Japan Imported Auto Sales Up 4.9 Pct in April

May 8, 2018

Tokyo- Sales of imported foreign-brand vehicles in Japan in April rose 4.9 pct from a year before to 17,412 units, marking their first rise in four months, an industry group said Tuesday.

The growth reflected new model launches and strong demand for sport-utility vehicles, the Japan Automobile Importers Association said.

Imported foreign-brand vehicles accounted for 7.7 pct of all new automobile sales in Japan, excluding minivehicles with engine displacement of up to 660 cc, marking the second-highest level for April.

An association official said that imported vehicle sales are expected to remain solid in May and coming months on the back of new model launches.

Sales by Mercedes-Benz grew 0.5 pct to 3,614 units, making it the top-selling imported foreign brand for the 38th consecutive month.

Volkswagen came second as its sales surged 19.5 pct to 2,880 units, the first increase in five months, thanks to the launch of its new Polo subcompact.

BMW was ranked third, with 2,465 units, down 9.0 pct.

Sales of U.S.-brand vehicles dropped 6.3 pct to 831 units. But sales by Jeep rose 3.3 pct to 655 units, hitting the highest level for April. Jiji Press