By Charles E. Buban
Philippine Daily Inquirer

AS General Motors and Japanese rival Toyota battle it out for domination of the world auto market, GM announced it will intensify its presence in the Southeast Asian region, which the Detroit-based car giant described as one of the fastest-growing car markets in the world.

“Like China, Russia, India and Brazil, GM sees a huge opportunity for expansion in Southeast Asia. Expect more developments in the coming months, which would include introduction of new vehicle models that car buyers within this market will want at a price they can afford,” announced Steve Carlisle, president of GM Southeast Asia Operations Limited and Chevrolet Sales Thailand.

Speaking before the official opening of the 29th Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand, Carlisle hinted at coming up with a new vehicle model that would fall under the Asian utility vehicle category, a type of vehicle that is already popular in the region, including the Philippines.

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By Tessa R. Salazar
Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE AUTOMOTIVE buzz last week was that US automaker General Motors Corp.’s “solid sales growth” gave it a slim lead over Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor Corp. in 2007 global vehicle sales, allowing it to keep its top spot for the 77th year.

GM sold 9,369,524 vehicles last year — a measly lead of 3,000 over Toyota’s 9.366 million vehicles sold last year. Automotive business analysts are expecting a more intense rivalry this year as the two compete for emerging markets like China and India.

But the No. 2 placer, it seems, isn’t complaining.

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By Associated Press

TOKYO, Japan–Toyota said Monday it sold 2.34 million vehicles globally in the July-September quarter, fewer than General Motors’ tally, as the US rival regained its lead in the race for the world’s top automaker.

Toyota Motor Corp.’s worldwide vehicle sales for the first nine months of this year — at 7.05 million vehicles — also fell short of sales of Detroit-based General Motors Corp. at 7.06 million vehicles for the same period.

The numbers Toyota released Monday show the Japanese automaker running neck-and-neck against Detroit-based General Motors with 2.38 million vehicles for the third quarter.

Toyota, which beat GM in global vehicle sales for the first half of the year, has been riding on its reputation for high quality small cars reputed for good mileage, such as the Camry, Corolla and gas-electric hybrid Prius.

Some analysts say it’s a matter of time before the Japanese automaker — which built its business in the decades after World War II by imitating American automakers — will close in on GM.