Toyota Targeting 21 Percent Increase in North American Sales by 2008

It is only a matter of time until Toyota's surge up the sales charts results in the number one position for automotive volume worldwide. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

The newspaper report stated that Toyota planned to sell 2.5 million new vehicles in the United States in 2008, up from its current 2.06 million unit total in 2004, a figure that would most likely also rise in neighboring Canada due to similar market strategies. To show that it's well on target, Toyota is targeting 2.22 million U.S. sales for 2005.

Toyota, which has been attempting to dodge a negative backlash of anti-import sentiment that has resulted from its positive growth and the downfall of GM, Ford, and in some respects Chrysler Group, only officially stated that its 2008 targets would not be announced until December of 2007, the automaker's normal procedure. But with U.S. sales up 11.7 percent so far this year, and the future looking absolutely rosy for the cash rich company, it is only a matter of time until Toyota's

No doubt, surpassing Ford, the number two carmaker in the U.S., is also within Toyota's short term sights. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

surge up the sales charts results in the number one position for automotive volume worldwide.

Due to its popular new Scion brand and greater availability of hybrid models, such as the Prius, plus the new Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h duo, it is expected that Toyota will surpass Chrysler Group as the third largest automaker in the U.S. next year. No doubt, surpassing Ford, the number two carmaker in the U.S., is also within Toyota's short term sights.

How the tables have turned since the words "Made in Japan" cheapened the perceived value of any given product. Japanese vehicles also seemed inferior to those from domestic manufacturers or Europe, but now the Japanese stamp of origin carries with it a premium most are willing to pay.