TOYOTA Motor Corp. is projecting a 2% hike in car sales next year, led by a demand from overseas market.
The increase can vouch the company back to the leading car maker slot, it said.
Global sales, including those of subsidiaries Hino Motors and Daihatsu Motor may climb to 9.91 million vehicles in 2013. Toyota’s estimate sales expanded 22% to a record 9.7 million this year, the biggest gain since 2000.
The automaker is counting on the U.S. to boost sales next year, countering a projected 15% drop in Japan, where government subsidies to purchasers of fuel-efficient vehicles expired in September.
Its 2013 forecast surpasses the previous high of 9.37 million units in 2007, before the global financial crisis sapped demand.
Sales in Asia, especially in Indonesia are also projected to increase. (RJA)
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