Imported vehicle sales fell 3.5 percent in August from a year earlier to 11,272 units, a far smaller drop than the 16.1 percent decline in July, an industry body said Friday.

While imported vehicle sales fell for the 16th straight month, the decline narrowed for the fourth month in a row, the Japan Automobile Importers Association said.

The total included 1,105 vehicles made by Japanese automakers overseas, down 18.7 percent.

Sales of foreign makes edged down 1.4 percent to 10,167 vehicles.

Volkswagen held onto the top spot among foreign automakers, with sales climbing 13.1 percent from a year earlier to 2,304 vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz rose to second place from third in the previous month, with sales of 2,028 vehicles, down 8.9 percent from a year earlier. BMW fell to third place despite boosting sales 3.3 percent to 1,793 vehicles.

Source: search.japantimes.co.jp