Toyota Motor kept its title as the world’s biggest carmaker for a sixth year, widening its lead over Volkswagen by posting record sales despite trade turmoil and growing competition.
Global sales in 2025 — including those of subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor and Hino Motors — rose 4.6% from the prior year to 11.3 million units, the company said Thursday. Production climbed 5.7% to 11.2 million.
The numbers show that Toyota has been able to remain on track despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war and the rise of Chinese carmakers. Global car manufacturers have been warning that they face billions of dollars in losses due to tariffs, as they raise prices, shift production to the U.S. or pare output.
