Toyota overtakes GM as 'world's largest carmaker'

[BillyT]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6586679.stm

[ill deuce]

a self inflicted wound if i ever saw one

[ULTIMTEORANGESS]

theres alot of blame to go around for this. very sad.

[FireBirdGirl02]

I would love to see GM back on top again

[x3ro]

So they're using a whopping 3 months of sales as a measure for the biggest car maker? We'll see how they fare at the end of the freakin year.

[F1_SS]

Originally posted by x3ro
So they're using a whopping 3 months of sales as a measure for the biggest car maker? We'll see how they fare at the end of the freakin year.

Fact is they sold more cars than GM, making toyota the biggest.



If it turns the other way around teh GM "fans" would be saying the same thing.

[Element]

Originally posted by F1_SS
Fact is they sold more cars than GM, making toyota the biggest.



If it turns the other way around teh GM "fans" would be saying the same thing.

I don't see why it's a good or a bad thing, either way. Regardless of GM's position in manufacture of cars, they're still not doing great. If GM isn't the #1 producer any more.......so what?

[F1_SS]

Originally posted by Element
I don't see why it's a good or a bad thing, either way. Regardless of GM's position in manufacture of cars, they're still not doing great. If GM isn't the #1 producer any more.......so what?

I dont care. I was just showing Xwhatever that toyota is currently the #1 auto maker in sales.

[mrgto]

Typically sales are judged by year, not Quarter. It was going to happen at some point...GM just needs to stay focused on future products and beat Toyota to the punch with future technologies and keep their current cars reliable and hammer that point home and target Toyota's "perception" of quality.

[Sturmovik]

Toyota in Australia are nearly selling as much as Ford and GM combined

[SphyNxXx]

The thing is, except for their Lexus cars, most Toyotas are extremely bland vehicles. I can't think of a single non-Lexus Toyota that would be my first choice in a vehicle for its category.

[Jack Daniels]

Originally posted by SphyNxXx
The thing is, except for their Lexus cars, most Toyotas are extremely bland vehicles. I can't think of a single non-Lexus Toyota that would be my first choice in a vehicle for its category.

True. And they're not exactly as bulletproof as popular opinion would have you believe.

[dave1w41]

Originally posted by Sturmovik
Toyota in Australia are nearly selling as much as Ford and GM combined

No they aren't; Ford and GM (Holden) combined in February of 2007 sold 22,193 to Toyota's 16,702.
The best selling car is the Holden Commodore.

http://wardsauto.com/ar/australian_february_records/

It might be of interest to point out that GM sold more vehicles than it has ever sold in the 1st quarter worldwide - ever. There is simply a market explosion ocurring in the far east and central Europe and GM has less of it than Toyota.

News Releases

GM Announces Record First Quarter Global Sales of More Than 2.2 Million Vehicles
Growth in China Fuels 20 Percent Asia/Pacific Region Climb
Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Venezuela Growth Spurs A Sales Surge of 17 Percent In The Latin America, Africa and the Middle East Region
Russian Sales Increase More Than 127 Percent to Set European Record; Chevrolet Has Record European Q1, With Sales Exceeding 100,000 Vehicles
Sales Leadership Shown in Emerging Markets
DETROIT - General Motors sold a record 2.26 million cars and trucks around the world in the first quarter of 2007, according to preliminary sales figures released today. GM global first quarter sales were up 67,000 vehicles, or 3 percent, compared with sales of 2.19 million in the first quarter 2006. Global market share is estimated at 13.0 percent, compared with 13.1 percent a year ago.

"GM posted record sales in the first quarter driven by exceptionally strong demand in emerging markets," John Middlebrook, GM vice president, Global Sales, Service and Marketing Operations, said today. "We saw more than 20 percent growth in the Asia/Pacific region and had 17 percent growth in the Latin America, Africa and Middle East region. We're also very pleased to see 6 percent growth in Europe where we sold more than a half-million vehicles and established a new sales record."

Chevrolet, HUMMER and Cadillac are showing signs of global success.

Chevrolet global sales of 1.04 million vehicles were up 4 percent compared with a year ago. The brand grew by 33 percent in Europe, 12 percent in Asia-Pacific and 19 percent in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.

GM also retains its strong luxury truck portfolio growth, evidenced by HUMMER sales that grew 37 percent in the Latin America, Africa and the Middle East region. Globally, HUMMER recorded 15,000 vehicle sales. With the Hummer H2 mid-cycle enhancement, addition of the V8-powered H3 Alpha in North America and start of production of the right hand-drive H3 in South Africa, HUMMER products are well-positioned to respond to demanding customers' needs.

Cadillac posted a sales increase outside of North America in the first quarter, thanks to 89 percent sales growth in Europe, a 55 percent increase in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East and 47 percent growth in Asia/Pacific.

Several of GM's regional brands also experienced notable growth in the first quarter of 2007.

Opel and Vauxhall sold 443,000 vehicles in the first quarter of the year. Vauxhall was up 6.3 percent and Opel was up about a half percent with 1,200 more vehicles sold this year under those nameplates compared with Q1 2006. The brands achieved segment leadership with Meriva and Zafira - in the monocab segment - and second position with Astra in the popular compact segment.

Saturn sales in the United States and Canada were up 19 percent, based largely on the popularity of the new 2007 Aura, Sky, Vue and Vue Green Line Hybrid and Outlook crossover utility vehicle. Saturn expects stronger sales this year as it continues the launch of the Outlook crossover and welcomes the Ion small-car replacement, Astra. Saturn is undergoing the most extensive product renaissance in its history.

GM Daewoo sales of 35,000 vehicles were up 31 percent, outpacing South Korea's strong market growth on the back of its Winstorm SUV and Tosca medium car.

Global sales highlights include:

First quarter 2007 global sales of 2.26 million vehicles, up 3 percent, set a record for first quarter sales.
At 1.36 million vehicles, Q1 2007 sales outside of the United States accounted for about 60 percent of GM's total global sales, growing at close to 10 percent compared with Q1 2006, outpacing the industry average growth rate of 5 percent. Global industry sales of 17.41 million vehicles were up 3 percent. The industry has seen a 10 million vehicle increase in the global automotive market in the past five years, and the market should hit almost 70 million in 2007.
In the Asia/Pacific region, GM sales of 388,000 vehicles were 20 percent higher than the previous year's first quarter, and GM China sales of 290,000 vehicles posted a more than 25 percent sales increase compared with 2006. GM remained the top-selling automaker in China and sold 100,000 vehicles in a month for only the second time. GM sales in the region set a record for the quarter and exceeded industry growth levels.
In the Latin America, Africa and Middle East region, GM sales reached an industry-best 269,000 vehicles, a record for Q1 and up 17 percent in volume compared with 2006. GM saw volume increases in 10 Latin America, Africa and Middle East markets in the first quarter of 2007. Sales in Brazil were up 12 percent for the quarter.
In Europe, GM also set a quarterly sales record with deliveries of 554,000 vehicles, up 6 percent. Growth in Russia, up 128 percent, led the increase. Cadillac, Corvette, HUMMER, Saab and Chevrolet set European sales records for their brands. Chevrolet achieved record sales of 101,000 vehicles, up 33 percent.

[F1_SS]

Originally posted by SphyNxXx
The thing is, except for their Lexus cars, most Toyotas are extremely bland vehicles. I can't think of a single non-Lexus Toyota that would be my first choice in a vehicle for its category.

I would rather have am 07 camry vs any other comparable GM/ford car.

If it wasnt for the 2-3mo wait for an 07 camry I would own one right now.

[SphyNxXx]

Originally posted by Jack Daniels
True. And they're not exactly as bulletproof as popular opinion would have you believe.

The only Japanese cars that I do perceive as being "bulletproof" are Lexuses. Both Toyota and Hondas have their share of problems.

[SphyNxXx]

Originally posted by F1_SS
I would rather have am 07 camry vs any other comparable GM/ford car.

If it wasnt for the 2-3mo wait for an 07 camry I would own one right now.

Id choose the Saturn Aura over a Camry.

[triggerjerk]

This demonstrates that most people want bland appliances that have the auspices
of environmental friendliness.

[F1_SS]

Originally posted by triggerjerk
This demonstrates that most people want bland appliances that have the auspices
of environmental friendliness.

No, this shows that people prefer the styling & options of Toyota vs GM cars.


I believe GM cars are cheaper too (aples to aples).

[triggerjerk]

Well, I am calling Toyota's styling bland then.

[F1_SS]

Originally posted by triggerjerk
Well, I am calling Toyota's styling bland then.

Clearly, but dont try to make it sound as fact.

[triggerjerk]

So you don't think Toyota's cars are bland, slabsided appliances?
Excuse me for sticking up for GM on a GM site.

[MACGI 98 Z28]

Originally posted by SphyNxXx
Id choose the Saturn Aura over a Camry.

No doubt. The new Camry is sinfully ugly, the plastic on the rear and lower body sides is comparable with the worst of GM from the 1990's.

[F1_SS]

Originally posted by triggerjerk
So you don't think Toyota's cars are bland, slabsided appliances?
Excuse me for sticking up for GM on a GM site.

I like alot of things Toyota does on their sedans that GM has never done and is now starting to do (interior).


You are excused, child.

[BillyT]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/h...ml/default.stm

[Jack Daniels]

Originally posted by F1_SS
I like alot of things Toyota does on their sedans that GM has never done and is now starting to do (interior).


You are excused, child.

I think Toyota interiors are pretty horrible myself.

[Harmon Rabb]

Originally posted by F1_SS
No, this shows that people prefer the styling & options of Toyota vs GM cars.

no. it shows that people don't care about styling all that much. bland and nondescript is just fine.

toyota has found that, to MOST people, a car is like an appliance. they don't really care if it looks amazing. it just has to look halfway ok -- boring is just fine -- and be reliable (or they have to think it's reliable)

[Harmon Rabb]

Originally posted by triggerjerk
This demonstrates that most people want bland appliances that have the auspices
of environmental friendliness.

toyota figured that out.

[scottyboost]

Originally posted by ill deuce










a self inflicted wound if i ever saw one

If that statement is based on style, then I beg to differ. Toyota wins the crown for most boring cars built worldwide. Toyotas are like refrigerators. They are reliable, all look the same, but they are vanilla.

[Coach Leslie Miles]

Originally posted by Jack Daniels
I think Toyota interiors are pretty horrible myself.

I like my 4-runner but the interior on my 2002 Camry was nothing to write home about.

[dave1w41]

Originally posted by ill deuce










a self inflicted wound if i ever saw one

Of those cars; the last two were considered wildly successful in their day (Oldsmobile sold something like 650,000 of those Cutlasses in 1986). Buick sold an incredible number of those Rivieras - the sales went down the tubes when they downsized it and made it look just like a Buick Skylark and at the same time turned it into a 100% POS.

[dave1w41]

Originally posted by F1_SS
No, this shows that people prefer the styling & options of Toyota vs GM cars.


I believe GM cars are cheaper too (aples to aples).

I can't imagine why someone would choose this:



Over this:





Or this:



Over this:



Americans are collectively dumber than a bag of hammers.

[Harmon Rabb]

Originally posted by dave1w41
I can't imagine why someone would choose this:



Over this:

terrible example. the camry is MUCH sexier than that impala

why didn't you use miata vs. sky? escalade vs. lexus suv? silverado vs. tundra?

instead you chose probably the two worst examples to try to show gm's superiority

[dave1w41]

Originally posted by Berman
terrible example. the camry is MUCH sexier than that impala

It is? Have you seen an optometrist lately?

The Camry looks like its wearing a diaper.

The Solara has as much tacked on flubber as a 1993 Grand Prix but it's sooooooo sexy..... It's downright homely compared to the G6.

[Harmon Rabb]

Originally posted by dave1w41
It is? Have you seen an optometrist lately?

The Camry looks like its wearing a diaper.

the impala looks like it was designed in 1994.

anyway, read my edit. you chose piss poor examples. i named some much better examples.

[dave1w41]

Originally posted by Berman
the impala looks like it was designed in 1994.

anyway, read my edit. you chose piss poor examples. i named some much better examples.

All of your examples are where GM is already beating the tar out of Toyota and Mazda.

[Harmon Rabb]

Originally posted by dave1w41
All of your examples are where GM is already beating the tar out of Toyota and Mazda.

because in those areas gm has the superior product. i'm sorry but the new camry is still superior to the impala in terms of styling and interior. those two verts you showed... eh. both suck shit equally.

[Harmon Rabb]

Originally posted by dave1w41
The Solara has as much tacked on flubber as a 1993 Grand Prix but it's sooooooo sexy..... It's downright homely compared to the G6.

both are fugly. it's like comparing cat shit to dog shit and trying to decide which looks better.

[JRHAWK9]

those Impala's are BUTT freakin' ugly...

although I don't care for much of what GM has to offer with exception to the Vette and Solstice/Sky. I prefer Ford trucks to the fugly GM trucks as well.

[F1_SS]

Originally posted by dave1w41
I can't imagine why someone would choose this:



Over this:

The sales numbers speak for themselves. When i was shopping for a camry you couldnt find them on dealer lots. The one I wanted had a 2-3 mo wait at least .

[Harmon Rabb]

Originally posted by JRHAWK9
those Impala's are BUTT freakin' ugly...

thank god someone else recognizes that. those cars look horrible. (interior ain't so bad tho).

and yeah, the new gm pickups are rather ugly. however, they are the best product on the market. i'd pick one over a ford.

[krispycobalt]

yea the impalas look like shit

[JRHAWK9]

Originally posted by Berman
the new gm pickups are rather ugly. however, they are the best product on the market. i'd pick one over a ford.

really?? I thought the new Ford trucks were great. IMO, they are definitely better looking, but I also thought they were -the- truck.

[kasim]

Originally posted by F1_SS
I would rather have am 07 camry vs any other comparable GM/ford car.

If it wasnt for the 2-3mo wait for an 07 camry I would own one right now.

why do you like ugly cars??

Aura > * mid priced sedans.

One of those with leather and panoramic roof > any camry at the price range.

[Harmon Rabb]

Originally posted by kasim
:One of those with leather and panoramic roof > any camry at the price range.

aura doesn't have a nice engine option like the camry does. it also doesn't have an option for nav.

[kasim]

Originally posted by F1_SS
The sales numbers speak for themselves. When i was shopping for a camry you couldnt find them on dealer lots. The one I wanted had a 2-3 mo wait at least .

Well with that logic i take it you want a Honda Fit too .... those are hard or near impossible to find a lot. Same with a Prius ... those are damn difficult to find.

[kasim]

Originally posted by Berman
aura doesn't have a nice engine option like the camry does. it also doesn't have an option for nav.

The "nice engine option" ... whats the engine differences ... because neither have some super engine.

The nav i will agree is a negative .... with that ... i'd still take it in a heart beat over that ugly arse camry. The aura with leather (even without) is a billion times more attractive.

[kasim]

wow 252hp vs 268 .... on a sedan .. yeah thats a HUGE difference?

[Rob Almighty]

Originally posted by krispycamaro
yea the impalas look like shit

You're telling me. They look like trash.

[Harmon Rabb]

Originally posted by kasim
The "nice engine option" ... whats the engine differences ... because neither have some super engine.

The nav i will agree is a negative .... with that ... i'd still take it in a heart beat over that ugly arse camry. The aura with leather (even without) is a billion times more attractive.

no nav = i don't buy it.

actually, the camry v6 gives the car mid 14 sec times @ 97-99mph. the aura doesn't have anything that good.

[shuck]

Originally posted by F1_SS
Clearly, but dont try to make it sound as fact.

Uhhhh I guess your bias makes you see shit, he was stating his opinion and since it sided with GM as normal you attack the opinion.

[kasim]

Originally posted by Berman

actually, the camry v6 gives the car mid 14 sec times @ 97-99mph. the aura doesn't have anything that good.

The aura is 14.9 sec @ 93.4 mph .. i would say thats pretty damn close dont you agree?

[Harmon Rabb]

Originally posted by kasim
wow 252hp vs 268 .... on a sedan .. yeah thats a HUGE difference?

there's a large difference in the 1/4mi times

[shuck]

I am kind of glad this happened, now maybe GM can keep focused on building cars people want and making them more and more reliable.

It seems like Toyota's reliability has slowly been falling, maybe it is what GM and Ford did..........quanity first.

[Harmon Rabb]

Originally posted by kasim
The aura is 14.9 sec @ 93.4 mph .. i would say thats pretty damn close dont you agree?

no. it's not. when a ls1 f-body is .5 sec and 4-5mph quicker than a new mustang gt, it's commonly said on here how it assrapes the gt. that's about the same difference between camry and aura. the camry destroys the aura in a straight line.

[Harmon Rabb]

Originally posted by shuck
Uhhhh I guess your bias makes you see shit, he was stating his opinion and since it sided with GM as normal you attack the opinion.

are you fucking kidding me? he said to not present opinions as facts. why don't you take a look at the "dated" car thread and see that argument being used by many people to discount people stating that certain cars look dated as a fact.

furthermore HE AGREED WITH THE OPINION. he said "CLEARLY..."

jesus christ.

[Harmon Rabb]

Originally posted by shuck
I am kind of glad this happened, now maybe GM can keep focused on building cars people want and making them more and more reliable.

agreed.

[kasim]

you guys do realize this is ONLY FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS.

It's like comparing a race by the first lap of a mile race. A lot can change in that time.

[Rob Almighty]

Originally posted by dave1w41
I can't imagine why someone would choose this:



Over this:





Or this:



Over this:



Americans are collectively dumber than a bag of hammers.

I can, because the last three cars are terribly unattractive, even compared to a run-of-the-mill Toyota. Of course you think Americans are dumber than hammers, but how can you think otherwise when you have GM's dick so far up your ass?

[HOTCIVIC]

Personally I don't know how anyone with half a brain or any taste what-so-ever could say that an Impala looks like shit and a Camry looks good. Sure the Impala may not look extremely exciting, but the Camry is a fucking ugly ass piece of shit. Maybe some of you like it because it sells. But as far as actual exterior aesthetics? dave1w41 is right - it looks like the Camry is wearing diapers. Diapers filled to the brim with shit. And the front end looks like it has a Gonzo nose, and they put this plastic shell around it with tires that are too small. My God it looks absolutely terrible, and some of you actually think it looks good. It just boggles my mind. It must be an inside joke amongst trolls or something.

[Harmon Rabb]

Originally posted by kasim
you guys do realize this is ONLY FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS.

It's like comparing a race by the first lap of a mile race. A lot can change in that time.

toyota's sales keep going up. gm... not so much. however, it doesn't matter and i don't care.

gm needs to get its image back. the way to do that is by making cars that kick the snot out of competitors. it already has some: tahoe, escalade, pickups, solstice/sky, c6, etc. i could really care less whether they sell more shitboxes than toyota or not.