TOKYO: Honda Motor Co.’s N-Box topped the new car sales rankings in Japan in April for the fourth consecutive month, industry data showed Tuesday.

Sales of the minivehicle fell 7.7 percent from a year before to 15,450 units because of production cuts reflecting difficulties in parts procurement.

Toyota Motor Corp.’s Roomy compact minivan came second, with sales falling 8.7 percent to 11,108 units. Toyota’s Yaris subcompact car ranked third, with sales of 10,045 units, down 49.7 percent.

Automobile sales in Japan have been dragged down by plant suspensions mainly due to semiconductor shortages and lockdown restrictions in Shanghai amid the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Sales fell year on year for eight of the 10 best-selling models in April.

The rankings are based on data from the Japan Automobile Dealers Association and the Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association.

JIJI Press