Autos in April: Production Down, Exports Up

May 31, 2007
By Ken Worsley

It’s becoming a familiar story: Due to flagging domestic sales, Japan’s production of automobiles continues to decline. As that happens, the number of autos being exported each month continues to increase. Reports from the Japan Automobile Manufacturer’s Association show that Japan’s exports of cars, trucks and buses rose 2.3% in April from a year earlier, for the 21st consecutive monthly rise. In all, 484,702 vehicles were shipped to foreign shores, with Toyota leading the way in all categories. The global leader shipped 148,737 cars, 11,339 trucks and 598 buses overseas in April.

On the other hand, production of new vehicles dropped for the second straight month, declining 3.8% in April compared to the same month last year. 870,639 vehicles were built in Japan in April. Again, Toyota led the way, with 214,706 passenger cars having been built. It’s nearest competitor, Mazda, built 61,973 in Japan during the same month.

Filed Under Automotive, Export & Import