Domestic output for eight Japan carmakers fell 3.2% in October

The combined domestic output of eight major Japanese automakers fell 3.2 percent in October from a year earlier to 743,086 vehicles for the first decline in three months, according to data from major automakers. Six of the eight carmakers reported declines, with Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s domestic output tumbling 23.4 percent to 44,279 vehicles due to a temporary halt of minicar production in the wake of a fuel economy data manipulation scandal that erupted in April. Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday its domestic output fell 6.1 percent in October to 260,426 vehicles, the first decline in three months, reflecting slower growth in exports to the Middle East and North America. Domestic production at Suzuki Motor Corp. dived 13.3 percent from the year before to 62,206 vehicles due to sluggish sales of its minicars -- or vehicles with engines no larger than 660 cc -- since a tax hike on that vehicle category. Nissan Motor Co.'s output at home jumped 36.6 percent to 95,490 vehicles thanks mainly to strong sales of its new Serena minivan, which is equipped with self-driving vehicle technology.