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Japan's seven major automakers have seen two consecutive quarters of profit decline, with the market forecasting two more to come. (Source photos by Nikkei)

KAZUHIRO NOGUCHI

March 20, 2025 01:12 JST

TOKYO -- Japan's seven major automakers look set to enter a prolonged phase of profit decline as intensifying U.S. competition and soaring expenses weigh on their earnings.

The automakers -- Toyota Motor, Honda Motor, Nissan Motor, Subaru, Mazda Motor, Mitsubishi Motors and Suzuki Motor -- saw combined profits decline for the October-December quarter. Their profits are forecast to fall again in the current quarter ending in March and the following quarter ending in June.