Japanese website Response is reporting that for the first time Japanese production of vehicles overseas has equaled production in the homeland. During the first six months of the fiscal year that ended in September, overseas production grew 7.5 percent to 5.12 million units. Toyota (excluding production from Daihatsu and Hino), Nissan and Honda all built more vehicles elsewhere during that time than they did in Japan. North American production alone broke 2 million units for the first time, a 7.1 percent increase over the same period last year. Over 780,000 units were built in Europe and 1.83 million units in Asia.

[Thanks Joseph for the tip and the rough translation after the jump]

During the first 6 months of the Japanese 2006 fiscal year for Japanese auto makers (April 2005-September 2005), overseas production increased 7.5% from the prior year to 5.12 million units ? equaling domestic production for the first time.  Overseas production is greater than domestic production for Nissan, Honda, and Toyota.

Production in North America exceeded 2 million units for the first time, hitting 2.01 million units ? a 7.1% increase from a year earlier. European production was up 9.6% at 780,000 units and Asian production increased 3.6% to 1.83 million units.  Overseas production increased in every region except Oceania.