Bold prediction as Toyota eyes GM global sales

TOYOTA announced last week that it aimed to take its worldwide annual sales to 9.8 million units in 2008.

If it does so the sales surge could be enough to topple General Motors from the world’s number-one mantle it has held for the past 75 years.

Up from an expected 8.85 million sales this year, the sales target encompasses the Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino brands and would be supported by an additional production capacity of 1.13 million units by then.

Of these, the Japanese auto giant aims to sell more than 1.2 million Toyota- and Lexus-branded vehicles in Europe, thereby achieving its 2010 sales target two years ahead of schedule.

It anticipates continued growth in Western Europe and "accelerated" growth in Eastern European and Russian markets. The new Camry, which from 2007 will be manufactured at a new plant in St Petersburg, Russia, is considered a key model.

For 2006, Toyota’s European sales target is at least one million for Toyota and 48,000 for Lexus.