Local News

A prefectural association of auto dealers released its report on the number of new car registrations in the seven Kyushu prefectures during FY 2009. The report showed there were 293,231 registrations, a 17.1% jump from the previous year, and the first increase in seven years. One factor cited is the financial support given by the national government for eco-car purchases. That program ends this fall, however, so there are concerns the overall totals for this year could drop again.