Nissan Motor Co. may overtake Volkswagen as Japan's biggest car importer as it steps up shipments of vehicles made offshore to mitigate the strength of the yen.

Nissan, Japan's second-largest automaker, began selling a redesigned Latio compact Friday, the Yokohama-based company said. The automaker is targeting monthly sales of 1,200 units of the car, which is made in Thailand.

"It's possible that with this car, Nissan will become the biggest importer to Japan in terms of volume next year," Kuniyasu Tsuzuki, chief product specialist for the revamped model, said. "In the long run, Nissan may have more models produced overseas and sold here at home."