Japan November 2023: Lexus (+159.3%), Honda Vezel (+66.2%) stand out, market up 9%

The Honda Vezel ranks 5th among regular cars in November.

411,089 new vehicles hit Japanese roads in November, that’s a 9% year-on-year improvement. It brings the year-to-date volume to 4,416,248 units, up 14.5% over the same period in 2022. Brand leader Toyota (+23.8%) outpaces its home market but at 32.3% share, it is almost one percentage point below its YTD level of 33.2%. Honda (+12.9%) stays in 2nd place with 14.2% share, well above the #4 and 12.2% it commands YTD. Suzuki (-4.8%) bypasses Daihatsu (-8.5%) for third place, with Nissan (+4.9%) a little shy at #5. The rest of the Top 9 outrace the market: Lexus (+159.3%) is the superstar, with Mitsubishi (+36.2%) also very dynamic and Subaru (+15.4%) and Mazda (+11.6%) strong.

Over in the regular cars ranking, the Toyota Yaris/Cross (+30.5%) and Toyota Corolla/Cross (+30.8%) both post solid results, they are followed by the Toyota Sienta (+10.1%) and Roomy (+33.4%). The Honda Vezel (+66.2%) is the best of the rest ahead of the Toyota Prius (+183.7%) and a struggling Nissan Note (-37.4%). The Nissan Serena (+87.1%) and Toyota Noah (+33.9%) also shine in the remainder of the Top 10 while below, the Toyota Harrier (+232.6%), Subaru Impreza (+116.4%), Toyota Crown (+119.6%) and Vellfire (+1444%) make themselves noticed.  

As for kei cars, the Honda N-BOX (+20.7%) remains ultra dominant and is once again the best-selling vehicle in Japan when including regular cars. In fact the entire Top 6 is unchanged on October: the Daihatsu Tanto (+6.6%) follow above the Suzuki Spacia (+10.9%) and Suzuki Hustler (+27.3%). The Daihatsu Move however (-31.5%) endures the steepest fall in the Top 25 at #5. The Mitsubishi Delica Mini/eK (+141%) and Daihatsu Taft (+27.2%) also impress.

Previous month: Japan October 2023: Toyota monopolises Top 7 regular cars for 2nd time in 3 months

One year ago: Japan November 2022: Daihatsu, Mitsubishi, Mercedes shine, Honda ZR-V lands

Full November 2023 Top 50 All brands, Top 50 regular models and Top 35 All kei cars below.