Toyota confirms itself as the world's leading manufacturer for the fourth consecutive year in 2023, managing to increase production despite the shortage of semiconductors;
a factor that affected the entire automotive sector.
The Japanese company sold a record 11.23 million vehicles worldwide last year, including minivehicles from subsidiary Daihatsu and truck maker Hino Motors.
Competitor Volkswagen settles in second place with 9.24 million cars.
Toyota's previous record was 10.74 million vehicles, set in 2019.
The group's global production increased by 8.6%, again setting a record of 11.52 million vehicles, thanks to strong demand in Japan, North America and Europe.
Today's data follows news on Monday that shipments of 10 models, including the LandCruiser, were suspended due to fraudulent engine performance tests revealed by an internal Toyota Industries investigation.
Of the 10 vehicles, six are intended for the domestic market.
As a result, operations on six production lines at four plants in central Japan were halted until Thursday.
Toyota hopes to resume operations after the investigation into compliance with regulatory standards decided on the same day by the Ministry of Transport.
Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA