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And The Top Ten Auto Imports in Japan Are...

14 June 1999

Consumers Rank Most Popular Auto Imports in Japan

    WASHINGTON -- Japan's consumers rank the most popular auto imports in Japan. 
The models include: Mercedes Benz A Class; BMW 3-Series; Alfa Romeo Alfa 156; 
Volkswagen Golf; Cadillac Seville; Peugeot 406; Opel Astra; Mercedes Benz S Class; 
Volvo S80 and the Porsche 911, according to Japan Auto Trends released today by 
the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). Motor Magazine, a Japanese 
language publication, conducted the survey among their readers.

    Getting through the worst economic slump in years, auto importers are
fighting back through cost cutting, introducing new brands and strengthening
sales outlets. While Ford, GM and the Chrysler side of Daimler had sales
drops, Saturn of Japan actually saw a significant increase in sales during
this year's first quarter. Daimler's Mercedes sales jumped 15.7 percent
through March of this year.

    Saturn company officials told Japan Auto Trends that Saturn's 16 percent
sales increase can be attributed to the introduction of the new three-door SC
coupe. They also said sales are up due to the increase in Saturn showrooms.
Saturn officials point out they are not as concerned with sales numbers as
much as focusing on customer satisfaction.

    "Japan's economy will recover, although not as rapidly as the world would
like.  So, too, will vehicle sales -- imports and domestics alike," said
William C. Duncan, General Director, JAMA USA.

    He added that when recovery happens "it will not be regulation or
deregulation that gets the credit or blame. It will be a vibrant economy and
the competitive strategies of vehicle manufacturers wherever they may be
located."

    Some other newsletter articles include:
    * New child safety seat requirements and cell phone restrictions proposed
      by Japanese National Police Agency;
    * Competition is growing in Japan's replacement auto parts industry;
    * Report on progress of automakers towards standardizing safety and
      emission rules throughout the world.

   JAMA, headquartered in Tokyo, has offices in Brussels, Singapore and
Washington, D.C.