New models lift Japan auto sales; outlook dim

By Chang-Ran Kim

TOKYO, April 1 (Reuters) - A raft of new models helped vehicle sales in Japan grow slightly in the business year through March, but industry watchers said demand was likely to stay at low levels until a meaningful economic recovery took hold.

Vehicle sales in Japan, including the cheaper 660 cc minivehicles, rose 0.7 percent in the 12 months to March, totalling 5.868 million units, industry data showed on Tuesday.

The sales figure has stagnated ...