Jul 23rd, 2008 by Liz Opsitnik
Toyota beat GM in worldwide sales in the first half of the year, reports the AP and USA Today.
Toyota said today it sold 4.8 million vehicles from January to June, which is a 2% increase from the same period last year. GM said it sold 4.5 million vehicles in the first half of 2008, a decrease of 3%.
Consumer shift to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles is a possible reason that has allowed Toyota to take the number one spot, partly due to their popular Prius hybrid car.
GM has been immensely affected by the turn away from big trucks and SUVs and will introduce their plug-in electric, the Chevy Volt, in 2010.
Protect your vehicle with an extended warranty! Get a fast free quote on affordable extended warranties for used and new cars here! 
Don't forget to factor insurance costs into your research. Get accurate insurance rate information on any vehicle and shop for the best deal.
Get real price quotes from local dealerships. Don't buy a car without checking the price first! Pit dealers against each other to get the best deal possible!
{/literal}