11.   And I have never underestimated the Japanese automakers since.

12.   And with the yen trading at record highs against the dollar, analysts say luxury models are just about the only cars Japanese automakers can export for a profit.

13.   As part of its efforts to reinvigorate Mazda, Ford appointed one of its own executives, Henry Wallace, to the presidency of the Japanese automaker in June.

14.   At Mazda, where Wallace last week became the first non-Japanese to head a Japanese automaker, English-speaking company employees serve as translators for each board member.

15.   Automobile exports to the United States and elsewhere have declined over the past two years as Japanese automakers build production facilities overseas.

16.   Booming exports from Mazda and other Japanese automakers are threatening to revive trade friction between Japan and the U.S.

17.   A former Ford executive will become president of the Japanese automaker.

18.   A rise in the value of the dollar against the yen has made it possible for Japanese automakers to keep prices down in the U.S.

19.   A weak yen allows Japanese automakers to cut prices because each dollar in sales generates more yen when converted.

20.   A USTR official said the numbers are U.S. estimates of what Japanese automakers have promised to try for.