Toyota Boosts 1986 Prices an Average of $412

Citing the continued appreciation of the yen against the dollar, Toyota said Friday that it is raising its car and truck prices by an average of 4.1%, or $412.

The No. 1 importer had already hiked the prices of its 1986 models by an average of 3% in January. It action is the latest in a series of price increases announced by Japanese auto makers since December.

However, since demand for Japanese cars continues to exceed supply under current import restrictions, industry analysts said the latest price hike is not likely to keep customers out of showrooms.

Separately, Ford said it has raised the prices on its optional six- and eight-cylinder engines and on selected large cars that offer the engines as standard equipment.

The suggested retail price for the powerful engines was increased by $61 to $91, while the price of models that carry them as standard equipment went up $58 to $123.

Ford officials said the increases were made in an attempt to comply with fuel economy regulations by enhancing the price advantage of its smaller, more fuel-efficient models.