Sales slip, but GM likely still No. 1

General Motors Corp.’s 2006 worldwide sales dropped slightly last year to 9.09 million cars and trucks, but it apparently was enough for the Detroit company to keep the title of world’s largest automaker for another year.

The company’s closest rival, Toyota Motor Corp. of Japan, estimates that it sold 8.8 million vehicles last year. Toyota typically releases its final totals near the end of January.

GM said Wednesday that worldwide sales last year fell 0.9% from 9.17 million in 2005 mainly because of lower sales in the United States.

GM sold more cars and trucks overseas than it did at home last year. The company said a preliminary count of its non-U.S. sales last year totaled 4.97 million vehicles, or 55% of the worldwide total.

GM and Toyota are preparing for a showdown this year, with GM Chief Executive Rick Wagoner vowing to fight to keep the No. 1 spot.

Toyota has said it expects to produce 9.42 million vehicles this year. GM hasn’t disclosed its 2007 worldwide production estimates.

Wagoner, however, has said GM has capacity to produce more than Toyota says it will produce this year.

GM shares rose 2 cents to $30.87. They have traded in a 52-week range of $19 to $36.56.