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Japanese Carmakers Increase Production

22 May 2000

    TOKYO - Japan's five major car makers will boost production levels due to 
strong sales in North American and other overseas markets.

    Toyota Motor said its worldwide production rose 5.4% from last April. Its 
exports climbed 20.4% - the third month of increases - and its domestic 
sales rose 1.5%, its first increase in two months.

    Nissan Motor posted a 21.5% rise in global output in April. Its exports 
jumped 38.3%, while domestic sales fell 7.4% from a year ago, the eighth 
consecutive decline.

    Honda Motor's worldwide production increased 4.6% as its exports rose 28.9% 
due to increased demand in North America and Asia. Its domestic sales rose 
13.1%, the fifth consecutive gain.

    Mitsubishi Motors' global output rose 7.7% and its exports surged 48.5%, 
while sales in Japan fell 7.1%.

    Mazda Motor saw its global output rise 12.5%, owing to rising demand in 
North America and Oceania. Exports jumped 30.7% while domestic sales fell 5.2%.