Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius hybrid maintained its dominant position in Japan's market for new passenger cars for the 11th consecutive month in April, despite a recall due to possible safety problems, according to data released Tuesday by industry groups.
A sizable order backlog also helped sales, as well as a government program to reward buyers of fuel-efficient cars, analysts said.
The Prius came out on top with 26,482 units sold, based on figures from the Japan Automobile Dealers Association and the Japan Mini Vehicles Association.
Suzuki Motor Corp.'s WagonR minicar ranked second with sales of 15,403 units, followed by Daihatsu Motor Co.'s Tanto minicar at 13,730.
Minicars have engines less than 660cc.
Toyota and Daihatsu had three models each in the top 10, while Honda Motor Co. and Suzuki Motor each had two.
All were eligible for the government subsidy.