Car maker Toyota has reported an increase in quarterly profit of almost 20%, on the back of brisk sales in North America and Europe, but the company kept its forecasts unchanged.
Toyota's operating profit for the last quarter of 2006 rose 19.2% to $4.78 billion, helped by a weak yen.
The Japanese company is developing its reputation for making energy-efficient cars, boosted by its popular Prius hybrid brand.
Last month, Toyota took over as number two in the US market from Ford, with an adjusted 5% increase in sales. Toyota's global market worth is estimated at $230 billion.
Japan's second-ranked Honda, also known for its fuel-efficient cars, last week reported a 5.2% rise in quarterly operating profit, while Nissan rattled markets with a 17% drop in quarterly profit and a warning on its full-year profit.
