Japanese Vehicle Production Shows Increase in September

09/27/96

Reuters has reported that Japan's domestic vehicle output will show an increase in September, compared to the September of the previous year. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers' Association (JAMA) attributed the rise to new models and stable exports. The rise represents a recovery from JAMA figures for August, which showed a 2.1 percent decline in domestic vehicle production, the first year-on-year decline in two months. This year's erratic Japanese auto production reflects fluctuations in domestic sales and exports.

A JAMA official said, "Production this month will post a (year-on-year) gain as carmakers have to increase inventories of new models for domestic sale in the autumn, and their exports are expected to be steady." He said the weaker yen helped export performance.

Five of the 11 Japanese automakers boosted production since August, mainly on the strength of demand for their new models. Toyota introduced the Carina and Windom sedans in August and Mark II, Chaser and Cresta sedans in early September. Nissan launched its new Terrano Regulus sport-utility vehicle in August and the Stagea station wagon last Tuesday. In late August, Mazda debuted its Demio compact wagon, Mitsubishi introduced its Galant sedan and Legnum station wagon, and Daihatsu unveiled its Pyzar compact wagon.

A Honda spokesman said Honda's production would increase because of strong demand for its Step Wagon, CR-V, Orthia and Odyssey models, and because it would start producing its new Logo compact car in September, in preparation for its launch on October 3.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel