February 26, 2003 -- Honda Motor Co., Ltd., announced today that production both in Japan and overseas grew strongly in January, with its worldwide total up 15.9% over the same month in 2002, 

Japan production was up 8.6% while overseas production was up 21.5% over January 2002. Both overseas and worldwide production figures represent new records for the month. Domestic sales in January were off 9.6%, but the Fit again was the best-selling vehicle in Japan, totaling 13,996 units. Honda's Life mini-vehicle (6,252 units) and Mobilio (5,477 units) were Honda's other best-sellers for the month. 

Overall, mini vehicle sales were down 15.4% in January, while passenger car and light truck sales were off 7.3%, the first such decline since last September. 

Export shipments from Japan in January were up sharply again, gaining 15%, mainly because of increased shipments to Europe. 

Honda Production, Sales And Exports - January 2003