Increased exports have helped Japanese auto manufacturers boost their April production compared with last year.
Increased exports have helped Japanese auto manufacturers boost their April production compared with last year.
Honda’s domestic production in April increased 8,4 per cent on-year to 113 590 units, supported by brisk sales in the Japanese market. It was the seventh consecutive monthly rise. The manufacturer said the boost was due to strong sales of its sub-compact cars. The Fit (sold in Europe as the Jazz) has proved very popular in Japan. Sales of the Fit totalled 17 602 units, which accounted for about 26 per cent of total domestic sales in the month.
Honda’s export shipments in April increased eight per cent to 43 005 units, rising for the fifth consecutive month. Exports to North America, mainly Canada, rose 8,6 per cent to 27 738 units.
Production in Europe increased 75,3 per cent to 14 996 units on rising production of the Civic and CR-V models at Honda’s UK plant.
Nissan said its domestic production rose 11,2 per cent year-on-year to 105 677 vehicles in April, buoyed by strong demand for the recently launched March compact in Japan, and for the X-Trail sport-utility vehicle in Europe.
Toyota’s exports rose 14,5 per cent to 159 424 units, which softened the impact of a 4,2 per cent year-on-year decline in Toyota’s domestic sales in April to 115 138 vehicles. Exports rose for the fourth straight month, while the company’s domestic sales dropped for the eighth straight month in April.
Mitsubishi said its domestic production increased seven per cent year-on-year to 58 949 vehicles in April as exports rose 12,2 per cent to 30 819 units in the month.
