0842 GMT - Japanese automakers in China are ramping up development of China-exclusive models to better align with local consumer preferences and counter rising competition from domestic brands, Bernstein analysts say. Toyota, Nissan, Mazda and Honda have launched locally developed models featuring advanced technology and competitive pricing--expect for Honda's, which the analysts say are viewed as overpriced and underperforming. Since the pandemic, Japanese automakers' China sales have fallen 34%, with market share sliding to 13% from 25%, Bernstein notes, adding the key challenge is how to revive sales in the Chinese market. The trend of producing China-specific models shows the importance of affordability and localized innovation in the Chinese market, Bernstein notes, with further acceleration expected to maintain competitiveness. (jiahui.huang@wsj.com; @ivy_jiahuihuang)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 11, 2025 03:42 ET (08:42 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.