Panamá Car/LCV Sales: 2026 (Jan-Apr)

Panamá has many brands, a trend that is happening in many countries. The arrival of Chinese ones is the reason. Toyota is still the choice for nearly one in five buyers, Hyundai and Kia one in eight. Yet there must be some loss of sales, perhaps spread evenly across all the legacy brands. 

The 212 is a rugged off road jeep style vehicle made by BAW. As the picture shows, it's ideal in jungle and that covers a large part of the country. Rox is another Chinese brand, which makes premium electric SUV's. As seen below, not so much for conquering jungle as glamping. 

Japan Passenger Car Sales : 2026 (Jan-Apr)

Registrations were up 10% in April but down 2% YTD. Toyota continues its dominance, despite not competing in the large Kei class. Japanese brands generally did well, while imports mostly lost market share. Imports are down 7% YTD. 

Tesla's figure is an estimate, based on extras less what is likely. It certainly is having a good year so far. Chrysler, GM and Ford aren't doing well. Jaguar says sayonara until the super luxury reincarnation arrives. 

Data source: JAMA, JAIA. Photos: Toyota bZ4X & Nissan Serena. 

Korea Car/LCV Sales: 2026 (Jan-Apr)

Hyundai/Kia/Genesis has 73.3% of the market between them. That's what protectionism gives you. Boring for car buyers maybe, but good for the economy. The imports that can afford to import are of the premium variety. 

Kia got passed Hyundai in an 'exciting' race at the top. Tesla is doing well this year as is new arrival BYD, the latter only in its second year here. Smaller US brands Jeep, Ford, Cadillac and Lincoln all declined. GMC was the exception. 

Some lower volume marques choose not to release sales figures, but this list gives a good overall coverage of the market. 

Data source: KAMA, KAIDA. Photo: Tesla Y.