Japan Top 20 Model (Imports) : 2024/25

Imports into Japan are limited and generally premium in quality. They also mainly come from Europe, more specifically, Germany. The depth of the data is limited by availability. 

The MINI range is classed as one vehicle which happens occasionally but is unfortunately not really accurate. Volvo slipped a couple of models in as Land Rover one. Jeep also had success with the Wrangler.

Japan Car Sales : 2025

Registrations were up 3% in 2025, with foreign brand imports up 7%. The importation by local brands of cars made overseas at their plants has always been minimal. In 2025, local brand imports were 99,600, up 32%. Suzuki and Honda were the main contributors. 

Import brands made up 6.2% of total registrations. In an open market such as this, it is a strangely low percentage. They certainly can't be accused of not supporting their own industry although other factors are involved. 

Domestic brands: Toyota and Daihatsu suffered a drop in sales volume in 2024 due to scandal, Daihatsu especially. It's 45% fall has been followed by a 61% increase this year. Honda and Nissan had a poor year, the latter afflicted by financial losses and presumably pulling back on sales to ease the situation. 

Import Brands: Mercedes-Benz is the only import brand to exceed 1% market share although BMW is close to that. The Tesla figure is an estimate that is generally accepted as close to correct. Jaguar sales have farcically ceased altogether with similar brand Alfa Romeo benefitting.  

I find sales by MG Rover odd but they must be cars brought in that are second hand (possibly refurbished) but counted as new registrations here. I wonder how many registrations are of that nature?

For 2024 articles, simply click on the links below:

By brand. 

Top 50 Models.

Data source: JAMA, JAIDA.

Photos Source: Mazda (Flair) & Suzuki (Wagon-R 😊).

Korea Car/LCV Sales : 2025

1,657,000 passenger cars and light commercial vehicles were registered in 2025. The total market is up 4% with the modest import total up 17%. The 2025 total is 4% down on the average for the last ten years. 

307,400 imports or 19% of all registrations. The Hyundai Group secured 75% of the total! That's what protecting your market can achieve, not that it's needed. 

If it were just passenger cars that were being counted, then Kia would be the leader but Hyundai's stronger range of light commercials means the latter takes the lead here.

Hyundai is up slightly and Kia is down by similar proportions. Genesis is at its lowest market share since 2020 but is still a comfortable third. Renault has local manufacturing and it is up while the other two who do also, KG Mobility (Ssangyong) and Chevrolet, are less fortunate. 

Of the imports, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are as high as it is prudent to go. Tesla has leapt up the chart to be just behind MB and may be able to increase from here without concern. 

There is nothing of note in terms of sudden shifts in sales and rankings apart from BYD, which has arrived with as splash as per usual. Ferrari is now being reported, its 2024 sales figure is an estimate. Some other luxury marques aren't reported at all but the volumes they represent are minuscule. 

For 2024 articles, simply click on the links below:

By brand. 

Top 40 Models.

Data source: KAMA, KAIDA.