October saw 21,035 new imported vehicles sold in Japan, up 5.8 percent from a year earlier.

The October total comprised 17,107 vehicles produced by non-Japanese companies, down 7.3 percent, and 3,928 vehicles produced by Japanese automakers with overseas factories, up a sharp 174.7 percent, the Japan Automobile Importers Association said Friday.

Volkswagen was the top-selling brand in October, despite seeing sales slide 8.8 percent to 4,354 vehicles. It held a market share of 20.7 percent in the month.

Toyota leaped to second place from 16th a month earlier with a 12.25 percent share, selling 2,577 units, up 171.8 percent.

An association official attributed Toyota's advance to the start of imports of its Avensis sedans and station wagons assembled at its British plant.