Global Production Rises at Automakers Toyota, Nissan and Mazda in November

TOKYO December 25, 2003; The AP reported that global production in November climbed at three of Japan's top automakers, with Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co. and Mazda Motor Corp. posting double-digit increases in overseas production, the companies said Thursday.

Production fell at Honda Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp.

Toyota, the world's third-biggest automaker and Japan's largest, said domestic output fell 2.8 percent to 304,914 vehicles in November from the same month last year but overseas production surged 12.4 percent to 223,004 vehicles.

Toyota spokesman Shinya Matsumoto attributed big output gains in the United States, Europe and Asia, including China, to robust sales.

Nissan, the Tokyo-based partner of France's Renault SA, said global production rose 6.5 percent to 250,607 vehicles in November.

Nissan's overseas production totaled 133,209 units, a year-on-year gain of 23.2 percent, thanks to strong demand in North America, Europe and Asia. That increase offset a 6.7 percent drop in domestic production to 117,398 vehicles.

In the United States, the world's biggest car market, Nissan's output jumped 52.2 percent to 49,981 vehicles, largely due to demand for the new Quest minivan, Pathfinder Armada sport utility vehicle and Maxima sedan.

Also reporting a rise in overseas production was Mazda Motor, the Hiroshima-based unit of U.S. automaker Ford Motor Co.

Mazda's overseas production rose 28.6 percent to 18,563 vehicles, marking 15 straight months of gains. Mazda's domestic production rose 17.9 percent to 71,418 vehicles.

At Honda, global production fell 4.4 percent to 247,115 vehicles. Domestic output dropped 15.6 percent to 102,480, but overseas production edged up 5.5 percent to 144,635 units thanks to expansions at the company's Asian plants.

Honda's output in the United States dipped 3.8 percent.

Global production at Mitsubishi Motors, which is 37 percent owned by DaimlerChrysler AG, fell 25.1 percent to 114,952 vehicles. Production in Japan shrank 12.2 percent on year to 62,160 vehicles while overseas production plunged 36.2 percent to 52,792.