Toyota today said it expects group worldwide sales to expand to 10.4 million vehicles in 2009, up 18 per cent from last year.
Toyota, along with Daihatsu and truck maker Hino Motors, sold a record 8.81 million vehicles last year, putting the group ahead of General Motors as the world's biggest car maker - a title held by GM for 75 years.
Toyota is increasing market share in the large but stagnant markets of North America, Europe and Japan with fuel-efficient cars such as the Prius Hybrid and RAV4 crossover.
The company has been growing even more rapidly in China and Russia, where a growing population of wealthy consumers is driving double-digit growth in demand.
The world's top automakers are seeking a footing in newly emerging markets that will account for most of the industry's growth as demand slows in the United States, Japan, and much of Europe.
Last year, Toyota sold a little over half of its cars in the United States and Japan.