Key facts
- Toyota Motor retained its position as the world's top automaker in the first half of 2026.
- Group sales fell 2.8% year-on-year to 5.39 million vehicles, the first decline in two years.
- Sluggish demand in China, down 17.1%, and Middle East logistics issues impacted sales.
- Global production decreased by 0.3% to 5.51 million vehicles.
- Electrified vehicle sales grew 9.1% to 2.71 million, with EV sales increasing 2.4-fold.
- North American sales saw a slight increase of 0.9%.
Toyota Motor retained its position as the world's top automaker in the first half of 2026 for the seventh consecutive year, selling 5.39 million vehicles across its group companies. This figure, however, represents a 2.8% year-on-year decline, marking the first such decrease in two years. The dip in global sales is attributed to sluggish demand in China and logistics disruptions stemming from the Middle East situation. Volkswagen sold approximately 4.13 million units in the same period.
Global output for the Toyota group edged down 0.3% to 5.51 million vehicles. Toyota's exports to the Middle East saw a significant 36% drop, while overseas sales declined by 4.5% to 4.30 million vehicles. Conversely, domestic sales increased by 4.4% to 1.10 million units, boosted by strong performance of the new bZ4X electric vehicle.
Sales in China slid 17.1% to 694,670 units, and the Middle East experienced a 21.6% decrease. North America, however, saw a slight increase of 0.9% in sales, reaching 1.45 million vehicles, supported by demand for hybrid models.
Toyota's electrified vehicle sales, particularly hybrids, grew by 9.1% to 2.71 million cars, and sales of pure electric vehicles (EVs) surged approximately 2.4-fold to 193,172 vehicles, both setting first-half records. In June alone, group sales fell 1.1% to 926,688 units, while production rose 2.2% to 984,408 cars. Hino Motors is no longer a consolidated subsidiary after its merger with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus in April.