JAPAN

Isuzu to Close Parts Plants Near Tokyo: The auto maker said it will shut its aging parts casting and forging facilities in its Kawasaki truck plant. A spokesman for Isuzu Motors Ltd., a major truck maker affiliated with General Motors Corp., said it will replace the production with parts purchases from overseas suppliers, as well as from its domestic group of parts makers. The eight buildings, where truck parts such as crankshafts and cylinder blocks are manufactured, will be closed sometime between 1996 and 1998. After 1998, Isuzu’s parts procurement from overseas suppliers will rise to 20% from the current 5%, the spokesman said.