Japanese car reverse imports surged to a 30‑year high, driven by low‑cost production in India. Learn how the shift reshapes the market – read more now.
For the first time in three decades, Japanese automakers have broken a historic benchmark: the volume of vehicles manufactured abroad and then shipped back to Japan – known as “reverse imports” – has reached an all‑time high.
Record‑breaking numbers
According to the Japan Automobile Importers Association, 111,513 reverse‑imported cars entered the domestic market last year, a 19% jump from the previous year and the strongest level since 1995, when the record stood at 107,092 units.
Suzuki leads the surge
Suzuki topped the list with 43,266 units, an increase of seven‑fold compared with the year before. The surge is driven by the small SUV Fronx, produced at Suzuki’s Indian plant and launched in Japan in 2024. By April 2025, Suzuki will also bring the four‑wheel‑drive version of the Jimny Nomade from India, capitalising on lower labour and production costs to offer competitively priced models for Japanese consumers.
Honda’s mixed performance
Honda ranked second with 37,022 reverse imports, though that figure fell 18% year‑on‑year. Since 2024, Honda has been importing the compact SUV WR‑V from India. Despite the dip in overall volume, the company’s import strategy remains robust, especially with the upcoming electric model 0 Alpha, slated for import from India starting fiscal 2027.
Declines at Nissan and Toyota
Not all manufacturers enjoyed the upward trend. Nissan’s reverse‑import volume dropped 33% to 9,595 units, while Toyota saw a similar 33% decline, bringing its figure to 9,587 cars.
Future shifts: importing from the United States
Toyota, however, announced plans last month to start importing three U.S.–built models—Camry, Tundra and Highlander—into Japan within the year. This move aligns with the Japanese government’s intention to streamline certification procedures for vehicles produced in the United States, a step forward after recent trade talks with Washington.
Nissan and Honda are also evaluating the feasibility of reverse imports from the U.S., signalling a broader strategic pivot.
Why the change matters
The data underscores how the Japanese auto sector is becoming truly global. Low‑cost production hubs such as India are now essential nodes in the supply chain, while reverse imports are transitioning from a temporary workaround to a long‑term positioning tool for price‑competitive models.
As manufacturers balance domestic demand with worldwide manufacturing footprints, the trend of bringing foreign‑built Japanese cars home is set to reshape the industry for years to come.