Ford expects Toyota to become number-two automaker

Ford expects Toyota will soon be the second largest automaker operating in the United States, according to internal documents obtained by the New York Times. Ford's internal projections suggest Toyota's market share will permanently surpass its share of the U.S. market as early as January.

Toyota knocked Ford out of the number two spot in July, selling 241,826 vehicles versus 240,011 units. Ford maintained its position in the following months, but expects Toyota will return to number two for most or all of 2007, and for the foreseeable future.