More Exports to U.S. Good Indicator for More Japanese Brand Plants

Washington DC November 6, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that a steep rise in U.S.-bound auto exports from Japan indicate more international brand plants could be in the works in the U.S., reports Automotive News.

According to the report, Japan's exports to the U.S. are on track to hit a 25-year high, rising 46.3 percent in Q3 and an overall 36.3 percent for the first nine months of 2006.

Mazda, Suzuki, Honda and Toyota have all increased their exports exponentially to the U.S.; Mitsubishi increased its exports to the U.S. by 9.5 percent in the third quarter.

In addition to those factories already announced, the News suggests that Toyota and Mazda will likely add production in North America. Honda, Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi have all said they expect their sales in North America to soar over the next six months.