Tokyo, June 1 (Jiji Press)–New automobile sales in Japan in May slipped 18.1 pct from a year before to 261,433 units, down for the 11th consecutive month, industry data showed Wednesday.

Vehicle supply failed to meet demand as major automakers reduced production due to shortages of semiconductors and a COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai.

Sales of minivehicles with engine displacement of up to 660 cc slid 20.3 pct to 100,079 units and those of larger vehicles fell 16.7 pct to 161,354 units, according to the data from the Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association and the Japan Automobile Dealers Association.

All but one of Japan’s eight major automakers logged lower sales. Mitsubishi Motors Corp. <7211> alone posted growth.

Industry leader Toyota Motor Corp.’s <7203> sales fell 20.9 pct to 86,523 units after it reduced output at major production hubs, including its Motomachi plant in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan.

Shanghai lifted the lockdown on Wednesday. But “supply constraints are unlikely to ease anytime soon,” said an official at the light motor vehicle association.