# Japanese automakers face decline in China, Toyota adjusts strategy > Japanese automakers are experiencing a sharp decline in production and sales in China, down 46.5% over nine months in 2026 and 32% between April and September, in a market where new energy vehicles reach 67% penetration. Toyota, which accounts for more than 60% of the volume produced by Japanese brands in China, is responding with an electric sedan developed with BYD, local production of an electric Lexus SUV in Shanghai in 2027, and a call for Japanese automakers to unite. Despite weakness in China, its half-year results exceeded expectations thanks to hybrids in the United States and a favorable exchange rate effect. National angles differ: Chinese and Japanese press detail production and industrial strategies, South Korean press highlights the decline of the three major automakers in September, while US press follows Toyota's results and hybrid support. **In brief**: Ongoing story bringing together 19 events involving Toyota, Honda, Nissan and 7 more, in 6 countries (Chine, Japon, États-Unis and 3 more), followed from 30 October 2026 to 4 November 2026. 51 articles from 19 sources (plants, jobs and earnings, sales and market, launches and reviews and 1 more); last updated on 4 November 2026 at 11:22. Figures reported: 860107 vehicles. - Status: ongoing - Scope: International - Category: Plants, jobs and earnings, Sales and market, Launches and reviews, Electric and batteries - Countries: Chine, Japon, États-Unis, Allemagne, Corée du Sud, Thaïlande - Brands: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Toyota Motor, Lexus, Mitsubishi Motors, BYD, GAC Group, Hyundai, Mazda - First detected: 30 October 2026 at 10:43 - Updated: 4 November 2026 at 11:22 - Web page: https://mecapress.com/stories/12-japanese-automakers-face-decline-in-china-toyota-adjusts-strategy ## National stories (7) - China — 1 country-specific event, 13 articles - Japan — 0 country-specific event, 11 articles - South Korea — 0 country-specific event, 9 articles - United States — 0 country-specific event, 4 articles - Germany — 0 country-specific event, 2 articles - Spain — 0 country-specific event, 2 articles - United Kingdom — 0 country-specific event, 2 articles ## Reported figures - 779.6 billion yen - $4.91 billion - Y932.0 billion ## What is established _“Confirmed” = reported by at least two independent outlets (outlets of the same group count as one). AI cross-check of the collected headlines and extracts._ **Confirmed by several sources** - Production of the four Japanese automakers in China, April-September 2026: -32%, at about 1.02 million units, the lowest since 2008. (4 independent sources: [盖世汽车](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiUEFVX3lxTE9mUGRSZ0lUMERyZ2lFY09lYTBLWTBmUlJ1dTNkR25nUEZYc0QtNFZzbm50UjVjMTVyc2FJTmlMaWUybGRuNXhnMHBSWFYyTnA1?oc=5), [머니투데이](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMibkFVX3lxTFBXcExZR0pxb3k4RFNNMWhhbXF3N0NBZmM1WnpFUWo5X2NBU0VCUEdadUh6dEo1ekIwM0owd3g0TFFIaVlQUldTRFBFN3lhQ0JlNDN1SnVWZjhnd2lQR3p1MWZMZjM3Z3VGd2U3MF930gFuQVVfeXFMUFdwTFlHSnFveThEU00xaGFtcXc3Q0FmYzVaekVRajlfY0FTRUJQR1p1SHp0SjV6QjAzSjB3eDRMUUhpWVBSV1NEUEU3eWFDQmU0M3VKdVZmOGd3aVBHenUxZkxmMzdndUZ3ZTcwX3c?oc=5), [新浪汽车](https://auto.sina.cn/2026-10-31/detail-inixakvf4174696.d.html?vt=4), [网通社](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiW0FVX3lxTE5uZHg0Q2V2SWhOVWZBSnluTXFub2pFWl9UQWl2YXBJZWFSQ3JYNkpERk5yMFNiRjk5QlZMVkU0cThWcGtTMDk1ejBYVFBfQjZ6U3B2aGFNcFMyQkU?oc=5)) - Toyota's global battery electric vehicle sales reached 309,766 units from January to September 2026, up 127.4%. (3 independent sources: [autodaily.co.kr](https://www.autodaily.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=601627), [forococheselectricos.com](https://forococheselectricos.com/noticias/toyota-ventas-electricos-caida-china-20261030-42623.html), [autoherald.co.kr](http://www.autoherald.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=62044)) - Toyota global sales in September 2026: 860,107 units, down 2.2% year-on-year, third consecutive monthly decline. (2 independent sources: [autodaily.co.kr](https://www.autodaily.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=601627), [autoherald.co.kr](http://www.autoherald.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=62044)) - Honda's production in China has fallen by about 90%, the steepest decline among Japanese automakers. (2 independent sources: [新浪汽车](https://auto.sina.cn/2026-10-31/detail-inixakvf4174696.d.html?vt=4), [forococheselectricos.com](https://forococheselectricos.com/noticias/produccion-coches-japoneses-china-caida-toyota-honda-20261031-42633.html)) - Lexus will launch in 2027 an electric SUV produced locally in Shanghai, ending its import-only approach in China. (2 independent sources: [CarNewsChina.com](https://carnewschina.com/2026/10/31/lexus-to-launch-first-china-made-electric-suv-in-2027-at-shanghai-plant/), [스타뉴스](https://www.starnewskorea.com/en/business-life/2026/11/01/2026110111423634789)) **Sources disagree** - Decline in Japanese production in China over six years: 60% compared with the 2020 peak according to [观察者网](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMic0FVX3lxTE1FUGVwOEUwS0QzYmVDdUdzc0tIQXJQS2ZER19McU03d1ZNcDZtc1VqNXRjckNIMzNXY3JYLTdHUWY2NWlodkxFa094ejFRcTVGQ2JXUE40U3FXNjN5RjVDY2t2WHZfSlVUSC1DUEpzNjkyQ00?oc=5) ; 63% compared with the 2020 peak according to [新浪汽车](https://auto.sina.cn/2026-10-31/detail-inixakvf4174696.d.html?vt=4) **Single source so far** - Toyota's sales in China fell by nearly 20% in September 2026. (according to [autodaily.co.kr](https://www.autodaily.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=601627)) - Japanese passenger car production in China fell 46.5% between January and September 2026. (according to [forococheselectricos.com](https://forococheselectricos.com/noticias/produccion-coches-japoneses-china-caida-toyota-honda-20261031-42633.html)) - Toyota's production in China fell 40.7% year-on-year, while accounting for more than 60% of Japanese volume. (according to [forococheselectricos.com](https://forococheselectricos.com/noticias/produccion-coches-japoneses-china-caida-toyota-honda-20261031-42633.html)) - Toyota has partnered with BYD to launch an electric sedan in China. (according to [Mashable](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiakFVX3lxTE1DeDRXemUyNHB3OTBaaUl0cTVmNk96WXA4ZjVGOGRiY3BkQ2owdGpreHFNcEd1YTdXYkFNcFRoYkFVcnBfekVXcUJndTVqTmstSUxueGh2SDI2MkYtWlJrY2tram44aWpQZVE?oc=5)) - Toyota calls on Japanese automakers to unite against Chinese automakers. (according to [Motor1.com](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiekFVX3lxTFA2Z0R4bngyWm5mOWpZbk5ramNVZmJ4aTdLVGhNSi1pUEJKMHZqYW54d2RpY2VJNnRaandNQXFDRzN0aUJpUVFocHBWVS1UbEtQTnBNVFlMOHk2OUQ2MW90SEpKa3JTX1RDRGl2aTNVSmxIUEZHeXhiWmp3?oc=5)) **Updates** - 1 November 2026 at 20:29: New official figure: Toyota global production April-September 2026 at 4.89 million units (-2%). - 1 November 2026 at 20:29: New official figure: Toyota global BEV sales from January to September 2026 at 309,766 units (+127.4%). - 1 November 2026 at 20:29: New official figure: Toyota global sales for September 2026 at 860,107 units (-2.2%), third consecutive month of decline. ## Background _Context and reference points, separate from the story’s news; every item links to its source._ **Key terms** - **New energy vehicle**: Category of vehicles whose propulsion does not directly use a conventional internal combustion engine; it includes notably hydrogen vehicles, which use a chemical transformation of dihydrogen as propulsion energy, often via a fuel cell. ([Wikipédia](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%A9hicule_%C3%A0_hydrog%C3%A8ne)) - **Residual value**: Value of an asset after deducting depreciation related to wear or obsolescence; in accounting, it corresponds to acquisition cost less amortization recorded over its useful life. ([Wikipédia](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amortissement_comptable)) ## Sources by country and language - China: 13 articles, 9 outlets - Japan: 11 articles, 6 outlets - South Korea: 9 articles, 6 outlets - United States: 4 articles, 3 outlets - unknown: 3 articles, 3 outlets - Germany: 2 articles, 1 outlets - Spain: 2 articles, 1 outlets - United Kingdom: 2 articles, 2 outlets - Australia: 1 articles, 1 outlets - Brazil: 1 articles, 1 outlets - Canada: 1 articles, 1 outlets - Greece: 1 articles, 1 outlets - Pakistan: 1 articles, 1 outlets **Languages**: English (14), Chinese (12), Japanese (12), Korean (8), Portuguese (2), Spanish (2), unknown (1) ## Timeline (19 events) ### 30 October 2026 — [Toyota : ventes mondiales en baisse sur trois mois malgré le bond des électriques](https://mecapress.com/events/1514-toyota-ventes-mondiales-en-baisse-sur-trois-mois-malgre-le-bond-des-electriques.md) Sur janvier-septembre 2026, les ventes mondiales de Toyota reculent pour le troisième mois consécutif, pénalisées par la Chine, tandis que les ventes de BEV bondissent de 127,4 %. 8 sources, 11 articles · Worldwide (Japon, Chine, États-Unis) ### 30 October 2026 — [Le modèle de croissance de Toyota mis à l'épreuve par la chute de ses ventes en Chine](https://mecapress.com/events/1123-le-modele-de-croissance-de-toyota-mis-a-l-epreuve-par-la-chute-de-ses-ventes-en.md) Le premier constructeur mondial voit sa formule de croissance contestée : malgré la progression des hybrides en Amérique du Nord, il ne parvient pas à enrayer la baisse de son chiffre d'affaires en Chine face aux constructeurs locaux. 4 sources, 4 articles · Japon, Chine, États-Unis, Allemagne ### 31 October 2026 — [Les constructeurs japonais à la traîne sur le rythme d'innovation en Chine](https://mecapress.com/events/949-les-constructeurs-japonais-a-la-traine-sur-le-rythme-d-innovation-en-chine.md) Selon un média chinois, les constructeurs japonais ne parviennent pas à suivre le rythme d'innovation du marché automobile chinois. 1 sources, 3 articles · Chine, Japon ### 31 October 2026 — [Les constructeurs japonais face à la chute de leurs ventes en Chine](https://mecapress.com/events/915-les-constructeurs-japonais-face-a-la-chute-de-leurs-ventes-en-chine.md) Un analyste de Mizuho revient sur la division par deux des ventes de Honda et Nissan sur le marché chinois et sur les stratégies de survie des constructeurs japonais. 1 sources, 1 articles · Chine — Chine, Japon ### 31 October 2026 — [Les constructeurs japonais déclinent leurs stratégies de survie au salon de Pékin 2026](https://mecapress.com/events/798-les-constructeurs-japonais-declinent-leurs-strategies-de-survie-au-salon-de.md) Face à la « vitesse chinoise », les constructeurs japonais présentent au salon de Pékin des approches différenciées pour se maintenir sur le marché chinois. 1 sources, 4 articles · Pékin — Chine, Japon ### 31 October 2026 — [La production des constructeurs japonais en Chine a chuté de 60 % en six ans](https://mecapress.com/events/771-la-production-des-constructeurs-japonais-en-chine-a-chute-de-60-en-six-ans.md) La production des marques japonaises en Chine a reculé d'environ 60 % en six ans, illustrant leur perte de terrain sur le marché chinois. 1 sources, 1 articles · Chine, Japon ### 31 October 2026 — [Les constructeurs japonais peinent à vendre en Chine](https://mecapress.com/events/711-les-constructeurs-japonais-peinent-a-vendre-en-chine.md) Les marques japonaises subissent une forte baisse de leurs ventes en Chine, remettant en cause leur position sur le premier marché automobile mondial. 1 sources, 1 articles · Chine, Japon ### 31 October 2026 — [Lexus to produce its first electric SUV in China in 2027](https://mecapress.com/events/686-lexus-to-produce-its-first-electric-suv-in-china-in-2027.md) Lexus is ending its import-only approach in China with a locally made electric SUV, with Toyota targeting production in Shanghai in 2027. 5 sources, 5 articles · Shanghai — Chine, Japon ### 31 October 2026 — [Baisse des ventes des trois constructeurs japonais en Chine en septembre](https://mecapress.com/events/276-baisse-des-ventes-des-trois-constructeurs-japonais-en-chine-en-septembre.md) Les trois grands constructeurs japonais reculent en Chine en septembre, un marché où la pénétration des véhicules à énergies nouvelles atteint 67 %. 1 sources, 3 articles · Chine, Japon, Corée du Sud ### 31 October 2026 — [October 31 review of electric vehicle news in China](https://mecapress.com/events/257-october-31-review-of-electric-vehicle-news-in-china.md) Overview: opening of GAC's first overseas battery pack plant in Thailand and a 32% drop in production by Japanese automakers in China. 1 sources, 1 articles · Chine, Thaïlande, Japon ### 31 October 2026 — [La production des quatre constructeurs japonais en Chine chute de 32%](https://mecapress.com/events/77-la-production-des-quatre-constructeurs-japonais-en-chine-chute-de-32.md) Entre avril et septembre, les quatre grands constructeurs japonais ont vu leur production en Chine reculer de 32%, ce qui pèse sur les valeurs résiduelles des Honda et Nissan d'occasion. 2 sources, 2 articles · Chine, Japon ### 31 October 2026 — [Toyota s'allie à BYD pour lancer une berline électrique en Chine](https://mecapress.com/events/1085-toyota-s-allie-a-byd-pour-lancer-une-berline-electrique-en-chine.md) Toyota s'appuie sur la technologie de BYD pour commercialiser une berline électrique sur le marché chinois. 1 sources, 1 articles · Chine ### 31 October 2026 — [Toyota appelle les constructeurs japonais à s'unir face à la concurrence chinoise](https://mecapress.com/events/1392-toyota-appelle-les-constructeurs-japonais-a-s-unir-face-a-la-concurrence.md) Toyota plaide pour un rassemblement des constructeurs japonais face à la pression des acteurs chinois, estimant que la survie du secteur est en jeu. 1 sources, 1 articles · Japon, Chine ### 31 October 2026 — [La production des marques japonaises en Chine chute de 46,5 % sur neuf mois](https://mecapress.com/events/280-la-production-des-marques-japonaises-en-chine-chute-de-46-5-sur-neuf-mois.md) Entre janvier et septembre 2026, les constructeurs japonais ont produit 1,11 million de voitures en Chine, en baisse de 46,5 %, Honda subissant le plus fort recul et Toyota concentrant plus de 60 % du volume. 2 sources, 2 articles · Chine — Chine, Japon ### 31 October 2026 — [Toyota highlights reliability against Chinese automakers](https://mecapress.com/events/534-toyota-highlights-reliability-against-chinese-automakers.md) Toyota asserts that its vehicles' reliability reputation gives it an edge against competition from Chinese automakers. 1 sources, 1 articles · Japon, Chine ### 1 November 2026 — [Toyota to publish half-year results on November 5, with China as weak point](https://mecapress.com/events/755-toyota-to-publish-half-year-results-on-november-5-with-china-as-weak-point.md) Toyota is set to announce on November 5 its results for April to September 2026, marked by difficult sales in China and support from hybrid sales. 2 sources, 6 articles · Japon, Chine, États-Unis ### 1 November 2026 — [Toyota : bénéfice opérationnel semestriel de 2 038 milliards de yens malgré la chute en Chine](https://mecapress.com/events/1864-toyota-benefice-operationnel-semestriel-de-2-038-milliards-de-yens-malgre-la.md) Toyota annonce un bénéfice opérationnel de 2 038 milliards de yens pour avril-septembre 2026, au-dessus des attentes. La baisse de 25 % des ventes en Chine est compensée par la hausse de 8 % des hybrides aux États-Unis et un effet de change favorable de 200 milliards de yens. 1 sources, 1 articles · Japon, Chine, États-Unis ### 3 November 2026 — [China: Toyota bZ7 (Bozhi 7) struggles to convert its good reputation into sales](https://mecapress.com/events/3510-china-toyota-bz7-bozhi-7-struggles-to-convert-its-good-reputation-into-sales.md) Despite very positive online reviews, the GAC Toyota bZ7 electric sedan remains at modest sales volumes in China, highlighting a gap between its reputation and commercial results. 1 sources, 1 articles · Chine ### 4 November 2026 — [Les constructeurs japonais sous pression en Chine, Toyota à son tour fragilisé](https://mecapress.com/events/4069-les-constructeurs-japonais-sous-pression-en-chine-toyota-a-son-tour-fragilise.md) Analyse de la dégradation des performances des trois grands constructeurs japonais en Chine, où Toyota rencontre désormais à son tour des difficultés. 1 sources, 2 articles · Chine — Chine, Japon --- Cite as: Mecapress, “Japanese automakers face decline in China, Toyota adjusts strategy”, https://mecapress.com/stories/12-japanese-automakers-face-decline-in-china-toyota-adjusts-strategy Methodology: https://mecapress.com/methodology