(April 16, 2014) Toyota has announced that its Corolla is the best selling nameplate in the world citing the company’s internal data based on individual vehicle sales reporting from its distributors. Earlier this month, Ford claimed its Focus was the world's top seller in 2013.
 
The 5 percent year-over-year increase confirms the Corolla’s perennial popularity among loyal customers in approximately 150 countries and regions around the world, Toyota maintained in a press release.

Based on Toyota’s analysis of Polk new vehicle registration data from IHS Automotive, which captures 96 percent of global new vehicle volumes, the Corolla is the world’s best-selling vehicle model for 2013 with global registrations of 1,098,524 million units. Earlier this month Ford claimed its Focus was the world's top seller with 1,097,618 million units. It also cited registration data from IHS Automotive.

Ford said registrations of the Focus were up 8.1 percent over 2012.
 
“The Corolla stands as the international face of Toyota and touches millions of people across the globe every day,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager.  “Being the world’s best-selling car speaks volumes about the satisfaction and loyalty our customers feel about the Corolla and Toyota.”

Ford begs to differ. “It is remarkable to see Focus again lead the industry as the No. 1-selling vehicle nameplate on the planet,” said Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president, Ford Motor Company Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “With the new car, we’ve raised the bar again, showcasing Ford’s commitment to continuous improvement — adding better technology for drivers and a sleeker, more modern exterior across the entire Focus family.”
 
Toyota said, "thanks to the recent redesign, including amplified elements of design and improved fuel economy, Corolla’s worldwide cumulative sales since its introduction in 1966 topped 40.72 million units as of February 2014, making it the all-time best-selling vehicle model."
 
This figure includes Corolla sedan and other variations in name such as Corolla Axio, Corolla Altis and Corolla EX 4-door sedans.  The subscripts “Axio” “Altis” and “EX” denote trim levels of the 4-door Corolla sedan sold in various global regions, including Japan.  Also included are the Corolla-badged Fielder and Rumion 5-door wagons.
 
Toyota expains the possible difference, indicating various competitive claims based on “single nameplate” registrations may have excluded data for Corolla Axio, Corolla Altis, Corolla EX, Corolla Fielder and Corolla Rumion, which are identified and marketed as Corolla sedans and wagons.
 
In the U.S., the all-new Corolla posted sales of more than 300,000 units in 2013, a 4 percent increase year-over-year.  In 2013, 97 percent of all Corollas sold in the U.S. were built in North America.
 
Ford said "since the launch of the Focus in 1998, the best-selling vehicle nameplate in the world for two years running has sold more than 12 million vehicles globally."

Perhaps a neutral arbitrator needs to be called upon to get an "official count" and settle the dispute.

Sources: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.; Ford Motor Company