Toyota has told the Japan’s Nikkei newspaper that it expects a 17 per cent increase in its 2010 global production, excluding its Daihatsu and Hino units, from this year to about 7.5 million units.

The news comes as positive sign of economic recovery for Japan’s number one vehicle manufacturer with the figure now close to 2005 production levels.

The report went on to say that actual production figures could even be higher than those forecast as the projection does not take into account the impact from the government extending subsidies for environmentally friendly vehicles.

A Toyota spokesman said the company had informed its suppliers of its plans for production for next year, but the figure was still a rough estimate.

Toyota will announce a finalised forecast figure as soon as it is compiled, which is most likely to be in January.

With Reuters