São Paulo, May 9, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Vehicle production increased 4.3% in the first four months of 2003, compared to the same period in 2002. According to data released today by the Brazilian Association of Motor Vehicle Producers (Anfavea), 594.8 thousand vehicles were produced between January and April, compared to last year's production, during the same time period, of 569.8 vehicles.

In April, vehicle production grew 4.5%; 149.9 vehicles were produced, compared to 143.4 in March. Nevertheless, this result is 10.6% less than in April, 2002, when 167.7 thousand vehicles were manufactured.

According to Anfavea president, Ricardo Carvalho, the results of the first four months reflect an increase of 37.3% in exports compared to the same period last year. Vehicle exports this year brought in US$ 1.5 billion, US$ 400 thousand more than in 2002. (DAS)