Toyota, already at the top of global car sales, has set a goal of moving 10.4 million units on the world market in 2009.

Business daily Nikkei reported that Toyota, buoyed by growing North American demand and increased sales in China, is set to push its production and sales numbers even farther.

The Toyota plan is based on the popularity of its fuel-efficient models including the Prius hybrid and RAV4 crossover and, in the full-sized pickup market, the Tundra.

Toyota is expected to conduct a briefing on the new business plan by August 31, which will include subsidiary sales by both Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd and Hino Motors Ltd.

Although no comment was immediately forthcoming from Toyota, the target sales goal would make the company the first carmaker to sell more than 10 million units in a one-year period.

The plan is an even more ambitious one given the current state of credit in the United States, which is already causing consumers to cut back on large purchases like automobiles and houses.

Analysts, including Lehman Brothers, are lowering their predictions for auto sales numbers in light of the weakening credit situation.

Toyota's past sales record has brought them close to the record-setting number, but the company is still looking at an impressive proposed sales push.

In 2006, the company sold approximately 8.8 million vehicles putting it just behind General Motors at 9.1 million.

The two automakers have been neck-and-neck for the number one global position in recent years.