Japan's automakers see improvements on year in sales, production
- Source: Xinhua
- [17:33 February 23 2010]
- Comments
Japan's automakers saw both production and sales improve in January generally, compared to the previous year, according to data released by companies on Tuesday.
Toyota saw production in Japan increase by 33.1 percent in January compared to the same month in the previous year. It produced 329,124 units across its Toyota, Daihatsu and Hino brands through the month. Overseas, Toyota's production increased by 83.1 percent, and it made 387,446 units in January.
January, however, saw the start of a further set of revelations about faults in Toyota cars that have led to massive recalls, and may have a negative impact on the automaker's sales and production in February.
Toyota also saw its sales and exports increase last month. It sold 121,791 units in Japan, a 50 percent increase on the previous year, and exported 138,810 models, a 43.3 percent increase.
Nissan, meanwhile, saw its global production increase by 96.8 percent compared to the previous year. It produced 285,986 units through the month. The company also saw its global sales increase by 36.4 percent to reach a record high of 310,626 units.
Honda set an all-time production level record for the Asia region, making 91,704 units on the continent, 60,548 of which were built in China. Over the month, it sold 47,818 units, and increase of 40 percent. The company, however, saw its exports fall by 48.4 percent to 16.990 units for the month. Honda, like Toyota, is currently involved in a massive car recall that threatens its reputation and future sales.
Mazda also saw its production improve in January. It increased by 22.6 percent in Japan to 69,291 units. Sales were also up by 23. 7 percent to 18,490 units. The company also exported 54,670 vehicles, a 70.5 percent increase on the same month last year.
While the month was generally positive for Japanese automakers, analysts speculate that due to the massive recalls overseas of Honda and Toyota vehicles, the nation may as a whole see a decline in sales in the coming months as customers grow wary of the country's cars.
