October 31, 2014
Assisted-Mobility Vehicle Sales in Japan in the First Half of Fiscal 2014
Sales of assisted-mobility vehicles in Japan during the first half of fiscal 2014 (April through September) totalled 23,264 units, up 10.5% from the same period in the previous year. Continuing strong sales of mini-vehicles were the main factor behind this growth.
April-September 2014 Sales Data by Vehicle Category
1. Standard & Small Vehicles—12,362 units (up 3.8% from first half of fiscal 2013)
Sales of both wheelchair-accessible models and those equipped with revolving or elevator seats increased from the same period in the previous year.
2. Mini-Vehicles—9,122 units (up 25.6% from first half of fiscal 2013)
As in the same six months in 2013, sales of both wheelchair-accessible mini-vehicle models and those equipped with revolving or elevator seats saw strong growth, resulting in overall sales in this category exceeding the 9,000-unit level for the first time ever for a half-year tally.
3. Buses—1,780 units (down 5.5% from first half of fiscal 2013)
Unit sales in this category dropped 5.5% year-on-year from the same period in 2013.
Notes:
- The figures provided here and in the accompanying charts are the aggregate totals of JAMA member manufacturers’ unit sales; they do not include vehicles customized post-purchase. (For example, although in the accompanying “Summary” chart the total first-half fiscal 2014 unit sales figure for vehicles equipped with drive-assist systems—including standard, small, and mini-size vehicles—is 320, annual demand for vehicles so equipped stands in fact at around 5,000 units when vehicles customized post-purchase are included in the calculation.)
- The three assisted-mobility vehicle categories listed here have been established by JAMA on the basis of equipment standards, and therefore differ from the vehicle categories established under Japan’s Road Vehicles Act. The main differences are that “Standard & Small Vehicles” includes standard and small passenger cars and van-type commercial vehicles, and that “Buses” includes minibuses.
- “Other” in the accompanying “Summary” chart includes stretcher-bearing vehicles, etc.
