Toyota is back as world's biggest car maker

Japan's Toyota has recaptured the top slot as the world's biggest car maker, overtaking America's General Motors again.

Toyota lost the No1 position in 2011 after its production lines were hit by the tsunami and floods in Thailand. But in 2012 it produced 9.75 million vehicles, up 22 per cent. General Motors manufactured 9.29 million. Nissan and Honda also saw sharp rises in production last year.