GM robs Toyota, weakened by the earthquake Japan, its place of No. 1 worldwide Veronique Dupont (AFP) - There are 3 days
NEW YORK - The earthquake in Japan, which has disrupted production car in the Japanese archipelago, has claimed its place as world number one sector to Toyota, doubled in the first quarter - and probably for the year - by 'General Motors and Germany's Volkswagen.
"It is virtually certain that Toyota will lose its position as number one in worldwide sales this year. Its production does not return to its normal level until late in the year. It is difficult to predict a different outcome," said Bill Visnic, analyst specialized site edmunds.com.
Toyota sold 1.79 million vehicles worldwide between January and March, down
12% year on year.Meanwhile, GM sold 2.22 million cars, and returning, at least for this quarter, the world number one spot he had sold to Toyota in 2008.
Volkswagen, whose claimed purpose is to climb to first place worldwide in terms of sales, for its part has passed 2 million vehicles over the same period.
Toyota, whose production is largely concentrated in Japan, was hit hard by the giant earthquake and tsunami of 11 March, which damaged many plants suppliers in the automotive industry.
The assembly plants of Japanese group currently running at idle, Japan and elsewhere, due to component shortages, which affects less than non-Japanese manufacturers whose supply is more geographically diversified.
Toyota does not provide a return of its production to 70% of normal over the world in June, with a view to 100% of rates for November or December.
The Japanese automaker already made pastries since the fall of 2009 repeated reminders on some 12 million vehicles worldwide, which have undermined his reputation.
"The earthquake has certainly played a role in the fact that Toyota is losing its place, but even without that, its sales were not very good because of reminders, particularly on the North American market," said Jesse Toprak Analyst Site truecar.com car.
For analysts, the Japanese would be difficult to bounce back quickly.
"It is very difficult to get a buyer once it has lost. This may have an impact that can not easily measured but can last for years. That's why manufacturers are doing to keep their customers, "he adds.
American manufacturers should greatly benefit from access to low Japanese automaker in the U.S. and European competitors score points on the segment of luxury cars against Lexus, the premium brand of Toyota.
"We are already seeing the Lexus sales lagging behind those of Mercedes and BMW," says Mr. Visnic.
Jesse Toprak, GM should probably stay number one in the year, but it is not impossible, even if "it will be difficult," Volkswagen double.
"The German manufacturer has been particularly determined to see high volumes in all markets, including the United States", where its market share is still relatively confidential, "he notes.
Unlike GM, which "wants to focus on profitability," Volkswagen could have more spare production capacity to ramp up if demand increases and more flexibility than GM to make promotions, he concludes .
Questioned by AFP, a spokesman for Toyota said that being "the biggest auto manufacturer has never been our goal. We are optimistic about our success in
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