The Japanese car company Toyota released its January to June sales figures on Wednesday, showing it sold about 5.097 million vehicles worldwide, about 4 percent more than its sales for the same period in 2013.

Sales increased especially in Japan where people rushed to buy vehicles before the increase in taxes last April 1.

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In China, sales increased by 12 percent, while there was a 5 percent increase in sales in North America. European sales of Toyota vehicles were also up by 8 percent.

Toyota officials, as usual, merely stated they don't compete to be No. 1, they just strive to satisfy their customers "one car at a time."

Germany's Volkswagen had total sales of about 4.97 million vehicles from January to June, while General Motors have sold 4.92 million vehicles.

Toyota was also at the top spot in vehicle sales in 2013, with 9.98 million vehicles sold.

General Motors, which used to be the second best-selling vehicle in 2013, was outranked by Volkswagen, probably impacted by a recall scandal.

For more than 70 years, General Motors held the No. 1 spot for the top selling vehicles. The company was outranked by Toyota in 2008.

In 2011, Toyota's production was temporarily halted because of the tsunami that Japan experienced. During that year, General Motors regained its No.1 standing.

The Japanese vehicle producer made a comeback in 2012 and has been on the top spot since.

TagsToyota, General Motors, volkswagen