Japanese automakers' overseas output hits H1 record, exports decline despite weak yen

The increase in overseas output is mainly driven by North America, where gains more than offset the losses in China.

The eight major Japanese automakers continued to reduce exports from Japan and increase production overseas during the first half of this year despite the yen's persistent weakening, reports the Nikkei financial daily. Data released by the automakers on Friday (26 July) reveals that total vehicle shipments made by the eight companies during January-June 2013 fell nearly 8% year-on-year (y/y) to 2.13 million units. Number of shipments fell for all of them except export-driven Mazda and Fuji Heavy, with both companies registering double-digit export gains.