The world's number one automaker in sales is the Toyota Motor Corporation, a position that the Japanese manufacturer wrested from General Motors about two years ago. GM, which has been gradually ceding market share in many of its prime markets for many years now isn't quite down for the count just yet. Thanks to surging sales in China and other emerging markets, GM may regain the top spot especially if Toyota continues to stumble.
Pressing Toyota Once Again
GM's surge was most notable in the second quarter of 2009 when its Chinese sales far outpaced expectations. Indeed, if the trend continues, China will replace the United States as GM's largest market, something Volkswagen recently experienced when it realized that sales of VW products outpaced what the company sells in Germany, its largest market.
The news that GM trailed Toyota by just 11,000 models surprised mostly everyone, given that during the second quarter of the year GM entered bankruptcy protection, emerging some six weeks later, smaller but leaner than ever before. Gone were some of its most restraining assets including brands such as Saturn, Saab, Hummer and Pontiac. Though GM still technically owns these brands, the automaker is distancing itself from all four, poised to concentrate building up Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet and GMC.
Volkswagen Is Gaining
GM's surge may push it past Toyota, but right on its heels is Volkswagen, an automaker who has managed to avoid the precipitous downturn experienced by Toyota and GM, especially in the US market. Volkswagen has been enjoying record sales in several markets of late and finds itself just a few hundred thousand units behind Toyota and GM. Certainly, if GM or Toyota lose momentum, VW should be within striking distance soon.
In fourth place is Hyundai, the Korean automaker who hopes one day to become the world's largest automaker. Just this past summer, Hyundai passed the Ford Motor Company pushing the Blue Oval to the fifth spot. Hyundai's strength includes a rather healthy performance in the US as well as significant growth in China and in India. Hyundai's surge doesn't include Kia sales, a company that Hyundai has a 38% stake in. Combined, the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group could find themselves challenging the top players within a few years time, a feat few saw coming just a few years ago.
What does this mean for the consumer? Not much other than that in order to get to the top spot, each company will have to continue to build cars that drivers want and at quality levels everyone expects. In that case, there is a lot at stake, enough to make a big difference in the lives of many car shoppers.
Pressing Toyota Once Again
GM's surge was most notable in the second quarter of 2009 when its Chinese sales far outpaced expectations. Indeed, if the trend continues, China will replace the United States as GM's largest market, something Volkswagen recently experienced when it realized that sales of VW products outpaced what the company sells in Germany, its largest market.
Volkswagen Is Gaining
GM's surge may push it past Toyota, but right on its heels is Volkswagen, an automaker who has managed to avoid the precipitous downturn experienced by Toyota and GM, especially in the US market. Volkswagen has been enjoying record sales in several markets of late and finds itself just a few hundred thousand units behind Toyota and GM. Certainly, if GM or Toyota lose momentum, VW should be within striking distance soon.
In fourth place is Hyundai, the Korean automaker who hopes one day to become the world's largest automaker. Just this past summer, Hyundai passed the Ford Motor Company pushing the Blue Oval to the fifth spot. Hyundai's strength includes a rather healthy performance in the US as well as significant growth in China and in India. Hyundai's surge doesn't include Kia sales, a company that Hyundai has a 38% stake in. Combined, the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group could find themselves challenging the top players within a few years time, a feat few saw coming just a few years ago.
What does this mean for the consumer? Not much other than that in order to get to the top spot, each company will have to continue to build cars that drivers want and at quality levels everyone expects. In that case, there is a lot at stake, enough to make a big difference in the lives of many car shoppers.
Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including Ford Mustang ground effects and Mitsubishi Eclipse ground effects.
