Japan's 11 automakers exported 2,221,012 cars, trucks and buses in the first half of 2000, up 2.8 percent from the same period last year to mark the first rise in two years, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association said Thursday.
The association attributed the increase to the thriving auto market in the U.S. and the steady economic recovery in Asia.
During the January-June period, manufacturers exported 1,896,906 cars, up 3 percent, 305,858 trucks, up 1.6 percent, and 18,248 buses, down nine units, the association said.
U.S.-bound exports jumped 14.7 percent year-on-year to 851,910 units, up for the fourth consecutive year, while those bound for Asian markets rose 48.6 percent to 196,935 units, the first increase in three years.
But exports to Europe decreased 14.7 percent to 590,280 units due to the yen's appreciation and the increased production by Japanese automakers' in Europe, the association said.
By maker, Toyota Motor Corp., Mitsubishi Motors Corp., Nissan Diesel Motor Co. and Hino Motors, Ltd. increased exports while other carmakers' shipments decreased.
In June, the 11 carmakers' overall exports rose 13.6 percent from the previous year to 400,975 units, registering year-on-year growth for three consecutive months, the association said.
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