Never stop, Toyota hot on wheels

Car analysts predict that Toyota cannot stop becoming the number one car maker in the world. In fact, they added that next year could serve as a historic environment for taking the throne of Toyota and General Motors.

Soaring gasoline prices have shifted the automobile market to gas-saving Toyota. Toyota Camry auto parts are especially designed to be fuel efficient. The auto parts of Toyota Corolla, the best-selling car of the automaker, are also designed to improve reliability and fuel economy.

It seems easy for Japanese automakers to overthrow Ford Motor Company from its position as the second largest automaker. With quick and reliable movement, Toyota landed on the second coveted post. Toyota will open assembly plants in Russia, Thailand and China to increase this possibility. “For Toyota, everything is going as well as possible,” said Yasuaki Iwamoto, an automobile analyst at Okasan Securities in Tokyo. “Toyota has a reputation for reliability and quality.”

Toyota plans to sell 8.85 million units worldwide this year. Previously, it was aiming to sell 9.8 million units in 2008. General Motors sold a total of 9.17 million units in 2005. This is the second highest number in company history. “We are focused on transforming GM into a more competitive and slimmer company that can generate sustainable profits,” said spokesman Brian Acre. “We will not change our North American turnaround plan or sacrifice profitability for the highest level.”

In a recent JD Power and Associates vehicle reliability survey, Toyota received the highest honors in eight of its 19 categories. In addition, the Lexus luxury brand has become the top-ranked nameplate for the 12th consecutive year. Toyota has also renewed the interest of enthusiasts with the release of the powerful Prius hybrid. The hybrid is equipped with cutting-edge Toyota parts for the Prius, which is known for its high quality. This hybrid was launched in 1997.

According to some Toyota officials, abolishing GM is not in their minds. “Our goal is to be number one with our customers,” said Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco. “The increase we’re experiencing in production and sales simply reflects consumer demand,” but according to Bill Schwartz of TBM Consulting, a company based in Durham, North Carolina, “it’s (GM). It’s inevitable and very likely to happen next year. Toyota’s curves are all going in the right direction. And General Motors are all going in the wrong direction. “