Car Market Japan (Local Brands): 2011

Toyota has always been at the forefront of the Japanese market, and probably always will. However, 2011 will not go down as one to remember fondly for the car making giant. Its market share was the worst since 2001, when it had a bit of a rough time also. The 40% plus of the late 80's is now a distant memory.
Nissan had its best penetration since 2005, Lexus its best share since it became a separate brand in 2005. Daihatsu had its best year ever, Mitsubishi meanwhile has never been lower. So a year of contrasting fortunes. Below are sales for 2011, with the ranking they achieved in the market:

1 Toyota 1,038,111 -26.7%
2 Nissan 514,534 -9.1%
3 Honda 476,688 -20.6%
4 Suzuki 437,092 -9.6%
5 Daihat 429,669 -10.0%
6 Mazda 165,485 -15.4%
7 Mitsubis 109,103 -17.3%
8 Subaru 107,522 -12.4%
10 Lexus 42,365 +27.0%
Others 204,220
Total 3,524,789
16.3% decrease.

The total figure is the lowest since 1987 and well down on the peak year of 1990, which exceeded 5 million. 2011 was a tough year with the tsunami, but 2012 will hopefully be brighter.