March 2007

Total global production came in at 140,584 units, 5.4 percent increase from the year ago period. Japanese production increased 6.3 percent year-on-year to 86,240 units, making the sixth consecutive months of year-on-year production volume increases. Overseas production increased for the first time in sixteen months by 4.0 percent year-on-year to 54,344 units.

Total vehicle sales in Japan reached 38,451 units, 79.1 percent of the March 2006 total. Registered vehicle sales declined to 13,941 units, or 95.1 percent of the year ago figure due to slower sales of Outlander and the Colt series. Minicar sales came in at 24,510 units, 72.2 percent year-on-year. Total sales for passenger cars were 30,383 units, 84.4 percent of March 2006 level, and commercial vehicle sales were 8,068 units, 64.0 percent of the same period last year.

Overseas production for the month totaled 54,344 units, 104.0 percent of the year ago period figure. European production was 5,836 units, or 73.4 percent of last year's total. North American production came in at 8,135 units, a 96.2 percent year-on-year. Asian production totaled 36,391 units, a 8.2 percent increase from March 2006's levels due to increase in export of Triton (L200) pickups from Thailand.

Total exports from Japan were 59,816 units, 24.2 percent increase over the pervious period making the fifth consecutive months of year-on-year volume increases. Exports to Europe increased to 21,093 units, 118.2 percent of the same period last year. Exports to Asia were 4,239 units, 82.3 percent of March 2006 levels. Exports to North America came in at 13,515 units, 1676.8 percent increase from last year's figure due to favorable sales of Outlander and increased shipments of new Lancer.

Fiscal Year 2006 (April '06 - March '07)

In fiscal year 2006, global production totaled 1,315,789 units, 95.2 percent of the levels seen in fiscal year 2005. Japanese production came to 775,648 units, 9.9 percent increase year-on-year due to the production launch of Outlander for U.S., European and Chinese markets, strong sales of Lancer in Russia and other markets, global sales launch of new Pajero and Delica D:5 models in Japanese market.

Japanese vehicle sales in fiscal year 2006 reached 246,435 units, 3.8 percent decrease over the year ago period. Registered vehicle volume declined 11.1 percent year-on-year to 75,916 units, minicar sales were 170,519 units, 99.8 percent of levels seen last year. Passenger car volume slightly increased to 179,702 units, 101.1 percent of the total for the same period last year, meanwhile commercial vehicle volume declined to 66,733 units, down 14.9 percent over the comparable period last year.

Overseas production in the period dropped to 540,141, or 80.0 percent of the total for the pervious period. Production in Europe came in at 80,315 units, a 17.2 percent increase over the year ago total due to strong sales of the Colt CZC cabriolet model. Production in North America increased 4.6 percent year-on-year to 93,240. Even though the Asian production recovered in March 2007, total volume for FY06 was 324,974 units, a 30.9 percent decline from the same period last year due to economic recessions in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Exports from Japan totaled 443,535 units, a 16.8 percent increase over the total for fiscal year 2005, marking the second consecutive years of year-on-year gains. Exports to Europe increased to 147,207 units, up 9.6 percent year-on-year due to introduction of new Pajero and Outlander models, and continuous sales growth in Russia and Ukraine. Exports to North America rose to 70,036 units, 186.7 percent of the year ago total due to the contribution of new Outlander and new Lancer models. Finally, exports to Asia totaled 31,464 units, 83.6 percent of the previous period total.