Nikkei reported that Japan's domestic sales of new cars, trucks and buses increased 7.3% YoY in August 2012, rising for the 12th consecutive month, driven by the government's buying incentives.

The Japan Automobile Dealers Association said that sales totaled 232,372 vehicles in August 2012.

Toyota sold 115,897 vehicles in August 2012, up by 17.8% YoY, while its upscale Lexus brand posted a 17.9% YoY decline to 3,264 vehicles. Nissan sales declined 7.0% YoY to 31,405, while Honda sales declined 4.6% YoY to 24,376.

Auto sales, as measured by registrations of vehicles with the government, are monitored by economists since they are the first consumer spending numbers released each month.

The figures don't include sales of mini cars and trucks.

Source - Nikkei News

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