TRUCKMAKERS IN JAPAN HIT HARD BY RECESSION.(Industry Overview)

TOKYO - Japan's truck industry is driving into a ditch.

Sales of medium- and heavy-duty trucks in Japan this fiscal year are forecast to be the lowest in 32 years because of Japan's recession.

And as truckmakers seek to offset the collapse of export markets in Asia by boosting shipments to other regions, the impact will be felt from Baltimore to Brussels to Buenos Aires. The combined woes at home and abroad could lead to a restructuring among Japan's four truckmakers: Isuzu Motors Ltd., Mitsubishi Motors Corp., Hino Motors Ltd. and Nissan Diesel Motor Co.

Most analysts predict sales in Japan of about 100,000 medium-and heavy-duty trucks in the fiscal year …