Japan's biggest carmakers saw production levels increase during 2002 but much of this rise was in overseas factories, as the country's economy continues to struggle.

Toyota saw a 21% increase in overseas output compared to just 3.9% at home. Honda meanwhile enjoyed an overall production increase of 9.4%, boosted by a rise of 11% in overseas markets.

"It is not part of our policy to try to move out of Japan" Carlos Ghosn, Nissan

Only Nissan bucked the trend with a bigger production increase at home than abroad.

The ailing Japanese economy has forced some manufacturers to move out of Japan but Nissan president and chief executive, Carlos Ghosn, told the BBC's World Business Report that Nissan is committed to keeping a base in Japan.

Regional bases

Nissan's overall output was up 8.1% in 2002. This was made up of a 9.6% increase in domestic production and a 6.5% rise abroad.

Mr Ghosn said Nissan has worked on improving its competitive position in Japan through a major restructuring programme.

But Nissan does plan to build up its overseas operations rather than increase its exports from Japan.

"We are also developing our local or regional bases, making investments in the United States for the United States...in Europe for the European market," he said.

And Nissan also has its eye on the Chinese market.

It has spent $1bn on a 50% share in Dongfeng, one of the country's three largest car and truck manufacturers.