Used-vehicle registrations and notifications reported by automotive sales associations totaled just over 3.15 million in April–September, down 0.5% year on year. A shortage of five-year-old vehicles is affecting the market.
Used-vehicle registrations and notifications reported by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association (JADA) and the Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association (Zenkokeikyo) totaled 3,150,025 in April–September, down 0.5% year on year. A shortage of five-year-old used vehicles was cited as a factor. According to JADA, registrations totaled 1,770,875 vehicles, while Zenkokeikyo reported 1,379,150 kei used vehicles. The September monthly figure was 525,366 vehicles, down 4% year on year.
According to used-vehicle auction operator USS, transactions in September increased 9% year on year, while the average transaction price fell 2% year on year to ¥1,275,000. The decline in prices is believed to reflect a reaction to the high level in the same month of the previous year.
According to industry association data, new-vehicle sales in April–September increased 5% year on year to 2,292,064 vehicles, exceeding the previous year's level for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, the market as a whole continues to face a shortage of vehicles in circulation. The shortage of five-year-old used vehicles is reportedly linked to weak new-vehicle production and sales in 2021, five years earlier, owing to the impact of COVID-19 and the semiconductor shortage.