Japan saw its automotive output remain stable during 2003 according to the latest industry figures.

While domestic production of passenger cars dipped, this was offset by a rise in the production of trucks and buses.

The total output of passenger cars fell by 1.6 per cent on the previous year's figures, dropping to 9.47 million units.

When truck and bus sales were included, total production rose by 0.3 per cent to 10.28 million.

However, while truck production rose by 11 per cent in 2003, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association made clear that this was unlikely to be repeated in 2004.

One of the main driving factors behind the rise in truck sales was the introduction of stricter diesel emission standards by the Tokyo government, which prompted a rush of new emissions equipped vehicles.

'We expect a decline of around 18 per cent in truck sales in 2004 because most companies met the emission standards deadline in October 2003,' explained a spokesman from Hino Motors to Platts.

Passenger car production accounts for Japan's single largest consumption of platinum and palladium.