Vehicle Production Jumps 20% in Japan

Japan's output of cars and commercial vehicles surged to 952,300 units in February from 795,700 units a year earlier, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Assn.

It was the fifth consecutive month of year-over-year increases, marking the industry's recovery from Japan's earthquake and tsunami a year ago and subsequent disruptions caused by Thailand's floods last autumn.

Passenger car production led February's advance, jumping 19% to 818,800 units. Truck production advanced 24% to 123,300 units in February. Bus output slipped 3% to 10,100 vehicles.

Japan's exports of cars and trucks rose 5% to 402,900 units and 14% to 40,500 vehicles, respectively.