New-vehicle sales by Japanese automakers in the US exceeded the previous year's level for the second consecutive month in October, but policy risks, including a review of US EV subsidies and an EU proposal to exclude Japanese-made EVs from preferential treatment, could influence the outlook.
October new-vehicle sales by Japanese automakers in the US exceeded the previous year's level for the second consecutive month, driven by fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles.
Higher gasoline prices are a factor, and while demand for hybrids is rising, policy risks such as a review of US EV subsidies and an EU proposal to exclude Japanese-made EVs from preferential treatment are emerging.
Through analysis of the latest earnings results, the competitiveness of Japanese automakers and how each company responds to rapidly changing market conditions are attracting attention as potential keys to success going forward.