In a new achievement for the German carmaker, Volkswagen Gol has surpassed its rival Maruti Alto to become the bestselling car in the world during 2012.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited sold a total of about 286,833 units of Alto in India. On the other hand, Volkswagen managed to sell 293,293 models of Gol in Brazil, which is another fast growing auto market in the world. Fiat Uno came in the third position with 255,838 units sold during the entire previous year.

It is believed that the hike in petrol prices resulted in a fall of around 8 per cent in Maruti Alto sales during the year. High interest rates in the country also kept buyers away from the market in India, when Volkswagen increased its sales in Brazil.

Volkswagen Gol has been the bestselling car in Brazil for a period of 18 years and on the other hand, Maruti Suzuki's 800 and Alto models have been on the top of the list in the Indian market since they were launched in the country. Both Alto and GoI has been able to perform well in respective markets and have helped the companies retain the top position.