Toyota’s Sales Projections Show It Surpassing G.M.

Toyota’s rise would also prove a victory of sorts for its unique corporate culture, the so-called Toyota Way, which is rooted in an obsession with craftsmanship and constant improvement, or “kaizen.” Analysts said the Toyota Way would likely become enshrined as the industry’s gold standard, and the model to mimic or surpass for new challengers from South Korea and China.

“This proves that the Toyota Way is more than just an odd, quirky theory,” said Chester Dawson, author of “Lexus: the Relentless Pursuit.”

“Being No. 1 means Toyota now sets the standards that everyone has to beat,” he said.