Japanese automaker Toyota outsold General Motors in USA for the first time ever during a quarter and is well on course to be America’s bestselling automaker. Toyota sold 688,813 vehicles in the U.S. from April through June 2021 leaving behind GM at 688,236 vehicles during the second quarter.
Related: Toyota Production to Exceed 10 Million Units in 2022
Reportedly Toyota has beat analyst expectations, while GM slightly missed the forecasts. The shake-up was caused by a global chip shortage that has significantly hampered vehicle production. Japanese automakers, specifically Toyota, have been able to manage the crisis better than their American competitors.
In 2020, Toyota overtook Volkswagen in sales, regaining its title as the world’s top selling automaker for the first time in 5 years. Toyota, which faced a serious supply shortage after the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami in Japan, has since stockpiled parts throughout the supply chain, including chips. This contingency plan appears to have lessened the impact of the recent chip shortage compared with overseas rivals such as Volkswagen and General Motors. According to Cox Automotive senior economist Charlie Chesbrough:
“They’ve kind of defied gravity the last couple of months. We’re tracking them having very weak inventories out there and yet their sales have actually held up quite well. We’re really kind of surprised by Toyota’s strength, and having a decent quarter relative to some of the competition.”
As per analysts, the only way Toyota won’t be crowned as the top-selling automaker is if Ford significantly beats analyst’s sales expectations of 645,000 vehicles during the quarter. Ford previously said it expected to lose half of its production during the second quarter due to the chip problem.
Related: Toyota’s Global Sales Reaches Record High
According to Edmunds, the last time GM wasn’t the bestselling automaker for a quarter in the U.S. was when Ford outsold them during the third quarter of 1998.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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