Foreign Car Brands Boost Sales in Japan

Deliveries of foreign cars and trucks in Japan rose 10% to 245,700 vehicles in the fiscal year that ended on March 31 compared with the previous 12 months, the Japan Automobile Importers Assn. reports.

JAIA's figures imply that import brands captured 7.6% of Japan's auto market last year, led by Volkswagen AG's marques. Mercedes-Benz and BMW ranked second and third, respectively.

That market share has become a sensitive issue as Japan prepares for free trade talks with the European Union and seeks to join Trans-Pacific Partnership trade negotiations. The TPP includes the U.S.

Carmakers based in Europe and America object to Japan's participation, contending that the country unfairly limits their access to its markets with non-tariff barriers.