Japan used car

Used automobile sales in Japan in April-September fell 10 pct from the same period a year earlier to 2,158,605 units, the lowest level in 20 years, the Japan Automobile Dealers Association said Thursday.

The sales drop reflected sluggish new vehicle sales, JADA officials said, adding that cars have become less attractive particularly for young consumers.

In the first six months of fiscal 2008, passenger car sales dropped 8.7 pct to 1,837,154 units to mark a second consecutive fall. Truck sales showed a steeper decline of 16.7 pct to an all-time low of 256,931 units.

In September alone, used vehicle sales decreased 17.1 pct year on year to 324,223 units, falling below new auto sales, which totaled 330,103 units in the month, for the first time in 10 years.