Press Release

JAMA Reports Import Sales Growth in Japan

09/19/96

Imported Car Sales Continue Growing In Japan


WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Imported cars continue their
sales surge in Japan gaining more than ten percent (10.9%) of the
national market through July 1996. The share is even greater in Tokyo
where imports captured close to 19 percent (18.6%) of that
metropolitan area's market.  Furthermore, imports now have a dramatic
34 percent of Japan's large car market segment.

"Successful foreign auto producers are selling cars in Japan by
introducing quality models designed for the Japanese consumer, priced
right and backed up by an aggressive sales and marketing commitment,"
said William C. Duncan, General Director, Japan Automobile
Manufacturers Association (JAMA), Washington.

More than 362,000 import cars were sold in Japan in 1995, a seven-fold
gain over the 50,000 sold in 1985.

Japanese dealers continue to show an increasing interest in selling
imported cars. Import outlets under direct franchise agreements in
Japan at the end of 1995 reached 1,793. By the end of June 1996 this
increased to 1,920.

The Japanese market is open and competitive. The Big Three must
compete in this market with Japanese manufacturers as well as foreign
luxury car makers such as Mercedes Benz, BMW and Volvo who maintain
well established dealer networks and strong sales and marketing
operations.