Earlier this month, there had been whisperings that Toyota would lose its crown as the biggest car producer in the world, and that Volkswagen could take the number one spot. According to latest reports, though, Volkswagen still sits at number three on podium, behind Toyota at number one and General Motors at number two.

Despite coming in third, Volkswagen is closing the gap between it and Toyota, halving the difference of number of cars produced between the two in just 12 months. I can only imagine that this puts it very close behind General Motors. The explanation is that Volkswagen has suffered less in the economic crisis, probably meaning that Toyota and General Motors have been producing less than usual.

In the first nine months of 2009, Volkswagen lost just 5.5 percent of its sales volume, while Toyota went backwards by a full 20 percent, and General Motors by 17. Still, if Volkswagen were to become the number one of the world’s car makers, this would only happen in a few years’ time, being more than a million vehicles away from Toyota’s and General Motors’ figures. We’ll see what 2010 brings with a refreshed General Motors and Volkswagen gaining even more ground in Europe. We could still see the numbers change, although the traditional rivalry looks assured.

Source | Auto Motor und Sport

Continue reading: World's biggest car manufacturer: Volkswagen behind Toyota and General Motors

The Peugeot 3008 crossover is continuing its sales success in its local market of France, having already collected 50,000 orders. That’s 15 percent more than what Peugeot had aimed for, as it expands production to the UK, following France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

The Peugeot 3008 is also proving successful with its engine range, as 75 percent of orders have opted for the HDi diesel motor, of which 80 percent have chosen the 1.6-litre with 110 hp. The other 25 percent is divided between the 1.6 VTi and the 1.6 THP, with the former being slightly more popular.

The order figures mean that the 50,000 units planned for production this year have already been purchased, and Peugeot is now increasing production capacity on this line, already at 530 vehicles a day. The new 5008 has also commenced assembly operations on the line, with 360 produced a day.

Continue reading: Peugeot 3008 sales success