Toyota sees 2003 group global sales up 6 pct

TOKYO, July 22, 2003; Reuters reported that Toyota Motor Corp, the world's third-largest automaker, said on Tuesday it expected to sell 6.55 million vehicles worldwide this year on a consolidated basis, up six percent from last year. The Toyota group includes minivehicle unit Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd and truck maker Hino Motors Ltd. Domestic sales are seen rising four percent to 2.31 million units, while global output is expected to expand by seven percent to 6.73 million units. Exports are expected to fall two percent to 1.88 million units, it said in a statement. In December, Toyota forecast group global sales of 6.5 million units, domestic sales of 2.3 million units and global output of about 6.5 million units.