Volkswagen AGToyota retained top sales spot, but Volkswagen's sales of 4.13 million units were lower, indicating weaker demand for VW vehicles relative to Toyota.

Toyota Motor Corporation posted global vehicle sales of 5.39 million units in the first half of 2026, outpacing Volkswagen's roughly 4.13 million units to hold the top spot for a seventh consecutive year, even as the Toyota group's total sales fell 2.8 percent from the same period a year earlier. The decline, the first in two years, was driven by sluggish demand in China and the impact of higher oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East. Overseas sales dropped 4.5 percent to 4.30 million units, while domestic sales rose 4.4 percent to 1.10 million units, supported by the new bZ4X electric vehicle. Global electrified vehicle sales climbed 9.1 percent to 2.71 million units, with all-electric vehicles surging roughly 2.4 times to 193,172 units, both setting first-half records. By region, sales in China fell 17.1 percent to 694,670 units, the Middle East dropped 21.6 percent to 218,855 units, and North America edged up 0.9 percent to 1.45 million units.
Volkswagen AGToyota retained top sales spot, but Volkswagen's sales of 4.13 million units were lower, indicating weaker demand for VW vehicles relative to Toyota.