Despite a shrinking domestic market, Japan's five major carmakers all increased global vehicle production in 2002, thanks to strong demand in North America, Europe and Asia, according to data released by the firms Monday.
Toyota Motor Corp. turned out 5.64 million cars and commercial vehicles worldwide in 2002, up 9.7 percent from the previous year. Its domestic output rose 3.9 percent to 3.49 million units, the first year-on-year increase in two years.
Overseas production leaped 20.8 percent to 2.15 million units, up for the 11th straight year. The company attributed the surge to gains at plants in Europe and China.