Volkswagen took a leading 17.3% share of imported cars in Japan last month, the second month in a row the company has led the table.

Overall imports rose 14.8% year on year to 26,503 units year on year, the fifth consecutive monthly rise, according to data from the Japan Automobile Importers Association.

BMW was the second most popular imported brand with a share of 12.74% followed by Mercedes-Benz with 11.68%.

The imports include cars built in Thailand by Nissan and Mitsubishi.