P.M. BRIEFING : Japanese Auto Exports Up 11.2%

Spurred by brisk demand for new models, Japan’s exports of motor vehicles in October jumped 11.2% over a year ago to 514,581 units, posting the first double-digit growth in 19 months, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Assn. said today. It said the growth was also in reaction to the low levels last year, mainly in shipments to the United States.

Exports to the United States, which accounted for more than 40% of the total, surged 14.6% to 219,337 units, the first year-on-year rise since June, 1989.

Passenger cars exported to the United States climbed 18.9% to 185,921 units, the association said.

Exports to the European Community edged up 2.5% to 94,244 units, while those to Asian countries climbed 36.9% to 56,688 units. Sales to the Middle East surged 20.2% to 27,334 units.