Retail in Asia

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Japan tax hike takes toll on auto sales

Japanese auto sales dropped 11.4 percent in April from a year ago, an industry group said today, highlighting the impact of a sales tax rise which sparked a mad dash to stores ahead of the levy hike. The drop marked the first fall in eight months, with sales of new cars, trucks and buses totalling 188,864 vehicles, the Japan Automobile Dealers Association said, although sales of thrifty mini-vehicles hit a record high.