Volkswagen Group has held on to its position as the world’s top-selling automaker for the 5th year in a row, although the German group was edged out again by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance in the light-duty vehicles segment.
Related: 2018- Best Selling Cars of the World
Volkswagen Group delivered about 10.83 million vehicles last year, giving it a 70,000-unit lead over its closest rival. Sales of the German auto group were up 0.9% as it continued to recover from the diesel emissions scandal that had hammered its image, especially in the critical U.S. market.
Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance followed closely, having sold 10.76 million light-duty products in 2018. VW managed to fend off its rivals with the help of its MAN and Scania heavy truck subsidiaries. Excluding those, the German group sold a total of 10.6 million light-duty vehicles in 2018.
Toyota Motor Corporation retained its third spot, having sold 10.59 million vehicles last year including its Toyota and Lexus brands, along with small cars made by subsidiary Daihatsu and light and heavy trucks produced by its truck division Hino Motors Ltd. Excluding Hino trucks, Toyota sold 10.39 million units last year and expects to sell a total of 10.76 million vehicles in 2019.
Related: History’s Top 10 All Time Best Selling Cars- 2018 Update
The three top auto groups each managed to deliver more than 10 million vehicles worldwide last year, but the industry saw a sharp dip by General Motors, the long-time sales king into a distant fourth place with 8.79 million sales.
South Korean Hyundai group which consist of Kia & Genesis brands is at the fifth spot with 7.5 million sales, followed by Ford (including Lincoln) at 6th place with 5.73 million sales. Honda Motors Group (including Acura) stood at 7th place with 5.27 million units sold.
At the eighth place with 4.84 million sales stand FCA (Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge Alfa Romeo), followed closely by PSA (Peugeot, Citroen, Opel, Vauxhall) with 4.13 million sales at 9th place. The 10th spot belong to Suzuki (including Maruti) which sold 3.2 million units in 2018.
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
