The
Japan Automobile Dealers’ Association reported that sales of new cars, trucks
and buses in Japan rose 9.1% in December, the third straight month of gains, though
vehicle sales for 2000 were up just 2.7% to 4.09 million, the first increase in
Japan since 1996.
In December, 321,173 vehicles were sold nation-wide with the rising sales attributed
to the popularity of new and redesigned small passenger cars.
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Passenger car sales rose 5.1% to 236,822 vehicles. Truck sales were up 22,5%
to 83 496 units but bus sales sank 6.2% to 855 units.
Analysts say that the numerous new model launches in 2000, combined with encouraging
signs of an improvement in Japan’s previously flagging economy, helped boost
vehicle sales.
However, there is concern that the apparent recovery will not last long and
that the rise in vehicle sales will last only as long as consumer spending grows.
Small cars posted the biggest sales gains but, in the other market segments,
only newly-redesigned mid-sized sedans and station wagons showed any significant
volume growth.
Vehicle sales in Japan are expected to increase by around 3% in 2001, according
to industry analysts.
