Increase in Used-Car Registrations and Market Polarization Amid Declining New-Car Sales

「In Japan's used vehicle distribution market, new vehicle sales, comprising registered vehicles and kei vehicles, were trending toward recovery in the third quarter but remained soft overall. Used vehicle registrations totaled 2,701 thousand units from April through December 2016, or 101.1% of the year-earlier period, marking an increase year on year for the second consecutive year. Sales of distinctive vehicle models also remained strong, and the polarization between high purchase prices for popular models and low purchase prices for unpopular models is expected to intensify further.」

「In Japan's used vehicle distribution market, new vehicle sales, including standard and kei vehicles, have declined year on year for four consecutive years, while used vehicle registrations totaled 1,799 thousand units for the period from 1 April 2016 to 30 September 2016, or 101.9% of the year-earlier period, according to figures released by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association. Registrations in the first half of the fiscal year have therefore increased for two consecutive years. Sales of distinctive vehicle models have also remained strong, and the polarization between high purchase prices for popular models and low purchase prices for unpopular models is expected to intensify further.」