Suzuki Wagon R Best-Selling Car in Japan in 1st Half

The Wagon R captured the top slot for the fifth straight year on a first-half basis, according to the data compiled by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association and the Japan Mini Vehicles Association. Its sales totaled 113,999 units in January-June, down 6.5 pct from a year before.

Including the Wagon R, six of the 10 best-selling models were minivehicles, an indication that fuel-efficient automobiles continued to be popular on the back of soaring fuel prices.

Daihatsu Motor Co.'s Move minivehicle ranked second with sales of 98,324 units.

Honda Motor Co.'s Fit subcompact car came third with sales of 98,013 units as a fully remodeled version of the vehicle, which was launched last October, continued to enjoy brisk demand.

Toyota Motor Corp.'s Crown luxury sedan, which underwent a full model changeover in February, was the only model that ranked in the top 10 list among vehicles with engine displacements of over 2,000 c.c. The Crown came ninth with sales of 48,066 units.

In June alone, the Wagon R topped the list with sales of 17,027 units, staying in the No. 1 spot for six months in a row. Coming on the heels were Daihatsu's Tanto minivehicle with sales of 15,525 units and Honda's Fit with 14,702 units.