FOCUS: Japan carmakers focus on popular models to soften U.S. tariff impact

Japanese automakers have few immediate options to offset the impact of the additional U.S. tariff on cars. Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and other domestic manufacturers will likely rely on strong sales of their popular fuel-efficient models in the key market, potentially coupled with price increases, analysts say.An additional 25 percent tariff that took effect on April 3 is expected to significantly dent profits at Japanese automakers, with Japan's top two carmakers -- Toyota and Honda -- projecting a 35 percent and 70 percent plunge in net profit, respectively, for the year through…READ FULL ARTICLE