Beijing, June 9, 2004 - Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., Dongfeng Honda Automobile (Wuhan) Co., Ltd., and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today jointly announced with this years theme - “Age of Technology, Comfortable Life” - the lineup of vehicles to be displayed at the 8th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition which runs from June 9 to June 16, 2004, at the Beijing International Exhibition Center, Beijing, China.
Fit Saloon 1.5L Model
Honda is exhibiting the concept fuel-cell vehicle KIWAMI, which combines Honda’s latest FC Stack environmental technology with Japanese traditional aesthetics, the Honda FCX cut model Honda’s latest FC Stack environmental technology, and Honda’s Formula 1 racing car. Honda will also exhibit the Accord, Fit Saloon, Odyssey and CR-V among others.
Guangzhou Honda also launched today the Fit Saloon 1.5L model, and also displayed the Fit 5-door hatchback prototype, to be put into production later this year.
Guangzhou Honda’s production and sales in May this year recorded 13,886 cars (up 43.9% compared to prior year), and cumulative sales of 58,864 cars for the period January through May (up 60.2% compared to prior year). The CR-V is also proving to be popular, with orders (end May) at 6,000 units.
The alliance between Honda and Dongfeng Motor began in 1994, when the first joint venture – Dongfeng Honda Auto Parts Co., Ltd. – was established to manufacture forged drive-train components. In 1998, as part of a passenger car production project in Guangzhou, the two companies established Dongfeng Honda Engine Co., Ltd. to produce automobile engines for Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. The Accord, Odyssey and Fit Saloon are currently being manufactured. Building on the long-term relationship between Honda and Dongfeng Motor, a new joint venture for auto production was established in Wuhan, and is now manufacturing the CR-V. In addition, Honda Automobile (China) Co., Ltd. – a joint venture of Honda, Dongfeng Motor, and Guangzhou Auto Group Corp. will begin operation by the end of 2004, for production of automobiles exclusively for export, including the JAZZ for the European market.