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Automobile industry

Japan's Car Market Sees Record Imports in August

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A significant shift in Japan's car market was witnessed in August, with imports reaching a new milestone. According to the Japan Automobile Importers Association, imports accounted for 10 percent of the country's car market for the first time ever, with a total of 23,391 vehicles imported in August. This marks a 70.3 percent increase from the same period last year. The imported cars accounted for 10.7 percent of Japan's overall car sales.

Key Takeaways:

  • Imports of cars to Japan totaled 23,391 in August, a 70.3 percent increase from the same period last year.
  • The imported cars accounted for 10.7 percent of Japan's overall car sales, a new milestone as imports reached 10 percent of the country's car market for the first time ever.
  • Ford more than doubled its American car imports from last August, to 903, with Chrysler achieving a 72 percent gain from a year earlier, to 1,007.
  • General Motors showed a 27 percent drop in August, but its Adam Opel subsidiary achieved a 22 percent gain in imports from Europe.
  • Honda remained the biggest importer of American-made cars, more than doubling its shipments to 4,245 in August.
  • The strong yen, which makes American car prices cheaper, and the new commitment of United States car makers to the Japanese market are the principal factors for the sharp growth in sales.
  • Foreign makers have been working to expand the number of Japanese dealers handling their cars, and increasing the number of models offered.

Statistics:

  • 23,391 vehicles imported to Japan in August, a 70.3 percent increase from the same period last year.
  • Imports accounted for 10.7 percent of Japan's overall car sales in August.
  • 10 percent of Japan's car market comprised of imports for the first time ever in August.
  • 903 American car imports from Ford, a 100.5 percent increase from last August.
  • 1,007 American car imports from Chrysler, a 72 percent gain from the same period last year.
  • 27 percent drop in August American car imports for General Motors.
  • 22 percent gain in imports from Europe for General Motors' Adam Opel subsidiary.
  • 4,245 American-made cars imported by Honda in August.

Sources:

  • Japan Automobile Importers Association
  • "Japan car imports boom after US makers boost sales" by unknown authors

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