111.   Japanese automakers could also step up exports if domestic sales fade more than expected.

112.   Japanese automakers have been ramping up U.S. production for years as the yen strengthened, driving up the cost of exporting cars and trucks.

113.   Japanese automakers have survived many recessions since then by improving production efficiency and by exporting cars specifically modeled to meet the needs of the destination country.

114.   Japanese automakers narrowly avoided steep U.S. punitive tariffs on luxury cars after agreeing at the last minute to step up U.S. auto parts purchases last month.

115.   Japanese automakers stole bits of market share, but not as much as some expected given the weak value of the yen, which makes imports cheaper to Americans.

116.   Japanese automakers were more direct.

117.   Japanese automakers will announce a similar research partnership this month, according to Bernard Robertson, Chrysler vice president for Jeep and Dodge truck operations.

118.   Japanese automakers, electronics manufacturers and others must sell dollars for yen to bring profits home.

119.   Japanese automakers, which once seemed invincible, have been hit by a double blow in the last few years.

120.   Iwasaki said Japanese automakers might have trouble accepting this alternative.