Japan's automobile production increased 25.9% in June from the previous year, data from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association showed Friday. Automobile production in June was recorded as 861,045 units. The latest growth figure was smaller than the prior month's 30.6% increase. Domestic sales totaled 448,831 vehicles, up 17.4% as compared with the same month of the previous year.

Automobile production for for the first half of 2010 surged 45.8% to 4,841,950 units. During the period, domestic sales rose 21.5% from the first half of 2009.

Motorcycle production in June climbed by 3,367 units or 6.8%, and production increased on the same month of the previous year for four consecutive months. Meanwhile, domestic sales dipped 1.2%. For the first half of 2010, motorcycle production totaled 336,461 units, down 6.8% from the prior year.

Further, data showed that the number of automobile exported in June moved up by 124,165 units or 38.7% and the value of exported automobiles advanced 48.4% to US$12.48 billion. At the same time, motorcycle export increased 3,231 units or 9.7% and the value grew 8.4% to US$322.47 million.