Japan's Toyota Motor Corp remained the world's largest automaker last year, but General Motors rose to once again pose a formidable challenge, sales figures released by the companies showed Monday, according to dpa. Toyota said its global sales in 2010 increased 8 per cent to 8.42 million vehicles, maintaining its status as the world's largest carmaker despite a massive recall damaging its reputation. The figure included the sales by its subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor Co and Hino Motors Ltd. GM sold 8.39 million vehicles in 2010, a 12.2 per cent jump. The increase comes as international sales rose, with China the most important market surpassing the domestic US market. The US giant was first surpassed as top carmaker by Toyota in 2007 after ruling the market since 1931. In 2009, the Detroit-based carmaker was forced to take a government bailout to stave off bankruptcy. Toyota's overseas sales grew 6 per cent to 5.96 million units while its domestic sales were boosted 14 per cent to 1.57 million, Toyota said in a statement. The Japanese carmaker had to recall more than 10 million vehicles worldwide late 2009 and early 2010 over problems with accelerator pedals, floor mats and brakes. The recalls dealt a devastating blow to the company, which was known for the safety and quality of its products. Germany's Volkswagen with 13.5 per cent sales growth and 7.14 million vehicles sold was the third-largest automaker. French- Japanese duo Renault-Nissan and South Korea's Hyundai-Kia rounded out the top five.
