Japan's vehicle output up 24.1 percent in July on overseas demand growth
Output by Japan's automakers rose 24.1 percent to 1.09 million vehicles in July from a year earlier, as Japanese automakers stepped up production to meet growth in demand in Asia and emerging markets, data from Japan's Automobile Manufacturers Association showed on Friday according to Thomson Financial. The July reading marked the 12th straight monthly rise and followed a 4.5 percent gain in June. In July, car production grew 25.9 percent to 929,343 vehicles, while truck production increased 11.1 percent to 144,581 units. Bus output jumped 76.4 percent to 13,530 units. Exports expanded 20.3 percent to 619,174 vehicles, maintaining their rise for the 36th consecutive month. Domestic shipments rose 3.6 percent to 454,594 vehicles. Meanwhile, the association said motorcycle output slumped 23.3 percent to 95,926 bikes in July, the 11th straight monthly fall and following a 34.6 percent drop in June. Domestic shipments of motorcycles slid 26.1 percent to 50,891 bikes, while motorcycle exports dropped 21.8 percent to 61,792. The association gave the following output figures for July, with year-on-year percentage changes: Cars with engines larger than 2,000 cc - 558,056 units, up 23.9 percent Cars with engines of 1,000-2,000 cc - 243,850 units, up 28.8 percent Mini-cars - 127,437 units, up 29.4 percent Standard (SNDH.PK - news) trucks - 73,346 units, up 22.1 percent Small trucks - 31,415 units, down 3.5 percent Mini-trucks - 39,820 units, up 6.1 percent