
The Impala is praised for its roomy interior and comfortable ride. The most recent model has an Apple CarPlay or Android Auto feature and a V6 engine. The base model lacks driver assistance, so keep that in mind when you look around for the cheapest price.
Buick Envision (Top-rated compact SUV)
The Envision is spacious inside and has a modern look, despite its size. The very basic grade automobile is exactly that. Choose additional premium features if possible. A luxury update can include a huge touchscreen screen, a power liftgate for the back, and heated front seats.
Hyundai Sante Fe (Top-rated midsize SUV)
The Sante Fe’s stiff ride and engine feel earn it average ratings, but it does have outstanding fuel efficiency and a modest starting price. But with a high-end Calligraphy AWD model, that cheap cost might increase by almost twofold.
Chevrolet Suburban (Top-rated large SUV)
The Suburban is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a roomy interior and comfortable ride because it can seat up to nine people. The vehicle model is available in numerous variations, each with a particular set of features. The High Country may run as much as $82,000 with various options.
Toyota Sienna (Top-rated minivan)
Although it can be difficult to locate, the Dodge Grand Caravan technically won the title of most trustworthy minivan. The Toyota Sienna, which came in second, boasts outstanding fuel efficiency for its class thanks to its completely revamped hybrid powertrain. Additionally, it offers a spacious, upmarket interior.
Nissan Frontier (Top-rated midsize pickup)
The Frontier, which has won first place two years in a row, excels in dependability and handling and has undergone some improvements since the 2021 season, when it found it difficult to compete with other midsize options.
Toyota Tundra (Top-rated large light-duty pickup)
The Tundra, which was completely revamped for the 2022 model year, provides a comfortable ride with a strong V6 engine. Although its fuel economy is lacking, its tech package is user-friendly and provides drivers with comfort.