August 26, 2004 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced production, domestic sales, and export results for the month of July. Domestic sales for the month showed a double-digit increase for the first time since May 2002, due to strong sales of all-new models and existing models that underwent minor model changes. 

Both domestic and overseas production increased in July by 14.8% and 10.7% respectively compared to the same month a year ago. Domestic production increased due primarily to strong domestic sales and overseas production increased due to a major increase in production in Asia . Production in Asia has achieved record monthly production volumes for three consecutive months. 

Total domestic sales increased 17.7% in July - the first double-digit increase in 26 months. Strong sales of new models such as Edix and Elysion, as well as the Fit --which underwent a minor model change -- contributed to this growth. Fit was Honda's best selling car for the month with sales of 14,525 units, while Life also remained strong with sales of 13,696 units, a 47.1% increase from the same month last year. Sales of the new Odyssey increased 191.1% compared to the same month last year, on sales of 7,059 units. New models are being well received, with July sales of Elysion and Edix reaching 7,919 units and 3,471 units, respectively. 

Total exports in July declined slightly by 1% compared to the same month last year. July exports to North America fell by 28.6% due to increased local production of the Accord and Civic models while exports to Europe increased by 49.4% due to high demand for the Accord, Accord diesel and Jazz models. The year-to-date total increased 4.3% compared to last year.

PRODUCTION, SALES, EXPORTS (July 2004)