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TOKYO, Mar 12 (AFP): German carmakers have long dominated sales of high-end cars in Japan but now face growing competition from local carmakers seeking to boost their share of the lucrative market.
Luxury cars are the most profitable area of Japan's auto industry and are enjoying strong sales thanks to an economic recovery and a graying population with deep pockets and plenty of free time.
BMW Japan, which set up operations here in 1981, grew sales to a record 58,582 vehicles in 2005.
That was despite a new offensive from Toyota which brought the Lexus luxury brand to Japan in August -- 16 years after launching it in the United States where it has since enjoyed immense success.
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