Honda Exhibits World Premiere of EV-STER the next-generation electric small sports concept

TOKYO, Japan, November 30, 2011 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will exhibit the world premiere of the EV-STER, the next-generation electric small sports concept model, at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011, which will take place at Tokyo Big Sight from Saturday, December 3 through Sunday, December 11, 2011.

Featuring a dynamic and innovative styling design and excellent environmental performance, the EV-STER, an electric rear-wheel-drive two-seater convertible sports car, will propose a new way to enjoy a sports type model which is unique to the electromotive mobility. The adoption of carbon materials made it possible to reduce the vehicle weight contributing to the vehicle's high driving performance and range of approximately 160km. The easy-to-operate twin-lever steering was adopted for the thorough pursuit of the joy of driving. Moreover, the new concept model enables the driver to make his/her own adjustments to some vehicle characteristics such as motor output and suspension settings, to embody the joy of maneuvering to the fullest extent.

Furthermore, the instrument panel features not only meters, but also the vehicle information display which enables the driver to enjoy driving as well as the network display used for the audio and navigation systems and also for the internet access. The well-designed layout of the meters and displays enables the driver to concentrate on driving and enjoy the comfortable space.

Honda remains committed to developing sports models beyond the expectations of its customers and offering exciting and thrilling mobility products.

EV-STER exterior		EV-STER interior

Key specifications of the EV-STER
Vehicle length	3,570mm
Vehicle width	1,500mm
Vehicle height	1,100mm
Wheelbase	2,325mm
Maximum speed	160km/h
Acceleration (0-60km/h)	5.0 sec
Maximum range	Approximately 160km (JC08 mode)
Battery	10kWh lithium-ion battery
Maximum battery output	58kW
Charging time	200V: under 3 hours 100V: under 6 hours

Honda Transmission Mfg. Invests Additional $50 Million to Expand Ohio Aluminum Casting Operations

Current Honda Construction Projects In Ohio Now Exceed $400 Million

09/21/2011 - RUSSELLS POINT, Ohio

Building on a series of recent investments at Honda manufacturing facilities across the state of Ohio, Honda Transmission Mfg. of America, Inc. today announced a $50 million expansion to increase capacity for the casting of aluminum transmission cases. This latest project brings Honda's total new capital investment in its Ohio operations to more than $400 million, and more than $8 billion since the company started manufacturing in the state in 1979.

The 75,000-square-foot expansion at the Russells Point plant will house high-pressure die-casting operations to support the addition of a third transmission assembly line that began construction in December 2010. The new assembly line announced earlier, part of a 200,000-square foot plant expansion, will increase the plant's capabilities to manufacture Honda's latest transmission technologies.

The two projects together will create more than 100 jobs by 2013 as production begins at these two new operations. In addition, earlier this year, Honda Transmission added 60 new jobs to support the start of a second shift to produce automatic transmissions for the all-new 2012 model Honda Civic.
"This latest investment in Ohio is another example of how we intend to meet the needs of our global customers by implementing advanced technologies in our production operations and in our products," said Honda Transmission President Yuji Takahashi. "It also demonstrates our commitment to Honda's Ohio production operations to reduce the environmental impact of our facilities while positioning this facility to compete at the highest levels on a global basis."

The expansion will house advanced aluminum casting machines to support production of Honda's latest transmissions, and introduces an efficient melting furnace to the plant's operations. Honda Transmission now receives approximately 100,000 pounds of molten aluminum per day from two aluminum mills in Indiana.

"The new melting furnace will implement technologies that will improve efficiencies and reduce our environmental impacts," said Plant Manager Gary Hand. "These improved efficiencies will reduce waste and energy consumption."

Already a zero waste-to-landfill facility, Hand adds that the plant will continue reusing and recycling all leftover materials from its operations, sending no waste to landfills.

The investment also includes construction of a new associate entrance, along with a new lobby entrance and activity center, at the south end of the facility. When completed, Honda Transmission's extensive casting, machining, forging and assembly operations will encompass 1 million square feet.

These projects are the latest in a series of investments at this state-of-the-art transmission facility.

Earlier this year, Honda Transmission completed a $25 million renovation of the plant's aluminum machining lines, steel gear production, and to increase flexibility on the current assembly lines. These modifications resulted in adding domestic production of six-speed automatic transmissions this year for some Honda Odyssey models.

Since starting production of automatic transmissions in 1996, Honda Transmission has steadily expanded to keep pace with Honda's growth in the new passenger car and light truck model segments. Production of transmission gears was added in 2006 and four-wheel-drive assemblies in 2007. Those projects, which doubled the plant's size, localized production of most steel gears and four-wheel-drive assemblies for Honda's North America operations.

Honda Transmission currently employs approximately 1,000 associates who manufacture transmissions and four-wheel-drive assemblies for automobiles produced at the Marysville and East Liberty auto plants in Ohio, as well as other plants in North America. The impact of Honda Transmission's production extends to some 50 domestic suppliers that provide more than 500 parts for the plant's production.

Other Major Honda Construction In Ohio
Since November 2010, Honda has undertaken a series of plant innovation projects in Ohio exceeding $355 million. These projects are central to Honda's future in Ohio and its ability to compete globally.

• Construction is under way on a 155,000-square-foot expansion at the East Liberty Auto Plant for new door and instrument panel sub-assembly lines, and extension of its automobile assembly line. Additionally, construction began this year on a 40,000-square-foot expansion to consolidate the plant's Vehicle Quality Department.
• At the Marysville Auto Plant, a new stamping press is under construction that will increase the speed, precision and capacity of the plant's metal-forming capabilities. The $64 million project encompasses 24,000 square feet in the plant.
• On-site parts consolidation centers under construction at the Anna Engine Plant and East Liberty plant will improve efficiency by reducing parts handling and truck shuttles.
• Beginning operations in early 2012, the $31 million consolidation center at the Anna plant, encompassing 320,000 square feet, will eliminate approximately 2.8 million pounds of CO2 emissions per year by reducing truck traffic.
• The 396,000-square-foot center at the East Liberty facility will eliminate 2.5 million pounds of CO2 emissions per year - when fully operational in 2014.

More About Honda's Ohio Operations
Since starting auto production in 1982 using domestic and globally sourced parts, Honda has produced more than 14 million vehicles at it's two Ohio auto plants. In Anna, Ohio, Honda's largest auto engine plant in the world manufactures four-cylinder and V-6 engines for automobile production in Ohio, Indiana and Canada.

In addition to its manufacturing operations, Honda has established substantial R&D and engineering operations in Ohio, along with a large regional parts distribution center and other operations that support product development, manufacturing and sales in North America. Among all its operations, Honda directly employs approximately 13,400 Ohioans and tens of thousands more through its suppliers and other business partners.

Honda purchased $6.7 billion in parts from 150 Ohio suppliers last year, and a total of $17.5 billion in parts purchases from nearly 600 domestic suppliers in North America.

Honda Earns Highest Disclosure Scores Among Japanese Companies in Carbon Disclosure Project 2011 Global 500 Report

09/19/2011 - TOKYO, Japan

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) commended Honda in its 9th annual report, the 2011 Global 500 Report, which analyzes the responses of the world's 500 largest companies to a CDP questionnaire regarding the company’s strategies and corporate governance to address climate change and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Honda was recognized for its comprehensive information disclosure and listed as one of only 52 companies in the CDP's "Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index" (CDLI) with the highest score among all Japanese companies included in the survey. The CDLI features companies which have demonstrated the most professional approach to corporate governance regarding the disclosure of climate change information.

Honda was also featured as one of only 29 companies in CDP's "Carbon Performance Leadership Index" (CPLI). The CPLI was first established last year and highlights companies which have demonstrated a strong commitment to strategy, governance, stakeholder communications and emissions reduction in their CDP responses.

The CDP was established in the United Kingdom in 2000 as an independent not-for-profit organization and now represents 551 institutional investors with $71 trillion in assets. It has been operating with support from the governments of European countries and the U.S. as well as investors from all around the world. The CDP sends out standardized questionnaires to private-sector businesses and collects responses to analyze and disclose climate change information. The CDP now holds the largest database of primary corporate climate change information in the world.

Honda realizes that its proactive efforts in addressing climate change issues resulted in this recognition by CDP simultaneously in CDLI and CPLI. Honda will further enhance its environmental activities globally and locally in each region while at the same time taking a proactive approach to further advance its information disclosure practices.

In June of this year, Honda announced the Honda Environmental Vision: Realizing "the Joy and Freedom of Mobility" and "a Sustainable Society where People Can Enjoy Life." Toward the realization of this vision, Honda also introduced a global environmental slogan – "Blue Skies for Our Children." Honda will continue its company-wide effort to realize its environmental vision.

Statement by American Honda Regarding Seat Belt Stitching Recall: 2009-2011 Honda Pilot

09/09/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

Honda will voluntarily recall 310,773 Pilot vehicles from the 2009 through 2011 model years in the U.S. to inspect and potentially replace the driver’s and/or front passenger’s seat belt.

Honda initiated this voluntary recall due to a manufacturing error on a small number of front seat belts, where the stitching connecting the lap section of the belt to the outboard anchor webbing may be incomplete or missing. In a crash, affected seat belts may become disconnected from the anchor webbing, increasing the risk of injury. No injuries or deaths have been reported related to this condition.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage all owners of affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. The only way to concretely determine whether the seat belts in an affected vehicle were properly completed is through a specific inspection process conducted by an authorized dealer; the inspection (and any necessary seat belt replacement) will be conducted for free. Written notification to customers will begin in early October 2011.

When Honda identifies concerns of this nature, nothing is more important to the company than fulfilling its obligation and responsibility to alert customers. To this end, in addition to contacting customers by mail, after early October, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

Statement by American Honda Regarding Two Recalls: 2006 Honda CR-V; 2011 Honda CR-Z with Manual Transmission

09/04/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

Honda will notify affected owners of two voluntary recalls in the U.S. in late September 2011.

Honda will voluntarily recall 80,111 CR-V vehicles from the 2006 model year in the U.S. to replace the power window master switch. The design of the power window master switch can allow residue from interior cleaners to accumulate, which can, over time with switch use, cause the electrical contacts to degrade and may lead to a fire in the switch. No injuries or deaths have been reported related to this condition.

Additionally, Honda will voluntarily recall 5,626 CR-Z vehicles from the 2011 model year in the U.S. that are equipped with manual transmissions to update the software that controls the hybrid electric motor. In the affected vehicles, when the gasoline engine has stalled with the IMA battery in a very low state of charge and the transmission in gear, it is possible for the electric motor to rotate in the direction opposite to that selected by the transmission. If this occurs and the driver has not engaged the brakes, the vehicle may slowly roll in an unexpected direction (e.g., backwards when the transmission is in a forward gear), potentially leading to a crash. A software update will add further controls to correct the problem. No injuries or deaths have been reported related to this condition.

Honda is announcing these recalls to encourage all owners of affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of a recall from Honda. Notification to customers will begin in late September, 2011.

When Honda identifies concerns of this nature, nothing is more important to the company than fulfilling our obligation and responsibility to alert our customers. To this end, in addition to contacting customers by mail, after late September, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

Statement by American Honda Regarding Automatic Transmission Control Module Software Recall: 2005-2010 Accord, 2007-2010 CR-V and 2005-2008 Element

08/05/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

Honda will voluntarily recall approximately 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. to update the software that controls the automatic transmission. Certain 2005-2010 4-cylinder Accord, 2007-2010 CR-V and 2005-2008 Element vehicles will be included in the voluntary recall. Without the updated software, the automatic transmission secondary shaft bearing in the affected vehicles can be damaged if the transmission is quickly shifted between each of the reverse, neutral and drive positions, as may be done in an attempt to dislodge a vehicle stuck in mud or snow. If the bearing is damaged in this unusual scenario, it can cause the engine to stall or lead to difficulty engaging the parking gear. The update to the vehicle's automatic transmission control module software will ease the transition between gears to reduce the possibility of damage. No injuries or deaths have been reported related to this condition.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage all owners of affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. Notification to customers will begin on August 31, 2011.

When Honda identifies concerns of this nature, nothing is more important to the company than fulfilling our obligation and responsibility to alert our customers. To this end, in addition to contacting customers by mail, after August 31, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

# # #

Our Perspective... on Consumer Reports Review of the Civic LX

John Mendel
Executive Vice President of Sales
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

08/02/2011
In life, sometimes you disagree even with those for whom you have the greatest respect. And it seems as if that is what has occurred with the Consumer Reports review of the 2012 Honda Civic LX.

We have great respect for the magazine and its editors, but we fundamentally disagree with their suggestion that Civic doesn't rank among their recommended small cars. As for Consumer Reports, well, the magazine has named Civic as the "top pick" in its segment six times over the past 15 years. So, they are definitely finding fault with someone they have shown a lot of love in the past.
Interestingly, even using Consumer Reports own results, consumers can find ample reason to purchase a new 2012 Civic. The new Civic truly excels in areas that matter to small car customers, including fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability.

• Consumer Reports own testing found that Civic's smooth and efficient powertrain returned "... an impressive 30 mpg overall on regular fuel and 47 mpg on the highway." Only one other compact car the magazine tested did better.
• In the area of safety, the magazine pointed out that Civic has earned a class-leading 'Top Safety Pick' rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Further, as noted in Consumer Reports findings, the Civic excels with a long list of important safety features that are standard on all trim levels.
• Civic has a stellar reliability history with Consumer Reports, and we have complete confidence that the new Civic will be a reliability leader as well. In fact, one of our plants building Civic (in Indiana) earned the top "platinum" award in the 2011 J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Study. So, Civic's quality and reliability story has a solid foundation.

It is also important to point out that Consumer Reports reviewed only one Civic model - the Civic LX Sedan. There are actually six different versions of Civic - the Civic Sedan (in DX, LX and EX trim levels), Civic Coupe, sporty Civic Si (Coupe and Sedan), Civic HF high fuel economy model, the Civic Natural gas, and the Civic Hybrid. Consumer Reports has indicated they also plan to test the Civic Hybrid. Customers can literally find a Civic model that meets a variety of needs and interests.

Finally, among many other very positive reviews of the Civic lineup, Motor Trend magazine recently tested eight compact cars, including Civic. The respected auto enthusiast magazine - which knows a thing or two about ride and handling - ranked Civic second among eight compact cars in the comparison drive. Many would be thrilled with this result. However, we disagree with Motor Trend as well - we think there is no better compact car than Civic.

Is the small sedan segment more competitive than ever? Without question. But in virtually every way, the completely redesigned 2012 Civic is a step forward that our customers will value and enjoy. So, while we will continue to have great respect for Consumer Reports, regarding their editors' review of the Civic LX - we will just have to agree to disagree… strenuously.

Honda Achieves Its Best-Ever Result in 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study

Honda leads industry with seven segment-leading models, more than any other brand

Honda Manufacturing of Indiana Earns Platinum Plant Quality Award 

 

06/23/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

The Honda brand earned its best-ever ranking in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) for 2011, finishing second among all surveyed brands, including premium makes, the company announced today. Honda also led the industry with seven models earning the highest initial quality ranking in their respective segments, including its top-selling Accord and Civic models.

The Acura brand finished third overall in the 2011 IQS.

In the manufacturing realm, the 2011 study recognized three Honda plants for superior quality, including Honda's newest U.S. auto plant in Greensburg, Ind. Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, producing the Civic Sedan, was one of only three plants around the world to earn the Platinum Plant Quality Award. The Suzuka, Japan plant, line 1, earned a Silver Plant Quality Award, Asia Pacific (tie), for production of Civic and Insight, while the East Liberty, Ohio, plant took home a Bronze Plant Quality Award, North/South America, for production of the Accord Crosstour, CR-V and Element.

"Creating products of the highest quality and value is the foundation of our business, and it begins with a deep understanding of the customer," said Tetsuo Iwamura, president & CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "These results are an important demonstration of our focus on the customer and the tireless efforts put forth by Honda associates throughout our organization—in R&D, in manufacturing and in sales—to exceed their high expectations of Honda and Acura."

Of the seven Honda models earning the highest initial quality score in their segment – the most segment leaders of any brand – five were manufactured in North America: the Civic (compact car); the Element (compact crossover SUV—followed by the CR-V in second place); the Accord (midsize car); the Accord Crosstour (midsize crossover SUV); and the Ridgeline (midsize pickup). Those five models were joined on the 2011 segment leader list by the Insight hybrid (compact car, tie) and Honda Fit (sub-compact car).

Honda automobiles made in North America are produced using domestic and globally-sourced parts.
J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study serves as an important tool for consumers in evaluating the quality and design of new vehicles. Since 1987, J.D. Power and Associates has been surveying owners to measure the initial quality of new vehicles after the first 90 days of ownership.

Honda North American Production to Reach 100% in August for Most Models

05/26/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

Honda today announced plans for the accelerated recovery of auto production in North America following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Honda will increase production volume at its North American automobile plants to a rate of 100 percent of the original production plan in August, for all models except the 2012 Civic.

As the supply of parts from Japan improves, production will ramp up in August on a step-by-step, plant-by-plant, and model-by-model basis, with production returning to 100 percent of the original plan for models including the 4-cylinder Accord, CR-V and Acura RDX, as well as all V-6 models including the Accord, Accord Crosstour, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, and the Acura TL, MDX and ZDX.

Production of the all-new 2012 Civic lineup will continue at a reduced rate of approximately 50 percent due to the limited supply of key components. However, this situation continues to be evaluated and full production is expected to resume sometime in the fall, with plans to meet anticipated strong demand for the fuel efficient new Civic lineup.

"The light at the end of the tunnel is glowing brighter for us, represented by this significant improvement in our production situation," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Throughout this crisis, Honda has been fighting to achieve a speedy recovery, while maintaining a focus on our longer-term plans for continued growth in sales and production in order to meet the growing needs of our customers."

Honda has managed the unprecedented parts supply issues that resulted from the devastating impact of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan with no layoffs at any of its 14 production plants in North America.

"I am quite proud of the efforts of our manufacturing team and the steps they have taken to keep our team of associates together during this difficult period, while maintaining their normal, outstanding focus on quality for the customer," said Mendel. "We still have challenges to overcome, but once we have normalized operations we will owe them a great debt of thanks."

About Honda
In 2010, 87 percent of the Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the United States were produced in North America. Honda purchased more than $17.5 billion in parts and materials from OEM suppliers in 2010, putting the average domestic content of Honda automobiles at 80 percent. Honda has 14 Honda plants in North America with the capacity to produce more than three million Honda and Acura products each year, including Honda and Acura automobiles, automobile engines and automatic transmissions, Honda all-terrain vehicles, and Honda power equipment products such as lawn mowers, mini-tillers and general purpose engines. Honda products are made in North America using domestic and globally-sourced parts.

Honda to cut production of new Civic, other models

05/02/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.
May 2, 2011 – 9:00 a.m. PDT

Honda would like to express its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of the earthquake in Japan, and our sincere hopes for the earliest possible relief and recovery of the affected areas.

North American Operations
More than 80% of Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. are produced in North America, and the vast majority of automotive parts for Honda automobiles manufactured in North America are sourced in the region. The following information (in boldface type) updates Honda's production situation as it impacts the supply of Honda and Acura cars and light trucks to the North American market.

•Overall automobile production volume will remain at significantly reduced levels as we continue to operate at adjusted levels of production through the summer months. Honda's goal in North America is to normalize overall production sometime around the end of the year. This recovery will occur step-by-step, and it will vary based on plant and model. As background, on March 30, Honda began to implement a strategy of temporary adjustments that reduce daily production levels at its North American auto plants as a result of interruptions in parts supplies from Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami.

•Honda remains focused on minimizing the impact to associates and their families, and plans no layoffs at any of its North American facilities.

•The vast majority of Honda's parts and materials are sourced here in North America. However, for global efficiency, a few critical parts continue to be supplied from Japan. Most of Honda's Japan-based parts suppliers have resumed production. Honda is working with the few suppliers that have yet to resume production to re-establish their operations, while also evaluating additional sources for some parts in the supply chain. Teams throughout North America and global Honda continue to work diligently to overcome these temporary parts flow issues. Honda remains committed to doing what it can to minimize the impact on Honda associates, dealers and customers.

•As parts supply stabilizes and full auto production resumes, Honda will quickly develop a production schedule to meet the needs of Honda and Acura customers.

Vehicle Availability
Following is a summary of information concerning the impact of the Japan-based parts supply issue on the availability of Honda and Acura vehicles.

•Production of the all new 2012 Honda Civic will be at significantly reduced levels at least through the summer months. While dealers will continue to receive product, supply will be severely restricted with limited availability of certain models.

•The fall launch of the all-new 2012 CR-V will be delayed by at least one month. To bridge to the launch of the new model, Honda will extend production of the current 2011 CR-V, which remains the best selling SUV in America.

•Approximately 80 percent of the vehicles Honda sells in America are built at Honda plants in North America. Regarding Japan production for the North American market, due to the limited parts supply from Japan, Honda will bring in only a very limited number of Japan-built vehicles for the remainder of the year. This may mean models such as the Honda Fit, CR-Z, Insight and Civic Hybrid, and the Acura TSX, TSX Wagon and RL, will be in very limited supply until later in the year.

•Due to problems with the supply of Japan-sourced paint pigment that adds a shiny luster, certain colors of vehicles may be in short supply. Honda is working diligently to find a suitable replacement for such paints, or to reconfigure its model line with alternative exterior colors. This situation varies by model and production facility.

Other North American Operations
•Honda's power equipment and all-terrain vehicle manufacturing operations to date are operating at normal production levels.
Japan Operations

Following is the current outlook for the impact of the major March 11 earthquake in Northeastern Japan on Honda Motor Co., Ltd's automobile production operations within Japan.

•Concerning production in Japan of finished units and parts for overseas production, production volume will remain at approximately 50% of the original production plan until the end of June. As the supply of parts remains fluid, decisions concerning production from July on will be made step-by-step while monitoring the situation, toward the expected normalization of production in Japan before the end of 2011.

•On April 11, Honda resumed limited production of finished automobiles throughout Japan at approximately 50% of the original production plan, bringing all Honda auto plants in Japan back into production. On April 4, Honda Motor began limited production of component parts for North American plants at several Honda plants in Japan.

•However, since the component situation remains fluid, production of parts resumed at approximately 50% of the original production plan. Honda will carefully manage the situation and manage its operation accordingly.

•Honda will continue to make decisions based on the status of the recovery of Japanese society as a whole as well as the supply of parts. There are still many questions relating to the supply of parts manufactured by other suppliers in Japan and shipped directly from suppliers in Japan to Honda's suppliers in North America.

•While most of our Japan-based suppliers have resumed production, there are a few suppliers that have yet to resolve the challenge to resume their production. In those cases, Honda is working with its suppliers to help reestablish their operations, while evaluating other possible sources for those parts in the supply chain. Please understand that Honda is making every effort to work toward a full recovery as quickly as possible. We appreciate everyone's understanding during these challenging times.

•On March 28, Honda resumed motorcycle and power products production at Kumamoto Factory.

•Honda is exerting a company-wide effort to normalize our production as soon as possible. We deeply regret any inconvenience experienced by our customers and ask for their understanding during these challenging times.
Recovery of Operations in the Tochigi Area

•The impact of the earthquake was more severe at the Tochigi Factory (Moka, Tochigi), however, repair and inspection activities were completed for almost all facilities and equipment.

•At other operations, including the Automobile R&D Center (Tochigi) of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. and Honda Engineering Co., Ltd., associates who will work on the restoration started returning to work. However, based on the expectation that it will take several months until the complete recovery of these facilities, Honda has temporarily transferred some functions such as automobile product development, development of manufacturing technologies and procurement to Honda operations in other locations such as Sayama, Suzuka, and Wako.

•Honda is cooperating with electricity conservation efforts and rolling blackout measures, prioritizing the relief and recovery of affected areas.

Aid
With the hope to contribute to the earliest possible relief and recovery of affected areas, Honda will provide the following aid:

•From Honda in Japan, 300 million yen (approximately $3.7 million) toward the relief and recovery effort.

•A total of 1,000 generators (gasoline-powered and home-use gas canister-powered), along with a total of 13,000 gas canisters.

•The Honda family of companies in North America has established special matching gift programs for their associates for donations to the Red Cross to aid the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Donations from associates will be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with no personal or corporate donation limit. Honda employs more than 29, 000 associates in North America. In addition, American Honda has established a special website to channel donations to the American Red Cross* from customers, suppliers and others interested in supporting the Japan disaster recovery effort through the Red Cross. Originally established to accept donations from Honda and Acura automobile dealers, and Honda motorcycle and power equipment dealers, Honda opened the site to the public who may wish to donate, To date, the Honda Associate matching gift program and the "Friends of Honda" campaign through the Red Cross have raised more than $800,000. Honda would like to sincerely thank everyone for their support of this important effort. http://american.redcross.org/hondaacura-emp

This is a very fluid situation, so we are not able to provide more detailed information at this time. We will communicate further details as they are confirmed and become available. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

The following vehicles we build in North America are supported primarily by our base of 600-plus North American first-tier suppliers:
Marysville, Ohio Honda Accord, Honda Accord Coupe, Acura TL, Acura RDX
East Liberty, Ohio Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Honda Accord Crosstour
Greensburg, Ind. Honda Civic Sedan, Honda Civic GX natural gas
Lincoln, Alabama Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, Honda Ridgeline
Alliston, Ontario Honda Civic (Sedan, Coupe, Si) Acura MDX, Acura ZDX.

El Salto, Mexico Honda CR-V
Honda Fit, Insight, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Acura TSX and Acura RL are produced in Japan for the North American market. Honda produces a small percentage of CR-Vs in Japan for the U.S. as well.
Honda's operations in North America and globally will do everything they can to support the recovery of Honda's operations in Japan. Honda and Acura products are made in North America using domestic and globally-sources parts.

*The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. For more information about the Red Cross, please visit www.redcross.org.

Honda Breaks Ground for Financial Services Facility in North Carolina

American Honda Finance Corporation to Lease 25,000-Square-Foot Facility in Charlotte Office Park

04/19/2011 - CHARLOTTE, N.C
American Honda Finance Corporation (AHFC) today marked the groundbreaking for its new 25,000-square-foot North Carolina regional office that will support the company's growing family of customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. AHFC will lease the space at Ballantyne Corporate Park, a 535-acre master-planned Class "A" office and business community in Charlotte.

"We look forward to the positive contributions our new facility will make to the further growth and economic success of this area," said American Honda Finance Corporation (AHFC) Regional Manager Dean Hardesty. "Our new offices will enhance our ability to serve our Honda and Acura customers with the highest quality financial products and services."

AHFC also announced that it will seek to certify the facility to the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEED) standards.

Charlotte is already home to AHFC's current regional office. The office's 120 associates will relocate to the new facility once it is completed in 2012. AHFC's regional office in Charlotte currently serves more than 334,000 Honda and Acura automobile customers with new-vehicle financing and lease programs.

American Honda Finance Corporation (dba Honda Financial Services and Acura Financial Services), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., helps to satisfy the financing needs of consumers of Honda and Acura vehicles, Honda and Acura accessories, as well as Honda motorcycles, power equipment, and marine products. AHFC offers financing in the form of both retail installment sales contracts and leases, depending on the product and the needs of the particular customer.
About Honda

Honda is one of the world's leading producers of mobility products including its diverse line-up of automobiles, motorcycles and ATVs, power products, and marine engines. Over 80% of Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. are produced in North America, using global and domestically sourced parts. Since the establishment of America Honda Motor Co., Inc., in the U.S. in 1959, Honda has invested more than $9 billion in its North American operations with 14 major manufacturing facilities, employment of more than 33,000 associates, and annual purchases of more than $17 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America.

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Honda Retains Best Value!

Honda took home the top prize in Edmunds.com’s inaugural Best Retained Value Awards, which recognize the brands and new car models that have the highest projected residual value after five years, expressed as a percentage of their True Market Value.

Honda won the 2011 brand award for non-luxury brands. Edmunds.com found that Honda’s average projected retained value is 50.4 percent. The award was based on the average five-year retained value of the carmaker’s 2011 models that launched prior to the end of 2010.

Edmunds.com also named winners in 23 model-level categories. Honda was well represented at the model level also taking home four more awards.

All model year 2011 vehicles that were launched by the end of 2010 and that had unit sales in February 2011 that were at least 20 percent of the average unit sales for the models in its segment were eligible for this year’s model-level Best Retained Value Awards. Edmunds determined each model's competitive segment based on its body type and the sales-weighted average MSRP of all available styles (excluding destination charges) of that model's body type. All makes that had over 100,000 unit sales in 2010 were eligible for this year’s brand-level Best Retained Value Awards.

American Honda March Sales Up 18.9 Percent

Fit, Insight and CR-V post record March sales

 

04/01/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted March sales of 133,650, an increase of 18.9 percent based on the daily selling rate*, the company announced today. March marks the sixth straight month of double-digit sales increases for American Honda. Year-to-date sales of 307,978 represent an increase of 18.5 percent based on the daily selling rate*.

Sales of fuel-efficient Honda vehicles led the division to March sales of 121,039, an increase of 20.7 percent compared to March 2010. March sales of Honda cars increased by 29.1 percent to 74,168, led by the Accord, up 11.2 percent to 33,616; the Civic, up 33.8 percent to 31,213; and the Fit, up 43.4 percent on record March sales of 6,955. Honda hybrids also posted strong sales, with the Insight up 62.2 percent on record March sales of 2,782. The CR-V, the best-selling SUV in America, posted record sales for the second straight month, up 42.7 percent to 21,998.

"While we are extremely pleased with this month's sales performance, our foremost thoughts are with the Japanese people during this difficult time," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "We know there will be challenges in the coming months as we continue to deal with supply chain issues resulting from the devastating earthquake in Japan, and we continue to appreciate everyone's patience and understanding."

Acura Division posted sales of 12,611 for March, an increase of 3.6 percent. The Acura MDX led the division with sales of 4,113, an increase of 20.7 percent, followed by the TL with sales of 3,995.

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 27 days for March 2011 and 26 days for March 2010. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 75 days for 2011 and 74 days for 2010. All percentages reflect DSR.

For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.honda.com. For media inquiries please visit www.hondanews.com. For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries please visit www.acuranews.com.

Update # 6: Earthquake Impact on Honda Operations

03/22/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

March 22, 2011 – 2:00 p.m. PDT

Honda would like to express its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of the earthquake in Japan, and our sincere hopes for the earliest possible relief and recovery of the affected areas.

Japan
Damage was widespread in the Tochigi area, where Honda has a number of operations. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has confirmed the fatality of a Honda R&D associate at the Tochigi R&D Center, when a wall collapsed in a cafeteria. The associate was male, 43 years old.

In addition, 17 Honda associates were injured in the Tochigi area from collapsing ceilings and other damage during the earthquake (initial reports put the number of injured at 30).

Japan Operations

• The suspension of automobile production, which began March 14, was extended today through Sunday March 27 at the following locations: Sayama Plant at Saitama Factory (Sayama, Saitama); Suzuka Factory (Suzuka, Mie).
• The same March 27 timing applies at the Kumamoto Factory (Ozu-machi, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto), where motorcycles are produced.
• Concerning operations in Japan from March 28 on, Honda will make decisions based on the status of the recovery of Japanese society as a whole, as well as our supply of parts. We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause our customers, and request their understanding during these challenging times.
• Honda is cooperating with electricity conservation efforts and rolling blackout measures, prioritizing the relief and recovery of affected areas. Our decision to resume production could be affected by the needs of Japanese society as a whole.
• Honda has made contact with all Tier 1 suppliers in Japan and is collecting information from them regarding the status of their operations.

Aid
With the hope to contribute to the earliest possible relief and recovery of affected areas, Honda will provide the following aid:

• From Honda in Japan, 300 million yen (approximately $3.7 million) toward the relief and recovery effort
• A total of 1,000 generators (gasoline-powered and home-use gas canister-powered), along with 5,000 gas canisters. Honda also will dispatch its staff to explain the use of this equipment.
• The Honda family of companies in North America will establish special matching gift programs for their associates for donations to the Red Cross to aid the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Donations from associates will be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with no personal or corporate donation limit. Honda employs more than 29, 000 associates in North America.
• Many Honda dealers have reached out to express their heartfelt concern and support regarding relief and recovery efforts in Japan. American Honda Motor Co., Inc has established a special website to accept donations to the Red Cross from its automotive, motorcycle and power equipment dealers who wish to contribute in this way.

North American Operations
Honda has confirmed the well-being of all Honda associates on assignment in Japan from North America.
On March 17, certain U.S. news reports inaccurately suggested that Japan-based production of vehicles intended for sale in the United States would be suspended until May. This is not what we communicated. Honda has announced a suspension of Japanese production only through March 27.

There is no immediate impact on Honda's operations in North America. More than 80% of Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. are produced in North America, and the vast majority of automotive parts for Honda automobiles manufactured in North America are sourced in the region.

Honda's U.S. and Canadian and Mexico Honda plants are continuing normal output of finished vehicles. In addition, we are continuing to monitor the long-term impact of the events in Japan on Honda auto production in North America because some auto parts are supplied from Japan.

The following vehicles we build in North America are supported primarily by our base of 600-plus North American first-tier suppliers:

Marysville, Ohio Honda Accord, Honda Accord Coupe, Acura TL, Acura RDX
East Liberty, Ohio Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Honda Accord Crosstour
Greensburg, Ind. Honda Civic Sedan, Honda Civic GX natural gas
Lincoln, Alabama Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, Honda Ridgeline
Alliston, Ontario Honda Civic (Sedan, Coupe, Si) Acura MDX, Acura ZDX, Acura CSX (The CSX is sold only in Canada)
El Salto, Mexico Honda CR-V

We currently have adequate inventory of products supplied from Japan.

Honda Fit, Insight, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Acura TSX and Acura RL are produced in Japan for the North American market. Honda produces a small percentage of CR-Vs in Japan for the U.S. as well.

Honda's operations in North America and globally will do everything they can to support the recovery of Honda's operations in Japan.