TOKYO — Toyota has relinquished the title of the world’s biggest automaker, reporting today that it sold 10.175 million vehicles worldwide in 2016, fewer than Volkswagen’s 10.31 million.

General Motors reports its tally next week. If GM’s number falls short, it will be the first time the German automaker has become No. 1.

It’s a milestone achievement despite the taint to VW’s reputation from a huge scandal over cheating on emissions tests. Booming China sales helped offset that damage.

Seiji Sugiura, senior auto analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Institute, said the results highlight the importance of the Chinese market, where few of VW’s tainted diesel models are sold, and the popularity of VW’s widespread brand portfolio.

“Volkswagen could stay at the top for the next few years,” he said.

Toyota’s global sales last year were up 0.2 percent from 2015, but not good enough to beat Volkswagen, which has the Audi, Porsche and Skoda brands, and boosted its global sales 3.8 percent from the year before. GM makes Cadillac and Opel cars.

In 2015, Toyota sold 10.15 million vehicles while Volkswagen was second with 9.93 million and Detroit, Mich.-based GM third with 9.8 million.

Sugiura said Toyota still is likely beating VW in terms of profitability.