Auto Exports to the US Fall in April; First Fall in 27 Months

June 2, 2007
By Ken Worsley

Although Japan’s overall exports of new autos rose 2.3% in April, shipments headed to the US declined for the first time in 27 months. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association report stated that exports to the U.S. by Japan’s 12 carmakers fell 11 percent to 160,107 units in April.

Analysts believe that two factors are behind the fall in shipments: 1) Toyota is believed to be exporting fewer cars to the US in preparation of its annual launch of new models, and 2) Toyota and Honda are both expected to step up capacity in the United States itself, in response to calls from US lawmakers who accuse the Japanese automakers of relying on the cheap yen and decreased capacity in the US to boost their profits.

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has predicted a slowdown in US auto sales for financial 2007.

Filed Under Automotive, Economic Reports, Export & Import