Japan's auto exports post record fall in FY 2009+

TOKYO, April 30 Kyodo -
Japan's vehicle exports in fiscal 2009 marked a record fall of 27.1 percent
from the previous year to 4,086,631 units on weakening demand in many parts of
the world amid the economic slump, an industry body said Friday.
The fall was the largest since fiscal 1973 when comparable data became
available, surpassing the 18.3 percent drop logged in fiscal 1993. The number
of exported vehicles was smallest since fiscal 1996, when 3,848,153 units were
exported, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.
The sharp decline in exports was attributed to slowing demand in the world
except Asia, while Japanese automakers are increasingly shifting their
production overseas.
Reflecting the move, domestic vehicle production in the reporting year dropped
11.4 percent to 8,865,350 units, hitting the lowest since fiscal 1977 when
Japanese automakers produced 8,777,279 units.
By region, exports to Europe plunged 42.8 percent, those to Latin America
dropped 34.4 percent, and those to Africa dived 49.5 percent -- all marking
record percentage drops.
Meanwhile, exports to Asia posted a 3.3 percent gain, reflecting an economic
recovery in the region.
Domestic production of passenger cars fell 9.9 percent to 7,708,731 units,
while that of trucks slid 20.1 percent 1,062,597 units, hitting the lowest
since the industry body began releasing output data in 1966.
In March alone, exports jumped 85.3 percent from a year earlier to 422,802
units, marking the largest-ever gain and coming in the wake of a steep fall
last year amid the financial crisis.
Production for the month increased 71.2 percent to 945,271 units, it said.
==Kyodo
2010-04-30 23:31:32