Tokyo, August 23, 2007 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of its new engine plant in Ogawa-machi, Saitama prefecture, Japan.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries and guests, including Atsuko Okajima, the vice governor of Saitama prefecture, and Kihei Kasahara, the mayor of Ogawa, as well as Takashi Yamamoto, managing officer of Honda.  

The new engine plant is scheduled to begin production in 2009, with an annual production capacity of approximately 200,000 units.  Engines produced at the new plant will be supplied to both domestic and global markets. In view of the growing global demand for fuel efficient automobiles, Honda is working to establish as quickly as possible production systems and capabilities for engines with advanced environmental features, which will also enable Honda to flexibly respond to any future increase in demand.

Along with the new auto plant in Yorii, which is scheduled to become operational in 2010, the new engine plant in Ogawa will be built with the concept of "a people-friendly and resource/energy-recycling Green Factory that will employ high quality and highly efficient production and logistics systems." Honda is working to build state-of-the-art plants that will enable Honda to achieve its goal to become a company that society wants to exist.