The Big Three: Ford, G.M. and …

TOYOTA.

Yes, it’s now official. (Daimler)Chrysler, even counting the Mercedes half of the company, is now No. 4.

Toyota ended the year with 15.4 percent of the U.S. market, compared to 13.3 percent for DaimlerChrysler.

Oh, and as for Toyota as No. 3?

Won’t last long.

They’re poised to pass Ford this year. Ford had 16.4 percent for 2006 and is projecting 15 percent U.S. market share for this year.

And, that recent Ford visit to Tokyo?

First, who traveled and who stayed at home? Second, since it wasn’t about a merger or anything similar, what WAS it about? Maybe it was Ford wanting some sort of alliance, going to Japan, and having their faces laughed in.

And GM?

Toyota is also posed to set the new “Mark of Excellence” worldwide by moving into the top spot this year for global sales.