Tokyo, October 15, 2004 -- Sundiro Honda Motorcycle Co., Ltd., Honda's motorcycle production and sales joint venture in China, began sales of a new locally co-developed 125cc scooter, "e-cai". The e-cai became the first model in which Honda's wholly owned motorcycle R&D facility in China, Honda Motorcycle R&D China Co., Ltd. participated in the development process. Honda Motorcycle R&D China and Sundiro Honda jointly conducted market research and designed the body of e-cai reflecting the needs of local customers. 

The e-cai features a sporty design and achieves excellent environmental performance, meeting the EURO2 emission standard in China, as well as high fuel efficiency. Annual sales volume is estimated to be100,000 units. 

Honda Motorcycle R&D China began its operation in April 2003, as the first R&D facility wholly owned by a Japanese motorcycle manufacturer in China. Honda has three motorcycle joint-venture companies in China - Wuyang-Honda Motors (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., Jualing-Honda Motors Co., Ltd. and Sundiro Honda Motorcycle Co., Ltd. By establishing an organizational structure to accommodate both local R&D and production, Honda will be able to respond to changes in the market and offer products that meet the various needs of Chinese customers.