TOKYO: Domestic vehicle production at eight major Japanese automakers dropped 15.5 percent from a year earlier to some 510,000 units in August, according to data released by the companies on Friday.

Behind the decline were production halts due to Typhoon Shanshan, which made landfall in Japan in late August, and vehicle test fraud.

All eight automakers saw their domestic output decline.

Industry leader Toyota Motor Corp. logged a decrease of 22.2 percent as it continued suspending the production of some models because of the irregularities. The 10th typhoon this year also caused Toyota to halt of all domestic vehicle plants temporarily.

Daihatsu Motor Co., a Toyota unit, saw its production fall 29.0 percent, reflecting the temporary closure of some plants due to the typhoon.

Mazda Motor Corp. posted a 14.0 percent fall as it reduced the production of the CX-5 SUV. Nissan Motor Co.’s production slid 13.4 percent, with the Serena minivan hit by cutbacks.

The eight companies’ combined overseas production declined 8.0 percent. Seven suffered drops, while Mazda enjoyed an increase of 18.8 percent.

Toyota marked a fall of 6.5 percent, hurt by recalls in North America. Mitsubishi Motors Corp. logged lower production in Thailand.

JIJI Press