Toyota Plans to make a Fierce Comeback

Toyota Motor Company announced today its sales and production plans for 2012 which include a 20% increase for the Japanese manufacturer. Could this help the company reclaim its crown as the world’s biggest auto manufacturer after slumped sales this year put them lower on the rankings? Time will tell, but unfortunately the company is destined to lose the No. 1 ranking for 2011 as the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami slowed production for months and sales number dwindled. In October, damage to suppliers from Thailand’s floods also hindered production, putting sales even farther behind. Though production has returned to normal now, the company is still feeling the aftershocks. 

Global sales are anticipated to total 8.48 million vehicles in 2012 and 8.95 million vehicles in 2013, the company said in a statement.

CY2012 Plans                                                   Unit: 1,000 vehicles; ( ) indicates year-on-year difference

                                                                                TMC (includes Lexus and Toyota brands)
Worldwide Sales                                                         8,480 (20%)
Japanese sales                                                                  1,530 (28%)
Overseas sales                                                                  6,950 (19%)
                                                                                TMC (includes Lexus and Toyota brands)
Worldwide Production                                         8,650 (24%)
Japanese production                                                   3,400 (23%)
Overseas production                                                   5,250 (25%)

Source: Toyota Motor Company