Japan auto production, exports rise in February

Japanese automakers boosted production and vehicle exports in February, largely thanks to government subsidies for the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles, an industry association said Friday.

Production of cars, trucks and buses in Japan jumped 19.7 percent on-year in February, the fifth consecutive monthly increase, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.

Vehicle output rose to 952,268 in February from 795,656 in the same month a year earlier, the association said.

Meanwhile, exports of cars, trucks and buses increased 5.3 percent on-year to 454,449, the second consecutive rise.

Exports totalled in February, up from 431,562 in the same month a year earlier, the association said.

Japanese automakers, which were hammered by last year's quake-tsunami disaster and severe flooding in Thailand that crippled their supply chains, have been upping production on improved demand, partly driven by vehicle subsidies that are luring shoppers back into car showrooms.

The association previously said it expected the Japanese auto market to stay strong in the fiscal year starting in April on the back of the government offer and new model launches.