UPDATE 1-Hino may build plant for exports to Russia -paper

TOKYO, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Truck maker Hino Motors Ltd (7205.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) is considering building a new assembly plant on Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido for export to Russia, the Mainichi newspaper reported on Thursday.

Hino, a Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) group firm, may also use the plant to export trucks to Europe via Russia, it said.

Hino spokesman Kenichiro Baba said the company was exploring longer-term options to boost output but no decisions had been made.

"If overseas sales grow, it is true that we will be working at near full capacity, but we also first have room to upgrade existing factories," he said.

Many automakers are now entering the Russian market, and they usually set up a joint venture with a local manufacturer to satisfy rules specifying a certain amount of local content. (Reporting by Edwina Gibbs; Editing by Mike Miller)