Automobile production in Japan dropped 6.7% in November, led by 30.3% decline in small cars
27 December 2010
Automobile production in Japan dropped 6.7% year-on-year in November to 802,009 units, according to data from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. Passenger car production dropped 8.2% to 689,808 units, led by a 30.3% decline in small cars to 165,866 units. By contrast, production of standard cars of more than 2L displacement rose 3.7% to 415,548 units.
Mini car (less than 660 cc) production dropped 4.2% to 108,394 units.
Truck production was up 3.3% to 101,853 units, with standard and small trucks both posting increases, while mini trucks dropped 4.2%. Bus production was up 11.7% to 10.348 units.
Great.
What’s next in Asia, the emergence of large SUVs and pickups?
And this in a country with traffic congestion, few "open spaces" and narrow streets.
As the worlds economies improve, I fear auto sales growth will be in larger “prestige” autos. And another, bigger oil crisis.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 27 December 2010 at 07:41 AM
This latest (short term?) trend does not make sense. Has it got anything to do with the end of subsidies on fuel efficient cars?
Posted by: HarveyD | 27 December 2010 at 08:37 AM
There must be many good reasons why high price Mercedes, BMW, and Audi had good sales.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 27 December 2010 at 09:13 AM
802,009 units per month is large production. They supply the world with vehicles and have to import most of their materials and energy. Every time I see a Titan pickup or Sequoia SUV I wonder what Japan thinks of this trend in the U.S.
Posted by: SJC | 27 December 2010 at 12:29 PM
Its basicaly the same thing that happened to the us a few decades back and for the same reasons.
Alot of people in china are going on long drives now for vacations.
Same in europe alot more people driving long distance vacations.
On top of this alot of the people who used to buy small cars in those markets now either dont want any car or they want a bigger one.
Posted by: wintermane2000 | 27 December 2010 at 07:47 PM
It does look similar to the U.S. The japanese appear to want more comfort and are willing to pay for it. Even their high fuel cost doesn't inhibit this.
Posted by: danm | 28 December 2010 at 07:33 AM