Japan's Imported Auto Sales Fall 23.8 Pct in May 2008

Tokyo, June 5, 2008; Sales of new imported vehicles in Japan in May fell 23.8 pct from a year before to 15,811 units, the Japan Automobile Importers Association said Thursday.

Of them, sales of vehicles made by foreign manufacturers dropped 20.3 pct to 13,953 units.

Passenger car sales decreased 29.8 pct to 14,458 units, and truck sales surged 10-fold to 1,353 units.

Volkswagen was the best-selling imported vehicle brand, though sales fell 10.0 pct to 3,314 units for a market share of 20.96 pct.

BMW ranked second with sales of 2,485 units, down 31.7 pct, for a 15.72 pct share. Mercedes-Benz was third with 2,328 units, down 21.6 pct, for a 14.72 pct share.