Toyota ready for Number 1
Autocar.co.uk
Toyota's expansion could mean that it takes over from General Motors as the world's biggest car maker, according to a report published by the Financial Times.
General Motors sales have been in decline and the Japanese marque is next year expected to boost production to over 9.2 million vehicles - nearly a million more than this year - with the arrival of new diesel engines and new models including the second-generation Rav4 off-roader and Yaris supermini.
Meanwhile the new Yaris has achieved five stars for occupant protection in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash tests. The result is particularly impressive considering the European Car of the Year nominee's short front overhang, but that same feature means the car suffers in pedestrian impact tests.
The two-star result lags behind the three achieved by the long-nosed new Fiat Punto, but the Toyota matches the Fiat for child occupant protection, with three stars.
