TOKYO, June 27 (Reuters) - Toyota's ( TM ) global

production slid for a fourth straight month in May from a year

earlier on lower output in many overseas markets, with the

decline in China, where local brands have become much more

competitive, particularly sharp.

Output for the month decreased 4% to 812,191 vehicles. In

China, production fell 22%. In addition to strong vehicle

offerings from Chinese brands, the world's biggest car market

has been engaged in a fierce price war.

The Japanese automaker also had lower production in markets

such as Thailand, Mexico, Brazil and France although the U.S.

and Japan saw output grow.

Toyota's ( TM ) worldwide sales rose just 0.3% during the month,

with growth in overseas markets such as the U.S. and Europe

offsetting declining sales in Japan and China.

Both sales and production figures include the luxury Lexus

brand.