Japan’s imported-car sales tumble

Sales of imported vehicles plunged 37.7% on the year to 13,543 units in November, dropping by double digits for a seventh straight month and reaching the lowest level since 1988, according to preliminary data released by the Japan Automobile Importers Association. The 2008 vehicle sales are expected to stay in the 220,000 to 230,000 range, compared to 265,000 units in 2007. Sales of imported automobiles made by foreign manufacturers sank 36.7% to 11,844 vehicles. The figure for cars made abroad by Japanese automakers plunged 44.1% to 1,699 units, in part because Nissan Motor Co. moved production of its Dualis sport utility vehicle to Japan. (December 5, 2008)