Ward's Automotive said most manufacturers only worked three days this same week a year ago.

Ward's also is estimating calendar year production in North America of all cars and trucks -- including medium- and heavy-duty makes -- will finish at 16,257,727 units, up 0.3 percent from 2003's 16,215,337.

In just the United States, calendar 2004 output is estimated at 12,016,886 units, down 0.6 percent from the 12,087,028 vehicles assembled last year.

Canada's 2004 output is pegged at 2,703,814 units, up 5.9 percent from 2003, while production in Mexico is estimated to have declined 2.4 percent to 1,537,027.

Of 2004's estimated U.S. vehicle production, General Motors (NYSE:BGM) accounted for 29.8 percent; Ford Motor (NYSE:F), 25.4 percent; Chrysler of DaimlerChrysler, 14.3 percent; Honda of America Mfg., 6.6 percent, and Toyota Motor Mfg., 7.1 percent.

Other manufacturers accounted for the remainder.

Ward's is a division of Primedia Business Magazines & Media Inc.