Toyota is the worlds largest automaker for the sixth consecutive year

2026-01-31 10:22:56 Author: Alfa Rent a Car
Toyota is the worlds largest automaker for the sixth consecutive year


Toyota remains the world's largest automaker: Historic sales record in 2025

Toyota Motor has set a new benchmark in the automotive industry, reporting record sales of 11.3 million vehicles globally in 2025. This remarkable performance secures the Japanese manufacturer the title of the world's largest automaker for the sixth consecutive year, significantly distancing itself from its main rival, the Volkswagen Group.

While the German giant saw a slight decline in sales (below 9 million units), Toyota managed a 4.6% increase compared to the previous year. The success was fueled by massive demand in the United States and Japan, but also by the resilience of the Chinese market, where sales returned to the positive (+0.2%) after four years of decline. Toyota's strategy of betting on hybrid vehicles proved to be a "winning card", with them representing 42% of the global sales mix.


Toyota on the Romanian market: Performance and market share

Locally, Toyota ended 2025 with an extremely solid position, consolidating its status as the most popular import brand in Romania.

    Market share: Toyota reached a market share of approximately 9.5% in 2025, firmly maintaining second place in the top of Romanians' preferences, right after the local leader Dacia.
    Units sold: In a total auto market of approximately 155,000 new cars, Toyota delivered record volumes, exceeding the threshold of 14,000 units (estimated based on the upward trend of over 20% reported at the beginning of the year and the final APIA results).
    Hybrid Segment: Toyota authoritatively dominates the "full hybrid" vehicle (FHEV) segment in Romania, where its models account for the majority of volumes sold.


The most successful models and prices

Romanians' preferences for reliability and efficiency have propelled three main models to the top of sales:
Model Segment Status in Romania Starting price (estimated)

Model Segment Status in Romania Starting Price (est.)
Toyota Corolla Compact Best-selling hybrid model in the country from ~€22,300 (Sedan)
Toyota Yaris Cross B-SUV Leader in the urban SUV segment from ~€20,800
Toyota RAV4 SUV Favorite for those seeking AWD and space from ~€38,000

Other models that have contributed to the local success are the new Toyota C-HR (also available as a plug-in hybrid) and the Aygo X city model, the latter being one of the brand's most affordable options, with a starting price of around €16,500.


Conclusion

The year 2025 confirmed that Toyota's "multi-technology" vision — combining classic hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles — resonates perfectly with today's consumer needs. In Romania, the brand's success is not only a reflection of the global trend, but also the result of trust built over 25 years of official presence, during which Toyota became synonymous with sustainability and low operating costs through hybrid technology.