Japan Kei Cars Full Year 2013: Honda N-BOX takes control

The Honda N-BOX enjoys its first year-end pole position in Japan.

* See the All-models and All-brands rankings by clicking on the title! Thanks Stephen *

I know readers, this is not your favourite update as Japanese Kei cars look confronting at best. However this category is not to be discarded as it plays a big part in the fortune (or mis-) of Japanese manufacturers at home, with no less than 2,112,991 units sold this year. This is up 7% on 2012 and more than the entire French market for example! For the first time, the Honda N-BOX takes control of the Kei cars ranking thanks to 234,995 sales, up 11% on 2012 while last year’s winner the Daihatsu Mira is down 28% and 3 spots to #4. A logical win for the N-BOX which topped the monthly ranking 5 times this year, the most of any model. The Daihatsu Move is up 41% and 3 ranks to #2 with 205,333 units and ranked #1 four times. It is followed by the Suzuki Wagon R down 5% but still third with 186,090 sales, topping the monthly charts once.

Daihatsu Tanto, Honda N-BOX, Suzuki Spacia

Down 15% to 5th place but up to a fantastic pole position in December (+93% to 19,211 units) we find the Daihatsu Tanto, while the Honda N-ONE lands in 7th place for its first full year of sales with 107,583 registrations. Two all-new entrants follow: the Suzuki Spacia at #7 with 107,193 units and the Nissan Dayz at #8 with 78,855. Notice also the Mitsubishi eK up 73% to #11 and the Toyota Pixis Space stuck in 12th position (-8%).

Honda N-WGN Custom

Finally, the Honda N-WGN arrives at #23 with 11,510 sales in only two months including a splendid 8,600 in December (#7). Brand-wise, Daihatsu maintains its lead in spite of sales down 2% to 660,186 units and 31.2% share, while Suzuki is up 6% to 622,415 and 29.5% in second place. Honda rounds up the podium, up a cool 27% to 407,050 and 19.3% ahead of Nissan at 8.8% (+21%) and Mitsubishi at 4% (+5%).

Previous month: Japan Kei cars November 2013: Daihatsu Tanto strong, Honda N-WGN lands

One year ago: Japan Kei cars Full Year 2012: Daihatsu Mira ends 9 years of Suzuki Wagon R reign

Two years ago: Japan Kei cars Full Year 2011: Suzuki Wagon R celebrates 9 years on top

December and Full Year 2013 Top 40 models Ranking Tables below.