Global output by eight Japanese auto makers was down more than 20 percent in March as they shut down plants amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Japanese manufacturers produced more than 1,863,000 vehicles last month, down 26 percent from a year earlier.

A panel of experts reviewing Japan's anti-coronavirus measures says the country has kept the outbreak under control to a certain extent.

The government panel revealed its opinion on Monday. Two weeks ago it said Japan was at a crossroads, as far as the containment of the virus was concerned.