LEAD: Nissan to report record group operating profit.

Japan Transportation Scan, April, 2003

TOKYO, April 23 Kyodo

Nissan Motor Co. said Wednesday it expects to report a record consolidated operating profit of 737 billion yen for fiscal 2002 ended in March.

The automaker also said it expects its group net interest-bearing debt in the automotive business, which stood at 2.1 trillion yen at the start of fiscal 1999, to be completely eliminated.

''Nissan's revival is a reality,'' Nissan President and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn said in a statement. ''Three years ago, our business was in accelerated decline. Today, we're not only back in the global race, we're among the pacesetters.''

''Debt elimination is no longer a driver in the management of our business,'' Ghosn said. From now on, return on invested capital,...