Toyota's three-year stretch as the world's largest automaker ended in 2011, when the company endured production setbacks in the aftermath of the devastating Japan earthquake and tsunami.

However, Toyota is back with a vengeance and posted a 15.8% increase in sales in the US during the first quarter of 2012. On top of that, the Japanese automaker is on top of the global sales chart again based on Q1 2012 results.

Toyota moved 2.49 million vehicles globally in the first three months, edging GM's 2.28 million sales and Volkswagen's 2.16 million, Bloomberg News reported. In 2011, GM was the best selling brand globally. GM sold 9.03 million vehicles while Volkswagen and Toyota moved 8.16 million and 7.9 million respectively.

However, GM seemed relax about the fact that it is beginning to lose its sales crown for 2012. GM spokesman, Jim Cain, commented that one quarter is an awfully short window of time when GM has a big vision for global growth.

"GM today is a profitable, growing company, and our plan is to grow more and earn more," said Cain in an e-mail. "We've got the ingredients to do both over time, especially with our aggressive new product launch calendar and the momentum Chevrolet, in particular, is building around the world," he added.

Indeed, the first quarter is like the 10km mark in a marathon race. There is still a long journey ahead for GM and Toyota. It is still too early for Toyota to rejoice.