Honda's Global Production Down 0.8% in April, Japan Sales Up
Honda produced 276,895 vehicles worldwide in April 2026, a marginal decline of 0.8% from the same month last year, while domestic sales rose 1.5% to 45,744 units.
276,895 units
58,762 units (up 22.9%)
45,744 units (up 1.5%)
What Happened
Worldwide production in April 2026 totaled 276,895 units, down 0.8% year-over-year. Production in Japan increased 22.9% to 58,762 units, marking the fifth consecutive month of growth. However, output outside Japan fell 5.7% to 218,133 units, the fourth straight monthly decline. In North America, production rose 5.9% to 153,614 units, but Asia saw a sharp drop of 32.1% to 53,145 units, with China plunging 38.9% to 28,842 units.
Sales in Japan totaled 45,744 units in April, up 1.5% year-over-year, the first increase in 13 months. New vehicle registrations (excluding mini-vehicles) jumped 13.5% to 27,936 units, also breaking an 18-month losing streak. However, mini-vehicle sales declined 13.0% to 17,808 units, the third consecutive monthly drop.
Exports from Japan increased 7.2% to 9,852 units, the first year-over-year rise in two months. Exports to Europe surged 72.0% to 6,293 units, while shipments to North America plummeted 86.2% to just 473 units. Exports to Asia fell 8.9% to 288 units.
Why this matters
The mixed results highlight persistent challenges in Honda's overseas markets, particularly in Asia and China, even as its home market shows signs of recovery.
Terms in This Story
- mini-vehicles
- A category of small, low-displacement vehicles (up to 660cc) popular in Japan, often called kei cars.
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