The first half of 2016 belongs to Volkswagen as it overtook Toyota to become the largest carmaker in the world.

Volkswagen achieved a similar feat last year where they claimed the lead at the six-month mark during 2015. However, the diesel emissions scandal stunted its challenge in the second half of the year meaning that Toyota held onto the crown for another year. Toyota has held the title since 2012, with Volkswagen and General Motors in hot pursuit.

For the first half of 2016, Volkswagenrecorded 5.26 million carsproduced, of which, 5.19 million vehicles were sold. Toyota currently sits at 5.03 million cars produced and 4.99 million sold. GM has not released its production figuresbut claims sales of 4.76 million vehicles.

All three manufacturing giants have multiple brands in its arsenal to help boost production. Volkswagenhas Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Skoda, Seat and Porsche. Toyota has Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino bolstering its production. On GM’s side, there are many American brands such as Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet, as well as German giant, Opel.

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