The news that Volkswagen has pushed its way into the world top three, in terms of car sales, is likely to set alarm bells ringing at Ford, which has lost its position in the car making elite for the first time since serious records began. Sales figures for the first half of 2008 show VW global sales up 7.2% while Ford sales were down by 11%, meaning Volkswagen has jumped ahead of Ford for the first time to become the world's third-largest manufacturer. VW enjoyed particularly strong sales growth in Brazil, Russia and China.

Top 3 car manufactures:

1) Toyota

2) Gm

3) VW +7.2%