Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. plans to increase production of large diameter and other passenger and light truck tires at its Kuwana, Japan, plant.

Volume is expected to grow by more than 1 million units a year by the end of 2005, say Toyo officials.

Toyo will invest 2.8 billion yen in the increase, which is "designed to address the flourishing tire demand in overseas markets."