When it comes to new vehicle sales, our analyses often focus on North American results. It’s perfectly normal, since that’s the market we’re concerned with. However, once a year, it’s necessary to take a look at the global picture—namely, sales across the planet.
Toyota saw its global sales grow by approximately 5% in 2025
Volkswagen experienced a 0.5% decline last year
The Hyundai Group stands in third place for global sales
And once again, there is no surprise about which manufacturer sold the most vehicles, as Toyota dominated globally with a total of 11,322,575 models sold across its empire, which also includes Lexus, Daihatsu, and Hino.
Last year, the Japanese giant finished 2024 with approximately 10.8 million units sold.
In second place, we find the Volkswagen Group, which sold 8.9 million vehicles during 2025. The gap remains significant—so much so that by the end of November, Toyota had already sold more vehicles than Volkswagen would sell all year. In fact, Volkswagen saw its results decline by 0.5% in 2025, while Toyota posted an increase of approximately 5%.
In 2026, Toyota has every reason to believe it will keep its crown, as its models continue to perform well. The new-generation RAV4 will help boost numbers, as will the arrival of a new Hilux and a smaller Land Cruiser, the FJ.
Japan Mobility Show: Toyota Land Cruiser FJ : Toyota, please bring it here!
For its part, Volkswagen is also preparing the arrival of models that could help reverse the trend, such as the ID. Polo for the European market, while the new Tiguan should find success in North America.
The Others
Other brands continue their march forward, inching closer to the leading duo. We’re referring here to Korean manufacturers Hyundai and Kia. The duo saw its results grow by 0.6% in 2025, with a total of 7.27 million models sold globally.
The goal is 7.51 million in 2026.
Don’t be surprised if, in a few years, the battle between Volkswagen and the Hyundai Group tightens up.
