Taiwan’s new-car market surged 25 percent in June to 41,361 units, its first year-on-year increase of 2026, while Colombia’s first-half registrations jumped 50.1 percent to 157,620 vehicles. In Japan, January-to-June sales rose 1.8 percent to nearly 2.4 million units, lifted by revamped models. The same week, Argentina reported a 12.8 percent annual drop in June registrations, with unsold stock piling up to 130,000 units and imported vehicles now accounting for 69 percent of sales.

The divergence reflects distinct local conditions. In Taiwan, the launch of the sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V hybrid, along with Tesla’s bulk deliveries, drove demand. Colombia’s rebound was broad-based, with Kia, Renault and Toyota leading, and commercial vehicles surging 90 percent. Japan’s steady growth was fuelled by redesigned models such as the Mazda CX-5 and Mitsubishi Delica D:5. By contrast, Argentina’s market remains under pressure from economic uncertainty, with dealers warning of a 130,000-unit stock overhang and a sharp shift toward imports as domestic production loses share.

The hybrid and electric transition is reshaping sales charts across regions. In Argentina, hybrid-only models accounted for 6,479 units in June, with the Ford Territory and Toyota Corolla Cross topping the list. In Taiwan, the RAV4 PHEV contributed to Toyota’s 30.5 percent market share. In Indonesia, Suzuki refreshed its XL7 SUV with hybrid variants priced from Rp292.9 million, while its cheapest model, the Carry pick-up, starts at Rp172.6 million, signalling a dual strategy of affordability and electrification. In Colombia, the Tesla Model Y was the best-selling model in the first half, underscoring the rapid inroads of electric vehicles in emerging markets.

The second half of the year will test whether Asia’s momentum can be sustained as new-model pipelines thin and whether Argentina’s stock overhang forces price cuts or production adjustments. July sales data from these markets will provide the first indication.