**Japan’s auto sales rebounded in January, fueled by demand for minicars and compact vehicles amid rising gasoline prices.**.
TOKYO, Japan (AP) — Sales of new vehicles in Japan rose 2.2% in January from a year earlier to 314,972 units, the Japan Automobile Dealers Association said Monday..
It was the first year-on-year increase in two months, after sales fell 2.3% in December..
The rise was driven by strong demand for minicars, which are popular in Japan due to their compact size and fuel efficiency. Sales of minicars jumped 10.2% to 150,447 units..
Sales of compact vehicles also increased, rising 2.3% to 83,891 units..
In contrast, sales of passenger cars fell 4.7% to 49,564 units. Sales of SUVs and minivans also declined, by 1.7% and 3.3%, respectively..
The rebound in auto sales came as gasoline prices in Japan have been rising in recent months. The average nationwide price of regular gasoline stood at 172.2 yen ($1.23) per liter on Monday, according to data from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry..
Rising gasoline prices have prompted many Japanese consumers to consider purchasing more fuel-efficient vehicles..
The Japan Automobile Dealers Association said it expects auto sales to continue to recover in the coming months, supported by demand for minicars and compact vehicles..
The association also noted that the Japanese government’s decision to extend subsidies for the purchase of new vehicles with low carbon dioxide emissions is likely to provide further support for auto sales..
**Here is a breakdown of the sales figures for different types of vehicles:**.
* Minicars: 150,447 units (up 10.2%).
* Compact vehicles: 83,891 units (up 2.3%).
* Passenger cars: 49,564 units (down 4.7%).
* SUVs: 27,223 units (down 1.7%).
* Minivans: 4,847 units (down 3.3%).
Overall, the rebound in auto sales in January is a positive sign for the Japanese economy. It suggests that consumers are becoming more confident about the future and are willing to make big-ticket purchases..
