Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, has reported 196.4% increase in the net income to JPY48.5bn ($494m) during the first quarter of 2013 that ended on 31 March, compared to the corresponding period of 2012.

During the first quarter, Subaru automobiles recorded a 15.3% rise in sales to 191,000 units, compared to the same period previous year.

The company's net sales increased 27.5% to JPY546.9bn ($5.49bn), driven by the strong vehicle sales during the first quarter of 2013.

In the overseas market, the company's vehicle sales went up by 11.4% from to 150,000 units, against the same period previous year, driven by 29.1% growth to 106,000 units in the US.

Passenger car sales increased in Japan, and in spite of the decline in mini segment deliveries, the car sales grew 31.9% to 41,000 units during the quarter.

For the quarter the company recorded an operating income of JPY69.6bn, representing 301.8% increase compared to the same period last year.

The manufacturer expects the full-year net sales to reach JPY2,080bn in 2014 and operating income to reach JPY198bn.