Toyota Motor Corporation has hit a major milestone, recording its highest-ever global vehicle sales for the 12 months ending March 31, 2026, marking the end of Japan’s financial year. Across its full portfolio, including Lexus, Century, and Daihatsu, Toyota delivered 11,282,215 vehicles worldwide, setting a new all-time record.
This milestone marked the 6th consecutive year Toyota has held the crown as the world’s top-selling automaker, widening its lead over its closest rival, the Volkswagen Group.
Growth returns after two years
This milestone marks Toyota’s first annual sales increase in two years. The sales went up 2.5% from 11,233,039 vehicles in the previous financial year.
The growth was driven in part by strong demand for the Toyota RAV4, which remains Toyota’s best-selling model globally and one of Australia’s most popular SUVs. Other top-selling models are the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Yaris Cross, and Toyota Hilux.
Strong worldwide performance
Toyota’s final result aligns closely with earlier forecasts of around 11.3 million vehicles. The key global highlights are:
- Record sales for Lexus (exact figure not disclosed)
- Exports up 3% to 2.05 million vehicles
- Growth achieved despite volatile US tariffs on imported vehicles and tariffs affecting parts for repairs and manufacturing
Related: Toyota teases interior of 7-seat EV SUV ahead of reveal
US strategy and production shift
Toyota continues to strengthen its US manufacturing footprint. It operates 11 factories in the United States. Chairman Akio Toyoda confirmed that the US-built versions of the Camry, Tundra and Highlander (sold as Kluger in Australia) will soon be exported back to Japan.
Brand restructure and luxury push
Akio Toyoda also outlined a restructure of Toyota’s brand divisions at the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show. The Japanese car maker has confirmed the expansion of the Century brand as a global ultra-luxury marque, positioned above Lexus.
Toyoda, the great-grandson of founder Kiichiro Toyoda, continues to oversee Toyota’s core brands, including Gazoo Racing (GR), Lexus, and Daihatsu (no longer sold in Australia).
Rising competition from China
Toyota’s record sales come amid a shifting global landscape. China has now overtaken Japan as the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer. Chinese brands like BYD and Geely are now firmly in the global top 10. BYD has become the top-selling Chinese brand in Australia.
Related: 100,000 BYD cars now on Australian roads
Toyota’s performance in Australia
Local sales figures show some softening despite Toyota’s global success. The last financial year (Apr 2025 – Mar 2026) saw 226,374 vehicles sold. This is down from 241,296 vehicles in 2024 (record year) and 239,863 vehicles in 2025 (down 0.6%).
Still the sales king Down Under
Toyota is still the top car brand in Australia. It’s the #1 brand every year since 2003, achieving the top spot for the first time in 1991.
In 2026 Year-to-Date (1st quarter), the brand has sold 44,490 vehicles (down 23% year-on-year), but it is still well ahead of second-placed Mazda.
Australian buyers are now taking delivery of the new-generation Toyota RAV4, now arriving in showrooms and the latest Toyota HiLux, which received a major update in December 2025.
Final words
Toyota’s record-breaking global performance reinforces its grip on the global sales crown. While competition is heating up, particularly from Chinese brands, Toyota continues to dominate key markets like Australia, even as local sales show signs of cooling.
Comments
New Comment