51.  Associates of Yahaya contend that buying Lotus would transform Proton from an assembler of motor vehicles to an automobile company with strong engineering expertise, the Journal said.

52.  But Mbeki pointed to new projects by foreign automobile companies as proof that his country, the wealthiest in Africa, remains attractive to investors.

53.  Electronics, machinery and automobile companies will be among those increasing new employment, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported.

54.  For the current year Proton, like most other automobile companies, is expected to see a dip in earnings.

55.  Ford workers fared better than expectations for those at other automobile companies.

56.  He pointed to new projects by foreign automobile companies as proof that his country, the wealthiest in Africa, remains attractive to investors.

57.  In recent months, a dozen foreign automobile companies have signed up with Indian partners to produce cars, tractors and motorcycles.

58.  In parallel with the accord, top Japanese automobile companies announced plans to increase investment in North America and use of American parts.

59.  Indonesian automobile companies no longer will have to pay import and sales taxes on parts that are imported because they are not available domestically, the government said Thursday.

60.  Lehideux was married to the niece of the founder of automobile company Renault.