Toyota ends Ford’s 75-year reign as No. 2 carmaker

Toyota Motor Corp. overtook Ford Motor Co. to become the No. 2 automaker by U.S. sales in 2007, using new products and relentless strategy to break Ford's 75-year lock on the position.

Ford sales were down 12 percent for the year; General Motors Corp. reported a 6 percent U.S. sales decline in 2007.

Toyota sold 48,226 more cars and trucks than Ford, according to sales figures released today. Toyota's sales were up 3 percent for the year, buoyed by new products like the Toyota Tundra pickup, which saw sales jump 57 percent.

Ford corporate historian Bob Kreipke said it was the first time since 1931 that Ford wasn't second behind General Motors Corp.

Ford said U.S. vehicle sales in 2007 dipped 12 percent to 2.57 million units, despite strong demand for its crossover Ford Edge and redesigned Ford Focus.