On top of the world

Toyota remained the world’s top-selling carmaker in 2025 for the sixth straight year with Volkswagen coming in second behind the Japanese marque.

Toyota sold 10.32 million units globally between January and November, while its German rival sold 8.98 million over the 12 months through to December – down by 0.5 per cent from 2024.

In China, a major market for Volkswagen, the marque sold around 2.69 million vehicles. That was down by eight per cent amid intensified competition from domestic manufacturers. 

VW’s sales were also hit hard in North America due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs. They recorded a 10.4 per cent decrease there.

Meanwhile, the German car maker continued to see robust sales in Europe. And its worldwide EV sales grew 32 per cent to 983,100 units, with figures for Europe and the US outstripping 2024’s.

Toyota has held the top position worldwide since 2020. Its sales figures include those of its small-car-manufacturing unit Daihatsu and Hino Motors, its truck division.