German carmaker Volkswagen has overtaken US rival General Motors to become the world’s second-biggest car maker.VW is now on the tail of Japanese giant Toyota, according to sales figures for last year.
The company said it sold 9.73 million vehicles in 2013, across 12 marques that it owns.
That figure includes two truck brands.
Toyota sold 9.98 million light and heavy vehicles, while General Motors recorded 9.71 million sales.
VW owns brands including Audi, Seat, Skoda, Porsche, VW, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, VW Commercial Vehicles, Ducati motorcycles, and MAN and Scania trucks.
It has announced plans to reach sales of 10 million vehicles annually by 2018.
What Car? editor in chief Chas Hallet told Sky News: “They have immensely strong and successful brands and are making high quality products.
“Most importantly they have been hugely successful in China which has contributed to their success.
“All they need to do is to conquer America and that 2018 ambition should be fulfilled.”
