Premium brands including BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz have introduced with success lower-priced compact models in Japan. Mercedes-Benz introduced its compact A-class model (pictured above) in January 2013 and sold 14,600 of them over the next 12 months, accounting for nearly one-quarter of its country sales, according to data from the association. Volvo Cars too introduced the new V40 compact in February 2013. The smallest car in its lineup also became its best-selling car in Japan, with 10,300 units sold in the last fiscal year.
