Japanese automobile output fell 0.5% year on year to 817,080 units  in October, the 16th consecutive month of falls.

Passenger car output was up 0.9% to 689,929, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association said.

Domestic sales slipped 4.1% to 380,089 with cars down 4% to 315,192.

Automobile exports, including KD kits, rose 3.8% to 416,472 with cars up 6.3% to 365,410.