Toyota’s Corolla sedan has claimed the world’s best seller status in 2013, with internal data confirming 1.22 million units recorded sales. The calendar year 2013 figures have been calculated by Toyota Motor Sales in the USA using independent Polk new vehicle registration data from IHS Automotive, which captures 96 percent of global new vehicle volumes. The data confirms the Corolla as the world’s best-selling vehicle model for the year with global registrations of 1,098,524 units.

These numbers indicate the enduring popularity of a name-plate that has been going strong since 1966, amassing a record 40.72 million cumulative sales by the end of February 2014.

Over the years, the model range has received considerable changes and according to Toyota, the appeal of the latest-generation Corolla is helping it post a five percent year-on-year increase in sales across 150 countries and regions worldwide.

This figure includes the Corolla sedan and other variations bearing the Corolla name, such as Corolla Axio, Corolla Altis (in India) and Corolla EX trim levels of the Corolla saloon sold in Japan and other world markets. The Corolla-badged Fielder and Rumion hatchbacks are also included.

In India, Toyota revealed the new Corolla Altis at the Auto Expo 2014 in February. The launch of the sedan is planned for May 27 and dealerships have already started accepting bookings.