TOKYO: Honda Motor Co.’s N-Box minivehicle became the top-selling new vehicle in Japan in April-September, industry data showed Thursday.

The N-Box retook the top spot for the first time in two years on a fiscal first-half basis, following the release of a special model marking the 10th anniversary of its launch and a remodeled version last December.

But sales of the N-Box fell 4.0 pct from a year earlier to 86,876 units due to parts supply constraints.

Toyota Motor Corp.’s Yaris subcompact ranked second, losing the top slot it held a year before.

Its sales plunged 20.5 pct to 84,251 units after a year-before jump that reflected the strength of an SUV model. Also behind the slump were negative effects of semiconductor shortages.

Toyota’s Corolla was third. Its sales grew 18.3 pct to 57,850 units, aided by the popularity of an SUV model launched last year.

The sales data were released by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association and the Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association.

In September alone, the N-Box ranked first, followed by the Yaris and Daihatsu Motor Co.’s Tanto minivehicle.

JIJI Press