Volkswagen AG moved ahead of Ford Motor Co. as the world’s third-largest automaker by vehicle sales in this year’s first half, according to figures the companies released last week.
Volkswagen reported a 7.2% increase to 3.31 million cars and trucks, while Ford said its sales fell 11% to 3.09 million.
Ford is headed for another decline in the annual global sales rankings, after yielding the No. 2 spot to Toyota Motor Corp. in 2003.
Ford’s U.S. sales fell 14% as gasoline prices rose above $4 a gallon, crimping demand for large pickups and SUVs. Its figures also exclude Jaguar and Land Rover, sold to Tata Motors Ltd. in June.