Tokyo, April 14, 2003 --- Honda Europe Motorcycle S.R.L. has begun imports of the India-manufactured low-price LEAD scooter, for sales in Europe to commence first in Germany, with later expansion to include Italy, France and other countries. 

The LEAD, equipped with an air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder 100cc engine, features clean and quiet performance, with a stylish design. The model is manufactured by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (Private) Ltd. and will be sold at a price of 1,640 euros (manufacturer's suggested retail price) - equivalent to that of motorcycles in the 50cc class. 

Annual unit sales are forecast at 12,500 units. 

Last November, prior to marketing the LEAD in Europe, Honda began sales in Greece of the 125cc 
step-through scooter INNOVA, manufactured by Thai Honda Mfg. Co., Ltd., and later introduced the model in other countries. This year, Honda plans to increase the number of models exported from countries other than Japan from the existing about 20 models at the end of 2002 to over 30 models, including the LEAD, through the use of Honda's Global Supply Network.