Japan’s Car Production Fell 3% in January

Japan’s domestic auto industry built 702,800 vehicles in January, down 3% year-on-year, according to company data. It was the first contraction in 15 months.

The shrinkage was led by Nissan, whose local output plunged 33% to 65,100 cars and light trucks. The company blames slumping demand for exports to the U.S.

Other companies reporting reduced output were Honda (-2% to 61,700 units), Mitsubishi (-3% to 48,200) and Subaru (-11% to 44,700).

January production rose for Toyota (+1% to 252,600 vehicles), Suzuki (+2% to 80,600), Mazda (+12% to 75,500) and Daihatsu (+9% to 74,300).