Japan Auto Exports Surge in October

TOKYO AP reported that four of Japan's top five automakers posted higher exports for the month of October, despite lackluster domestic auto production during the month at many of the manufacturers.

Toyota Motor Corp.'s domestic auto output fell 4.2 percent on the year in October to 315,403 units, while its exports rose 10.2 percent to 168,921 units compared to the same period last year.

It was Toyota's first export rise in two months, and the company credited it to increased buying in North America, Oceania and the Middle East.

Honda Motor Co., Japan's second-largest carmaker in terms of revenues, said its domestic output rose 8.2 percent in October, up for the second straight month, with exports were up 7.2 percent to 38,285 units.

Domestic output at Mazda Motor Corp. likewise fell 4.7 percent to 55,723 units, but the company's exports rose 10.0 percent to 33,895 units.

Nissan Motor Co.'s domestic output rose 13.6 percent to 115,693 units, while exports rose 11.3 percent to 54,091 units, the first year-to-year increase in seven months. Surging demand in the Middle East helped boost exports, the company said.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s output was down 0.7 percent to 78,083 units, while its exports slumped 18.2 percent to 32,020 units.