'02 OUTPUT

On Tap for Third Best

Americans may be concerned about homeland security and job security in these times of war and recession, but that anxiety is barely evident in U.S. showrooms. North American auto makers in 2002 likely will post their third-best production tally in history.

With a robust fourth quarter on tap, North American assembly plants are poised for entire-year output of 16.8 million-plus units, according to Ward's data. That trails only the record 17.7 million cars and trucks built in 2000 and 1999's 17.6 million. Compared with '01, output in the region is set to rise by 1 million vehicles this year.

The industry appears headed for assembly of 4,068,900 vehicles in the fourth quarter, an average of 70,153 on each of 58 work days. That's up 5.9% from like-2001's 66,226-a-day rate and the best October-December showing since the 73,816 vehicles built on each of 60 work days in fourth-quarter 1999.