TOKYO, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Japan's industrial production increased in February owing to robust output of cars and auto parts, the government said in a report on Friday.

According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, factory output here rose 4.1 percent in February from a month earlier, with the figure coming on the heels of downwardly revised 6.8 percent slump booked in January.

The index of output at factories and mines stood at 103.4 against the base of 100 for 2010, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the government's latest data showed.

The ministry in its preliminary report maintained its assessment of industrial production in Japan, saying that output is "picking up slowly."

The index of industrial shipments increased 2.2 percent to 100.4, while inventories rose 0.9 percent to 109.9, the government's data showed.

Looking ahead, the ministry said manufacturers surveyed expect production to increase 0.9 percent in March and by 5.2 percent in April.