TOKYO, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Japanese truck maker Isuzu Motors Ltd said on Friday it expected its global vehicle sales to fall six percent in 2004, although rises in Thailand and China would help offset a slide at home.
The restructuring truck maker said it saw 2004 vehicle sales tumbling to 480,00 units, with domestic sales falling 21 percent after a 69 percent jump last year when Japanese truck demand surged on stricter emission controls.
The stock was 4.39 percent lower at 217 yen in afternoon trade on the news.
Isuzu's outlook compares with a 2.6 percent rise in global sales forecast by Hino Motors Ltd , the truck-making arm of Toyota Motor Corp and one of the healthiest of Japan's four truck makers.
Isuzu's overseas sales are, however, expected to climb some 10 percent, with pick-up truck sales in Thailand, one if its main markets, edging 2.5 percent higher after production there jumped 59 percent last year.
China sales are also expected to rise 17 percent this year, Isuzu said.
Isuzu is 12 percent owned by General Motors Corp of the United States.