Demand for passenger cars in 2014 has been distorted by the increase in the consumption tax rate to 8% from 5% in April. A surge in sales in the first quarter of 2014 was followed by an inevitable drop-off in subsequent months, but sales in the first ten months of the year were up by 4.5% year on year. Although sales were down by 74% year on year in October, they are estimated to be roughly stable at 4,562m units for 2014 as a whole.
Japanese car manufacturers, led by Toyota, regained ground in the global car market in 2012-14, and their competitive position has been helped by the substantial depreciation of the yen that has taken place since late 2012.

Automotive report 2

Overview 2

Passenger cars 3

Commercial and other vehicles 5

Production 7

Fuel sources 9

Industry publishing schedule 12

中国科学技术信息研究所