Most of Japan's major automakers saw an increase in their earnings during the first half of fiscal 2006 thanks to the weaker yen and brisk demand overseas, especially in North America and Europe, according to business results announced through Tuesday.

Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and Mazda Motor Corp. had record high sales and profits during the April-September period.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. reported it was still in the red, but it narrowed its losses from the previous year as sales recovered in North America and Japan.