P. M. BRIEFING : Toyota, Nissan Exports Up Over 5%

Japan’s top two auto makers, Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co., said today their production, sales and exports in August increased over a year ago.

Toyota said its exports of cars, trucks and buses rose 5.4% over a year ago, marking the fourth consecutive year-to-year rise. Passenger cars were up 0.9%, while trucks and buses rose 16.8%. Production climbed 11.5%, while domestic sales were up 17.3% for a record.

Nissan said exports gained 5.5%, fueled by strong demand in the United States and Europe. It was the fourth consecutive year-to-year increase, the company said. Nissan said exports of cars jumped 20% but those of commercial vehicles fell 39.8%. Production climbed 20.1%, and domestic sales rose 27.9%, the company said.