Car Sales Rally in Japan

Combined sales of passenger cars and minivehicle in Japan, which declined year on year in April and May, rose by 1,800 vehicles to 452,600 units in June, according to dealer associations.

The tiny increase is the first gain since Japan raised its consumption tax in April for the first time in 17 years. The hike triggered a 6% drop in combined car sales in April.

June deliveries of regular passenger cars dropped 1%. Demand for minicars, which have grown for 12 consecutive months, rose 2%.