The Toyota group aims to sell a total of 7.08 million vehicles in calendar 2004, up 4 percent over projected sales of 6.78 million units for this year.

The three automakers in the group are Toyota Motor Corp., which makes up the biggest chunk of the projected overall sales at 6.33 million units, minicar maker Daihatsu Motor Co. and truck maker Hino Motors Ltd.

Breaking down the planned sales goal for next year, the group expects to sell 2.36 million units domestically and 4.72 million overseas, it said Thursday.

In terms of production, the group plans to manufacture 7.28 million units globally, up 7 percent over the estimated output for this year.

The Toyota group plans to produce 4.27 million units domestically, with its overseas factories assembling 3.01 million, up 16 percent.

The group plans to export 1.94 million automobiles from Japan during 2004.

Regarding estimated sales of 6.78 million units for 2003, Toyota said the group's domestic sales are projected to total 2.32 million units, with overseas sales estimated at 4.46 million.

JAMA sees 0.9% rise

Staff report

Sales of new cars, trucks and buses in Japan next year will increase 0.9 percent to 5.9 million units from estimated sales for this year, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association said in a forecast released Thursday.

JAMA Chairman Yoshihide Munekuni said he expects improved corporate performance and launches of new models to push more consumers to purchase new vehicles.

Domestic sales in 2003 are likely to rise 1 percent to 5.85 million units, the first increase in three years, thanks to brisk sales of larger cars and demand for trucks.

Many truck owners replaced old models to clear tougher exhaust regulations for diesel vehicles that took effect Oct. 1.