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Japanese market grows for the first time in 28 months
By Yoann Besnard on 8 November 2007 | 
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The Japanese market has recorded its first growth for the first time in 28 months. Do not expect this to be a new trend, however. As the Jada director Takeshi Fushimi explained, the good figures are due to the recent launch of new models and to more open days. A total of 269,221 vehicles were sold, representing a 2% increase over the same period last year.
Among the Japanese carmakers, Mitsubishi is the winner. Thanks to the new Lancer and new Galant Fortis, it recorded a strong 17.9% growth with 6,195 vehicles sold. Toyota ranks second with a 7.9% increase. The new Corolla Rumion may have helped to sell 136,135 vehicles. Mazda records an encouraging growth of 4.9% with 14,397 cars. The successful Demio might also help to explain the positive sales figure and the expected Mazda 6 is set to confirm the trend. Subaru also saw its sales increasing by 4.9% with 4,515 vehicles.
The biggest slump is for Daihatsu which recorded an impressive -43.6% with only 748 cars. Lexus also saw its sales decrease by 33.3% to 2,781 vehicles. The new Samurai sales approach does not seem to be improving sales. Despite the newly launched Fit, Honda has recorded a 6.3% drop with 30,346 vehicles. Nissan recorded an unfortunate 0.1% drop in sales.
