Toyota´s sales much higher than those of their competitors

General Motors (NYSE: GM) did well in North America after reporting an increase in sales in the first quarter. However, the shortage of computer chips continues to be a significant stumbling block for the company's production. The automaker announced its sales on Thursday, announcing that it had sold around 642,250 cars and light commercial vehicles in the first three months. The number represented a 4% increase in sales. The past year hit the company like other companies around the world after the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. Toyota Motor showed a stunning contrast when it reported its sharp rebound in sales. The Japanese automaker said it saw sales jump 22% in North America in the first three months of this year. The jump was equivalent to about 603,066 cars and light commercial vehicles. March turned out to be the best time for the company, which was reporting its record breaking numbers at the time. Toyota's stellar sales saw it outperform Ford Motor (NYSE: F), but both companies continue to suffer from the semiconductor shortage. Initially, Ford Motor reported that its sales were only up 1%, which equates to about 521,334. France's Peugeot SA and Fiat Chrysler merged a few years ago to create a company called Stellantis. Reports show that Stellantis is doing reasonably well in its first quarter, seeing a 5 percent increase in sales. Ford and General Motors reported a decline in sales to fleet operators such as governments and rental companies. However, they performed excellently in retail sales to customers. Sources suggest significant gains in this area. General Motors and Ford have complained of slow production activity at some of their plants in several cases. In many cases, companies were forced to stop production due to semiconductor shortages, among other things. General Motors continues to strive to survive. So the company decided to produce vehicles without the chips. The plan is to add these chips in the future when supplies have returned to normal. The company faces great times and hopes the supply situation will improve.