Toyota sold 8.42 million vehicles globally in 2010, remaining the world's top automaker for the third year straight despite recall woes in the key North American market.
General Motors also released a new tally Monday for its global 2010 sales, at 8.39 million vehicles, slightly fewer than Toyota's number, but a dramatic 12 percent rebound from 7.48 million vehicles the year before.
The race between the two giants appears to be getting close, with the chance the tables could be turned, seeing GM once again rising to the top.