The number of new cars sold on Okinawa in 2001 totaled 32,330 units, a 4.6 percent increase over last year, announced the Prefectural Association of Auto Dealers. This marked the second highest year on record, only slightly lower than the 36,000 sold in 1974. Light motor vehicles experienced the biggest increase -- 5.6 percent -- with 16,252 units sold. Sales of these cars have steadily been on the upswing since 1998, when regulations concerning vehicle size standards were changed. Sales of standard automobiles were fairly good, boosted by new low-priced models that need minimal maintenance. Only commercial vehicles saw a decline in sales as compared to the previous year’s figures.