Japan Aluminium Wheel Output Rises by 8.7% in Jan.-June

Japanese aluminium wheel output increased by 8.7% to 10.805 million units in January-June from same period of 2005, according to 15 members’ report by Japan Aluminium Association. The sales increased by 9.9% to 10.966 million units. The activity kept firm when the demand grows associated with high level activity by automakers. The output increased both at domestic plants and import from subsidiaries in January-June from same period of 2005. The import increased by 0.8 million units while domestic output increased slightly. The sales reached 10 million units with higher domestic sales while the export decreased.