Toyota said yesterday it plans to sell 8.27 million vehicles worldwide this year, up 6 percent from 2009, showing the world's No. 1 auto maker is optimistic about recovery after being battered by the global slowdown.

Toyota Motor Corp - which makes the Prius hybrid, Lexus luxury model and Camry sedan - sold 7.81 million vehicles globally in 2009, down 13 percent from the previous year. The number includes group companies Daihatsu Motor Co, which makes small models, and truck maker Hino Motors.

Toyota had appeared almost unstoppable until the financial crisis of late 2008 struck, sending auto demand in the United States and other parts of the world crashing.

It sold 8.972 million vehicles globally in 2008, and expectations were high it would top 10 million in coming years.

In 2010, sales in Japan are expected to grow 7 percent to 2.13 million vehicles, while overseas sales were expected to grow 6 percent to 6.14 million, according to Toyota.