Nathan Bomey

USA TODAY

Volkswagen Group accelerated past Toyota Motor for the title of world's largest automaker for the first half of 2016 despite the German automaker's slumping U.S. sales amid its emissions scandal.

Volkswagen sold 5.12 million vehicles through June, while Toyota said Thursday that it had sold 4.99 million vehicles during that same period.

Toyota vehicle sales were down 0.6%, compared to the same period a year earlier. VW sales were up 1.5%.

It's the second straight year that the German automaker claimed the title of world's largest automaker for the first six months, but it remains uncertain whether the company can do so for the full year.

Fiat Chrysler ending car production in U.S.

In 2015, Volkswagen did the very same thing only to lose the full-year title to Toyota after VW's emissions scandal dented sales in the fourth quarter. The company has admitted to rigging 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide with software to cheat emissions standards.

But the scandal's effect on sales has been largely contained to the U.S., one of VW's smallest markets, where its vehicle sales fell 7.2% for the first half of 2016. In key markets such as Europe and China, VW sales rose 3.8% and 6.8%, respectively.

One reason that Toyota could close the gap is the company was hampered in April by an earthquake in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture that throttled production capacity.

To be sure, it's an entirely symbolic title, though it brings with it bragging rights. For years, VW targeted 2018 as its goal for becoming the world's largest auto manufacturer. Toyota has held the title for four consecutive years after taking the throne from General Motors.

GM is now the world's third-largest automaker.

Volkswagen settlement gets preliminary approval

Follow USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey.