What Japanese Cars Are Made in China?

Japanese automakers have a significant manufacturing footprint in China, one of the world's largest automotive markets. This presence is a strategic move to cater to local demand and leverage China's manufacturing capabilities.

Toyota's Expanded Local Production

Toyota, a leading global automaker, has expanded its local production in China through joint ventures since the 2000s. In 2023, Toyota's sales in China reached 1.90 million vehicles, a decrease of 1.7% compared to the previous year. Models like the Corolla and RAV4 are produced at Toyota's Chinese plants, contributing to these sales.

Honda's Strategic Manufacturing Ventures

Honda operates two joint ventures in China: Dongfeng Honda and Guangqi Honda. These entities are responsible for manufacturing popular Honda models such as the Civic, CR-V, and Accord. In 2023, Honda's China sales slightly decreased by 10%, with a total of 1.23 million vehicles sold.

Nissan's Deep-rooted Chinese Production

Nissan has been producing vehicles in China through its partnership with Dongfeng since 2003. Despite a challenging market, Nissan sold 793,800 vehicles in China in 2023, a testament to the brand's popularity and the appeal of its locally produced models like the Sylphy and Qashqai.

Mazda's Growing Chinese Manufacturing Base

Mazda, in collaboration with its Chinese partner ChangAn Automobile, manufactures vehicles at their joint venture, ChangAn Mazda. The Mazda3 Axela and CX-5 are among the models produced for the Chinese market, reflecting Mazda's commitment to local production.

Japanese car manufacturers, including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Mazda, have established a strong manufacturing presence in China. This strategic move allows them to meet the demands of the local market, reduce costs, and respond quickly to market trends. With ongoing investments and the introduction of new models, these Japanese brands are poised to maintain their competitive edge in the Chinese automotive market.