Honda posts record quarterly profit as Japanese automakers report strong earnings

Honda Motor Co. announced a record first‑quarter operating profit of ¥5,307 billion, up 117 % year‑on‑year, driven by a surge in two‑wheel sales in India and Brazil and solid performance in North America. The company raised its full‑year operating‑profit outlook, while noting a sharp sales decline in China and ongoing impacts from the recent Kumamoto earthquake on parts supply.

Suzuki Motor Corp. reported record Q1 revenue of ¥1.706 trillion, a 22 % increase, and an operating profit of ¥158 billion, supported by strong car sales in India and motorcycle demand in India and Latin America. The firm lifted its full‑year revenue forecast by ¥100 billion.

Nissan Motor Co. posted a higher Q1 operating profit of ¥77.9 billion and revenue of ¥2.964 trillion, with global sales of 701,000 units. It revised down its full‑year China sales volume forecast but expects growth elsewhere.

Sony Group Corp. posted an 8.2 % rise in revenue to ¥2.838 trillion and a 40 % jump in operating profit to ¥476.5 billion, driven by record imaging‑sensor sales, while recovering from a July earthquake that temporarily halted production in Kumamoto.

SoftBank Group Corp. saw an 18 % drop in quarterly profit to ¥147.4 billion but beat expectations thanks to a ¥1.86 trillion gain from investments.