Japan May 2011: Lowest monthly figure since 1968

2012 Subaru Impreza

Car sales in Japan are on the mend but still down 38% year-on-year at 142,154 units, the lowest May figure since 1968. Toyota drops 57%. The Honda Fit holds onto its pole position for the 3rd month in a row, down only 22% at 9,354 sales.

The Toyota Vitz, #2 at 7,867 units (-15%), passes the Prius down 76% at 6,491 sales and the Nissan Serena returns to the 4th place it holds in the year-to-date ranking, The Honda Freed is up 2% year-on-year at #5 and the Toyota Ractis is up 9 spots and 11% at #6.

Only two other models are up year-on-year: the new gen Nissan March at +18% in 8th place, and the Subaru Impreza up a massive 53% at #17 with 2,047 sales, most probably helped by the launch of the 2012 generation (pictured above).

Full Top 30 Ranking Table below.