Japan September 2024: Mercedes G-Class up to #2 foreign model, Honda N-Box #1 overall

The Mercedes G-Class is the 2nd best-selling foreign model in Japan over Q3.

The Japanese new vehicle market stabilises in September at +0.3% too 438,733 sales. The year-to-date tally remains in frank negative meanwhile at -8.5% to 3,299,869 units. Local behemoth Toyota (-6.9%) underperforms but still manages a strong 28.9% share vs. 30.3% year-to-date. Honda (+25.5%) overtakes Suzuki (+5.2%) to 2nd place overall with 15.5% share while Nissan (+4.5%) passes a still battered Daihatsu (-17.4%) to #4. The next 12 carmakers are identical to August, with Hino (+30.4%) the best performer ahead of Isuzu (+19.4%), Subaru (+11.5%), Mercedes (+11.3%), Lexus (+4.4%) and Mitsubishi (+1.1%). In contrast Volkswagen (-61.3%). Mini (-20.6%) and Mitsubishi Fuso (-18.7%) all get hit hard. Further down, Porsche (+47.3%), Fiat (+31%), UD Trucks (+18.7%) and Volvo (+11.2%) stand out but all hold 0.3% share or less.

Over in the regular car ranking, the Toyota Yaris/Cross (-22.3%) is back in charge for the first time since last May and despite a hefty year-on-year loss. The Toyota Corolla/Cross (-1.1%) falls to #2 ahead of a resurgent Nissan Note (+5.7%). The Toyota Roomy (-2.1%) and Sienta (-13.6%) close out the Top 5 in lukewarm fashion. In contrast the Honda Freed (+53.2%), Toyota Raize (+54.3%) and Honda Fit (+42.9%) all lodge sensational gains. Below, notice the Toyota Crown (+116.9%), Mazda CX-30 (+267.3%), Mazda Roadster (+192.4%) and Toyota 86 (+129.6%).

Looking at kei cars, the Honda N-BOX (+20.6%) is by far the best-selling vehicle in the country overall with almost 25,000 sales for the month. The Suzuki Spacia (+35.3%) is also in excellent shape at #2, followed by two struggling models: the Daihatsu Tanto (-19.5%) and Suzuki Hustler (-10.9%). The Nissan Roox (+18%), Suzuki WagonR (+12.9%), Mitsubishi Delica Mini (+13.5%) and Nissan Dayz (+16.3%) also impress.

As for foreign models, over Q3 the Mini lineup (+3%) comfortably holds onto the lead but the surprise comes from the Mercedes G Class (+73.3%) soaring from #20 in Q2 to a record 2nd place now. The Mercedes GLC is knocked down to #3 above the BMW X1 (+39.5%) and 3 Series (+5.4%). The Mercedes GLB (+14.6%) and Audi Q3 (+96.3%) also shine whereas the VW Golf (-68.2%) sinks to #12.

Previous month: Japan August 2024: Honda (+13.1%), Subaru (+18.8%), Mitsubishi (+22.1%) defy negative market

One year ago: Japan September 2023: VW T-Roc up to #3 foreigner, market up 10.7%

Full September 2024 Top 49 All brands, Top 50 regular cars, Top 31 All kei cars and Q3 2024 Top 20 foreign models below.