Japan automakers post 2.1% dip in Sept global sales
29/10/2020 06:00
TOKYO, Oct 29 (Reuters) - Japanese automakers saw a 2.1%
drop in global vehicles sales in September compared with a year
earlier, the seventh straight month of declines, as the
coronavirus pandemic continued to hurt demand even as factories
and dealerships reopen.
The country's seven major automakers, including Toyota Motor
Corp 7203.T and Nissan Motor Co 7201.T , sold a combined 2.3
million vehicles last month, according to Reuters calculations
based on sales data released by the companies on Thursday.
The decline in monthly sales has, however, slowed
significantly since a 50% slump in April as the Japanese car
makers benefit from a rebound in demand, particularly in China,
the world's biggest auto market.
Total global production at Japan's seven major automakers
rose 1.2% year-on-year to 2.4 million units last month, compared
with a 14% dip in August.
Global demand for cars has been weak since March because of
coronavirus lockdowns. A third wave of infections is forcing
some countries to re-impose tighter curbs.
(Reporting by Tim Kelly; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
((tim.kelly@thomsonreuters.com))