The auto industry is a notoriously challenging place to invest. It is capital intensive, regulated, cyclical, and globally competitive. It's no wonder so many up-and-coming automakers fail or get folded into a larger competitor.

The auto industry as a whole has underperformed the S 500 over the last decade. General Motors is up an abysmal 8.1% over the last 10 years, while Ford is down over 20%. Tesla is the U.S.-based standout, while Ferrari is the global standout -- up over 600% in the last decade.

Toyota (NYSE: TM) -- the largest automaker by volume -- has seen its stock quietly gain over 20% in the last three months and nearly 60% in the last year. Its market cap is now over $305 billion, making it the second-most valuable automaker in the world behind Tesla.

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Source Fool.com