Suzuki Overtakes Mercedes-Benz as Japan’s Top Car Importer in June

Suzuki Motor Corp. overtook Mercedes-Benz Group AG to become Japan’s leading car importer in June, registering 4,780 vehicles, according to the Japan Automobile Importers Association. The tally represents roughly a 230-fold increase from a year earlier and positions Suzuki ahead of the long-time import leader for the second time this quarter. The surge was driven by strong demand for the Jimny Nomad, a five-door version of Suzuki’s Jimny assembled in India and priced from ¥2.65 million ($18,300). The model drew about 50,000 pre-orders before its April launch, forcing the carmaker to suspend new orders after just four days. Imports are set to rise further as Suzuki boosts Indian production of the Nomad starting this month. The company also imports the India-built Fronx compact SUV, introduced in October. Honda Motor Co. has likewise benefited from India-sourced models, with registrations of its WR-V compact SUV surging and helping it finish the first half in second place behind Mercedes-Benz. The latest figures underscore Japanese consumers’ growing appetite for affordable, compact sport-utility vehicles regardless of manufacturing location, a shift that is reshaping the import landscape.