March 25, 2004 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that despite an overall decline in exports, domestic production increased in February, based on strong domestic sales of the new Odyssey, Life mini-vehicle and Fit. Overseas production also rose for the first time since December, powered by the continued growth of production in Asia.
Japan domestic sales increased by 2.8% in February and by 5% for the first two months of 2004 – led by the all new Odyssey, contributing 13,984 units in February (+447%), and Honda’s best-selling vehicle of the month, Life, with sales of 16,274 units (+43%). Nearly three years after its introduction, Fit sales also remained strong with 11,780 units in February.
Domestic production increased 1.4% compared to the same month last year. Overseas production increased 1.6%, powered by Asian markets, where production increased 36.7% compared to February 2003.
With a decline in shipments to North America (-5%) and Europe (-12%), total exports fell from the pace of the previous year. However, for the first two months in 2004, total exports remain ahead of the same period in 2003 (+1%).
PRODUCTION, SALES, EXPORTS (February 2004)
PRODUCTION
| February | Annual Total‐2004 | |||
| Units | Vs.02/03 | Units | Vs.2003 | |
| Domestic | 104,695 | +1.4% | 195,597 | -7.4% |
| Overseas (CBU only) | 149,955 | +1.6% | 299,841 | -1.4% |
| Worldwide Total | 254,650 | +1.6% | 495,438 | -3.9% |
OVERSEAS PRODUCTION
| February | Annual Total‐2004 | |||
| Units | Vs. 02/03 | Units | Vs.2003 | |
North America |
101,169 | -6.8% | 201,580 | -10.5% |
(USA only) |
(66,968) | (-8.1%) | (133,095) | (-11.8%) |
Europe |
17,233 | +0.8% | 34,697 | -3.4% |
Asia |
27,086 | +36.7% | 53,991 | +39.6% |
Others |
4,467 | +117.5% | 9,573 | +120.5% |
| overseas Total | 149,955 | +1.6% | 299,841 | -1.4% |
SALES (JAPAN)
| Vehicle type | February | Annual Total-2004 | ||
| Units | Vs. 02/03 | Units | Vs.2003 | |
Passenger Cars |
41,005 | -4.9% | 74,071 | -4.1% |
Imports |
916 | -30.0% | 1,636 | -37,5% |
Mini Vehicles |
23,351 | +20.0% | 40,495 | +26.9% |
| Honda Brand Total | 64,356 | +2.8% | 114,566 | +5.0% |
EXPORTS
| February | Annual Total‐2004 | |||
| Units | Vs. 02/03 | Units | Vs.2003 | |
North America |
20,365 | -5.1% | 41,169 | +0.7% |
(USA only) |
(18,003) | (-5.7%) | (37,330) | (+0.7%) |
Europe |
10,760 | -12.1% | 23,136 | -10.4% |
Asia |
1,251 | -39.4% | 2,081 | -43.9% |
Others |
7,400 | +81.6% | 15,514 | +45.2% |
| Total | 39,776 | -0.2% | 81,900 | +1.0% |