TOKYO, Japan, October 26, 2004 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced production, domestic sales, and export results for the month of September and the first half of fiscal year 2005 – April to September 2004.  Led by increased domestic production and record overseas production, Honda set a worldwide production record for the first half of a fiscal year.

Domestic production for the month of September increased 11.0% compared to the same month a year ago. Total domestic production for the first six months of FY2005 exceeded 600,000 units, a 9.0% increase from the same period a year ago.

Overseas production in September increased 9.5% led by increased production in Asia, South America and Europe – while total overseas production for the fiscal first half reached 970,231 units, a 9.3% increase from the previous year. Significantly, Honda set all-time records for the first half of a fiscal year for worldwide production (1,570,623 units) and overseas production (970,231 units), as well as all-time production records in Europe (91,465 units) and Asia (239,144 units).

Total domestic sales in September increased 9.5% compared to the same month last year. The Honda Fit was the best selling car in Japan for the second straight month on sales of 15,482 units, while the Life remained strong and was the third best selling mini-car in Japan with sales of 15,389 units.  Further, sales of the Odyssey and Mobilio models also remained strong, with sales of 7,785 units and 5,483 units, respectively.  Total domestic sales for the first half of FY2005 reached 350,998 units, a 6.2% increase compared to the same period a year ago.

Total exports in September increased by 27.2% due mainly to a 191.6% increase in exports to Europe. Strong sales of the Jazz (Fit in Japan) and Accord Diesel, as well as the introduction of the new FR-V (Edix in Japan) contributed to this major increase.

For the first half of FY2005, total exports increased 5.3% compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. Strong sales of the Jazz and Accord Diesel in Europe and increased sales in other areas including the Middle East were the major contributors to the increase in exports.


PRODUCTION, SALES, EXPORTS (September 2004)

PRODUCTION