Ownership of minivehicles across Japan as of the end of March came to a record 45.8 units per 100 households, up from 44.7 a year earlier, the Japan Mini Vehicle Association said Tuesday.
The rate, which includes minivehicles used for commercial purposes, translates to 1 unit for every 2.18 households, compared with 1 for every 2.24 households a year earlier.
The industry group said the growth is attributable to the vehicles' relatively low prices.
The figure has increased for 29 straight years on a March-end basis since 1977, when 15.9 units were owned by every 100 households.
Ownership was highest in Tottori Prefecture, where 93.5 units were owned by every 100 households, and lowest in Tokyo, where the rate stood at 10.2 units.
Minivehicles are defined as vehicles with an engine capacity up to 660cc.