According to numerous sources, including The New York Times, Toyota took the lead in global sales for the first quarter of 2008, outpacing General Motors by 160,000 vehicles. GM outsold Toyota by just 3,100 vehicles last year, a virtual photo finish, after trailing in the first quarter of 2007 as well. Whether or not GM can catch up this year remains to be seen.

But that's not the big news, or even the alarming news. Though Toyota posted an overall gain in sales over the same period last year, SUV sales have slumped. Toyota SUV sales were down 7.8% for the first quarter (vs. the first quarter of 2007), and down an alarming 12.9% for the month of March.

Are we watching the demise of the SUV? Click on "comments" below and share your thoughts.

Photo © Jason Fogelson