** Large auto companies like Toyota, Volvo, and Porsche are showing a rise in short interest and sell ratings, according to a report by data and analytics company S3partners

** Smaller firms exhibit persistent short positions with minimal shifts in analyst sentiment, the report adds

** In Europe, Volvo VOLVb.ST and Porsche PSHG_p.DE have seen their short positions double YTD

** In Japan, Toyota 7203.T has experienced similar increases in short interest

** "The pattern of analyst sell recommendations mirrors the short sales by investors," - report

** Toyota, Volvo and Porsche have seen an increase in sell recommendations

** In the U.S., four companies are notable for their short positions: Lucid LCID.O, Rivian RIVN.O Winnebago Industries WGO.N and Nio ADR 9866.HK

(Reporting by Aishwarya Jain in Bengaluru)

((Aishwarya.Jain@thomsonreuters.com;))