Tokyo, March 31, 2003 --- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that as of March 2003, worldwide cumulative production of its Civic series reached 15 million units.

Based on a new concept that defied the common norms at a time motorization was experiencing significant levels of expansion, the Civic has been one of Honda’s key models since it was released as a two-box front wheel-drive model in July 1972. Its superior driving performance, fuel economy, safety and environmental performance, together with its spacious interior, have contributed to its favorable reception in car markets around the world. The Civic is currently sold in approximately 160 countries.

The current Civic is the seventh generation and Honda has continued to introduce new advanced technologies into successive Civic models. Among these technologies were the low emission CVCC engine, the first engine to satisfy the requirements of the Original U.S Clean Air act, the world’s most stringent exhaust emissions standards at the time; the V-TEC engine featuring variable valve timing and electronic lift control, which brought improved efficiency to the internal combustion engine; and the Honda Multi Matic S. 
In June 1998, the Civic GX, Honda’s natural gas vehicle, was added to the Civic lineup, and in December 2001 the Civic Hybrid made its debut. The Civic series continues to be highly regarded , as illustrated by the many awards it has consistently won both in Japan and overseas.

Honda started production of the Civic at its Suzuka factory in June 1972 and gradually expanded production worldwide, beginning with Indonesia in 1975. At present, Honda produces approximately 600,000 Civics per year (based on 2002 figure) in a total of 11 countries including North and South America, Europe and Asia.