AUTOS

Nissan Raising Prices: Nissan Motor Corp. U.S.A., pressured by the continued rise of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar, will increase prices on certain 1994-model cars and trucks by an average 2.0%, or $321, effective Jan. 3. Earl Hesterberg, Nissan division’s vice president and general manager, said the increase is necessary because of general economic conditions. Nissan, following Toyota, is the second Japanese auto maker to again increase U.S. prices on 1994 models. Almost all Japanese manufacturers posted sharp increases last fall on those new models to combat the higher yen, which is up 11% in value against the U.S. dollar this year. A stronger yen makes it less profitable for Japanese companies to sell their products in the U.S.