Toyota closes gap to GM

Toyota Motor Corp. built more than 9 million vehicles last year for the first time, narrowing the gap with General Motors Corp. Toyota reported Friday that its output, including production by its Daihatsu and Hino affiliates, rose 9.5 percent in 2006 to 9.02 million vehicles. GM produced 9.18 million vehicles worldwide last year, a slight increase from 9.05 million in 2005, and many analysts expect it will fall to second place behind Toyota as early as this year. Toyota is forecasting sales of 9.34 million vehicles for 2007.