Tokyo, Aug. 30 (Jiji Press)–Eight major Japanese automakers’ combined domestic vehicle production in July fell 4.5 pct from a year before to some 650,000 units, their data showed Tuesday.

The production dropped for the 12th consecutive month, reflecting prolonged semiconductor shortages. But the pace of decline slowed from 9.8 pct in June, when Shanghai’s COVID-19 lockdown ended.

Toyota Motor Corp. <7203> saw its production slide 28.2 pct to about 220,000 units. Domestic production slipped 2.7 pct to 60,000 units at Honda Motor Co. <7267> and 14.4 pct to 70,000 units at Daihatsu Motor Co.

“It’s still difficult to make a forecast, but we want to deliver as many vehicles as possible by examining the parts supply situation and preventing output plunges,” a Toyota official said.

The eight automakers’ combined domestic sales decreased 5.4 pct to 320,000 units, dragged down by output reductions.

Meanwhile, their combined overseas output rose 8.6 pct to 1.37 million units.

All excluding Subaru Corp. <7270> enjoyed production growth abroad. Suzuki Motor Corp. <7269> hit a record high in India.

The eight companies’ combined global output increased 4.0 pct to 2.03 million units.