Honda Establishes New Motorcycle Subsidiary in Kenya

28 03 2013

TOKYO, JAPAN – March 27, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that, effective March 25, 2013, it has officially established a new motorcycle production and sales subsidiary in Kenya, where further market growth is expected.

Based on Honda’s basic approach with local operations to “start small and grow big” the new company, Honda Motorcycle Kenya Limited, will focus primarily on production and wholesale business. The company will establish a system and capability for global parts sourcing as well as efficient production to deliver high quality products at affordable prices. The new plant, which will have an initial production capacity of 25,000 units, is scheduled to become operational in September 2013.

The new company in Kenya is the third Honda subsidiary in Africa, following South Africa and Nigeria, and the new plant will become the second Honda plant in Africa, after only the plant in Nigeria. Combining the two plants together, Honda’s annual motorcycle production capacity in Africa will be 175,000 units.

About Honda Motorcycle Kenya Limited

Establishment: March 2013
Capital Investment: 450 million Kenya shillings
Capitalization Ratio: 90% Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
10% Dr. Isaac Kalua
Representative: Yasuhiro Imazato, president
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Business: Production and sales of motorcycles
Production capacity: Motorcycles: 25,000 units annually
Employment: Approximately 60 associates

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Honda to Launch New “Honda Moto LINC” Membership-Based Service for Honda Motorcycle Owners

14 03 2012

TOKYO, JAPAN – March 14, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced it would launch the new Honda Moto LINC membership-based service for Honda motorcycle owners in Japan on Thursday, April 12, 2012. A free*1 service available to smartphone*2 users, Honda Moto LINC helps riders enjoy a more convenient motorcycle lifestyle.

Newly developed for Honda motorcycle owners, Honda Moto LINC is based on the Internavi LINC*3 navigation system, which is currently available to Honda automobile owners in Japan. Any Honda motorcycle owner in Japan with a smartphone can download the application, register as a member on the exclusive website*4 and enjoy using the service.

Leveraging the same high-precision traffic information used in Honda’s Internavi car navigation system, Honda Moto LINC offers the Internavi Route service to calculate riding routes, the Driving Information service to search for ideal touring locations, the Rain Gear Alarm service to alert the rider when rainfall is forecasted, the Honda Dealer Search service and many other services that make not only touring but also everyday riding more fun and convenient.

Going forward, Honda will continue to develop navigation services that go beyond conventional car navigation systems. By delivering a wide variety of detailed information to smartphones and other information devices, Honda will support motorcycle lifestyles that offer customers even greater enjoyment and  sense of security

*1 The Driving Information service includes features for which a fee is charged. Further, telecommunication charges are the responsibility of the user.
*2 Available for iPhone® with iOS 4.0 or higher and Android™ devices with Android 2.2 or higher (not available on certain Android devices)
*3 Featuring traffic information, maintenance alerts, fuel economy histories and a wide variety of other useful information, Internavi LINC is a free, membership-based service available to all Honda automobile owners in Japan and accessible via the Internavi car navigation system, personal computers, mobile phones and smartphones; total membership is about 1.48 million people as of end of February, 2012
*4 http://www.honda.co.jp/MotoLINC/

Key services of Honda Moto LINC

  • Internavi Route
    Leveraging proprietary Internavi traffic information, this service suggests the ideal time to depart for a selected destination and displays the route to the destination using Google Maps.*5
  • Rainfall and Snowfall Map
    Before or during touring, this service displays for a selected location a rainfall and snowfall forecasts at regular intervals.
  • Rain Gear Alarm
    During touring, this service monitors the rain forecast and alerts the rider if rainfall is anticipated.
  • Driving Information
    This service suggests appealing destinations and routes for touring (a fee is charged for using certain features of this service). The rider may select any of the suggestions to instantly bring up the Internavi Route service for that destination.
  • Maintenance Log
    This service alerts the rider by email when consumable parts require replacement or other maintenance is required.
  • Fueling and Fuel Economy Log
    Using fueling volume and cost data entered by the rider, this service displays a graph of fuel economy over time.
  • Honda Dealer Search
    Should a problem occur during touring, this service searches for nearby Honda dealers. The rider may select any of the search results to instantly bring up the Internavi Route service for that destination.
  • Motorcycle Parking Information
    This service provides access to the “Complete Japan Motorcycle Parking Lot Guide” from the Nippon MotorCycle Association (NMCA).

*5 “Google Maps” is a registered trademark of Google Inc.

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Honda’s Cumulative Worldwide Power Products Production Reaches 100 million Units

6 01 2012

TOKYO, JAPAN – January 6, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that Honda’s cumulative worldwide power products production reached the 100 million-unit*1 milestone during 2011.

Honda power products business dates back to 1953, based on the original spirit of Honda to utilize technology to help people, when an engine for agricultural equipment was launched with passion to use Honda’s engine technologies to reduce the manual labor of farmers.

Since then, Honda has been utilizing its core technology, the engine, to gradually expand its power products lineup which now includes tillers, generators, outboard engines, water pumps, lawnmowers, snowblowers and other products. Honda’s power products play an essential role in the lives of people around the world as the power to help people in various occasions.

Working toward the realization of a low-carbon society, Honda has been, especially in recent years, proactive in developing products in the areas of energy conservation and creation. As a result, Honda has been increasing the diversity of its power products lineup which now includes a compact household gas engine cogeneration unit, and a solar power system which adopts CIGS thin-film solar cells*2.

In Japan, Honda power products are produced at Kumamoto Factory and Hosoe Plant at Hamamatsu Factory. In regions outside of Japan, Honda power products production began in 1984 with the production of lawnmowers in the U.S. Since then, Honda has been establishing and increasing the capacity of production plants in Europe and Asia as well. Today, Honda power products are produced at eleven production plants in nine countries and are used regularly by people in more than 150 countries around the world, positioning power products business as one of the key pillars for Honda’s business along with the motorcycle and automobile businesses.

Honda will continue its efforts to provide a wide-range of environmentally-responsible, safe and useful products to fulfill the increasingly diversifying needs of customers across the world.

*1 Honda’s internal data: Solar cell products are not included in the 100 million units which were determined based on the number of engines produced.
*2 By using non-silicon thin film made from a compound of copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS), Honda solar cells achieved a major reduction in the environmental footprint with the reduction of energy consumed during the manufacturing process.

• (reference) : Major achievements of power products business

year Major achievements
1953 ・Launch of the first Honda power product, the H-Type general-purpose engine
1959 ・Launch of first Honda tiller, F150
1963 ・Exports from Japan begin (first destination: France)
1964 ・Micromini generator (E40) and outboard engine (GB30) introduced
1965 ・Launch of first Honda portable generator, E300
1966 ・Launch of first Honda water pump, W20/W30
1969 ・Cumulative power products production reaches 1 million units
1973 ・Launch of first Honda rice planting machine
1976 ・Kumamoto Factory established
1978 ・Launch of first Honda lawnmower, HR21
・Cumulative production of generators reaches 1 million units
1979 ・Asaka Higashi R&D Center established exclusively for power products
1980 ・Introduction of the minitiller “Komame F200”
1981 ・Cumulative power products production reaches 5 million units
1983 ・Power products production plant at Hamamatsu Factory begins production
1984 ・lawnmower production plant in the U.S. begins production.
1985 ・Launch of first Honda riding mower, HT3810/ HT3813
・Cumulative power products production reaches 10 million units
1986 ・Start-up of power products production in France
1987 ・Start-up of general-purpose engine and water pump production in Thailand
・Launch of extra-small portable power generator, EX300
1988 ・Start-up of lawnmower production in Australia
・Start-up of generator and general-purpose engine production in India
・Launch of small diesel engines
1990 ・Imports into Japan begin of American-made Honda walk-behind lawnmower
1992 ・Cumulative power products production reaches 20 million units
1995 ・Launch of in-wheel type motor
・Start-up of lawnmower engine production in Italy
・Start-up of generator production in China
1996 ・Establishment of power products sales company in Indonesia
1997 ・Launch of multi-directional 4-stroke engine, GX22/GX31
・Cumulative power products production reaches 30 million units
1998 ・Testing facility for outboard marine engines opens in Shizuoka
・Launch of the next-generation power generators, GENE21 Series
1999 ・Launch of 4-wheeled electric wheel chair, Monpal ML100
2000 ・Cumulative power products production reaches 40 million units
2001 ・Outboard engine production plant (Hosoe Plant at Hamamatsu Factory) established
・Launch of the world’s largest class 4-stroke outboard engine, BF225/BF200
2002 ・Launch of the world’s lightest 4-stroke engine, GX25
・Cumulative power products production reaches 50 million units
2003 ・Launch of household compact gas engine cogeneration unit
2004 ・Cumulative power products production reaches 60 million units
2005 ・Cumulative power products production reaches 70 million units
2007 ・Launch of CIGS thin-film solar cell
2008 ・Cumulative power products production reaches 80 million units
2009 ・Launch of tiller, Pianta, powered by home-use butane gas canister
・Cumulative power products production reaches 90 million units
2010 ・Launch of Enepo EU9iGB, a generator powered by home-use butane gas canisters
・Cumulative sales in Japan of the compact household gas engine cogeneration unit reached 100,000 units
2011 ・Cumulative power products production reaches 100 million units

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Honda Exhibits World Premiere of EV-STER, the Next-generation Electric Small Sports Concept

30 11 2011

TOKYO, JAPAN – November 30, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – 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.

        
        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

About Honda

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is one of the leading manufacturers of automobiles and power products and the largest manufacture of motorcycles in the world. Honda has always sought to provide genuine satisfaction to people worldwide. The result is more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 30 countries worldwide, producing a wide range of products, including motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment and automobiles that bring the company into contact with over 19 million customers annually. For more information, please visit http://world.honda.com .

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Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Reports Consolidated Financial Results for the Fiscal Second Quarter Ended September 30, 2011

31 10 2011

TOKYO, JAPAN – October 31, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) today announced its consolidated financial results for the fiscal Second quarter ended September 30, 2011.

Honda’s consolidated net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. for the fiscal second quarter ended September 30, 2011 totaled JPY 60.4 billion (USD 788 million), a decrease of 55.5% from the same period last year. Basic net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. per common share for the quarter amounted to JPY 33.53 (USD 0.44), a decrease of JPY 41.71 (USD 0.54) from JPY 75.24 for the corresponding period last year. One Honda American Depository Share represents one common share.

Consolidated net sales and other operating revenue (herein referred to as “revenue”) for the quarter amounted to JPY 1,885.8 billion (USD 24,604 million), a decrease of 16.3% from the same period last year, due primarily to decreased revenue in the automobile business mainly caused by the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011 (the “Earthquake”) and the unfavorable foreign currency translation effects, despite increased revenue in the motorcycle business.

Consolidated operating income for the quarter amounted to JPY 52.5 billion (USD 685 million), a decrease of 67.9% from the same period last year, due primarily to a decrease in sales volume and model mix, increase in fixed costs per unit as production output has reduced, increased raw material cost and the unfavorable foreign currency effect, despite decreased SG&A expenses.

Consolidated income before income taxes and equity in income of affiliates for the quarter totaled JPY 76.5 billion (USD 999 million), a decrease of 53.9% from the same period last year.

Equity in income of affiliates amounted to JPY 15.5 billion (USD 203 million) for the quarter, a decrease of 56.3% from the corresponding period last year due mainly to declined income in affiliated companies in China due to decreased sales and production by supply-chain disruption triggered by the earthquake.

With respect to Honda’s sales for the fiscal second quarter by business segment, motorcycle unit sales totaled 3,276 thousand units, an increase of 20.0% from the same period last year due mainly to increased unit sales in Asia and other regions including South America. Revenue from sales to external customers increased 14.2%, to JPY 357.3 billion (USD 4,662 million), from the same period last year, due mainly to increased unit sales. Operating income totaled to JPY 38.9 billion (USD 508 million), an increase of 29.7% from the same period last year, due primarily to increased unit sales, despite increased SG&A expenses.

Honda’s automobile unit sales totaled 772 thousand units, a decrease of 14.0% from the same period last year mainly due to decreased unit sales in the North America and Japan caused by supply-chain disruptions from the Earthquake. Revenue from sales to external customers decreased 22.6%, to JPY 1,333.0 billion (USD 17,391 million), from the same period last year due mainly to decreased unit sales and unfavorable currency translation effects. Honda reported an operating loss of JPY 29.1 billion (USD 380 million), a decrease of JPY 115.5 billion (USD 1,507 million) from the same period last year, due primarily to decreased unit sales, increase in fixed costs per unit as production output has reduced, increased raw material cost and unfavorable currency effect, despite decreased SG&A expenses.

Revenue from customers in the financial services business decreased 10.5%, to JPY 126.4 billion (USD 1,650 million) from the same period last year due mainly to the unfavorable foreign currency translation effects. Operating income decreased 9.7% to JPY 42.8 billion (USD 559 million) from the same period last year due mainly to the unfavorable foreign currency effects, despite the decreased allowance for losses on credit and lease residual values.

Honda’s power product unit sales totaled 1,276 thousand units, an increase of 9.4% from the same period last year due to an increase in unit sales in North America, Asia and Japan. Revenue from sales to external customers in power product and other businesses decreased 2.0%, to JPY 69.0 billion (USD 900 million), from the same period last year, due mainly to the unfavorable currency translation effects, despite increased unit sales in power products. Honda reported an operating loss of JPY 0.1 billion (USD 1 million), an improvement of JPY 0.3 billion from the same period last year due mainly to an increase of unit sales in power products and decreased SG&A expenses.

Forecasts for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2012

Thailand has been suffering from severe floods, which caused damage to certain inventories, and machineries and equipments of Honda’s consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates including Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. by flooding these production facilities. Accordingly, production activities in plant facilities at Honda and its affiliates have been affected by floods and relevant disruptions of parts supply.

The Company is currently evaluating the extent of the damage resulting from the floods, and it is not possible to reasonably estimate the impacts on the consolidated and unconsolidated financial results at this time.

Therefore, forecasts of the consolidated and unconsolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012 is not determined. The Company will release the forecasts as soon as they become available.

Dividend per Share of Common Stock

The Board of Directors of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., at its meeting held on October 31, 2011, resolved to make the quarterly dividend JPY 15 per share of common stock, the record date of which is September 30, 2011.  The total expected annual dividend per share of common stock for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, is JPY 60 per share.

This announcement contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs taking into account information currently available to it. Therefore, please be advised that Honda’s actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, including general economic conditions in Honda’s principal markets and foreign exchange rates between the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar, the Euro and other major currencies, as well as other factors detailed from time to time.

For Additional Information, Please visit;

http://world.honda.com/investors/library/financialresult/

Where you can download financial results information.

SOURCE: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

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Honda Develops a Powerful, Fuel-efficient 700cc Engine for Midsize Motorcycle

26 09 2011

TOKYO, JAPAN – September 26, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the development of a new motorcycle engine with powerful torque in the low- to mid-speed range and top class, fuel-efficient environment performance, along with a second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission. This new engine is a liquid-cooled, 700cc, 4-stroke, in-line, 2-cylinder engine that fits into the mid-class range (displacement between 500 and 750cc) popular in Europe. Fuel economy exceeds 27km/L, (1) best in the mid-class range, and achieves an approximate 40% (2) improvement over other sports models in its class.

This new engine can be coupled with a newly developed lightweight, compact second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission, featuring a smooth, direct feel and excellent transmission efficiency, in addition to a 6-speed manual transmission.

This new engine will be mounted on three models based on different concepts, which are slated for exhibition at EICMA2011 (69th International Motorcycle Exhibition) to be held in November in Milan, Italy.

Honda developed this new motorcycle engine in order to realize a set of motorcycles based on its new concept of offering outstanding fuel efficiency in the mid-class while delivering powerful, throbbing torque in the normal range for touring and urban riding.

Development was performed to meet these requirements:

  • An engine that is easy to handle with plentiful torque in the range normally used, and which also delivers a pleasant, throbbing feel during sporty rides
  • Top-class, fuel-efficient environmental performance best suited for the next-generation mid-class engine
  • A lightweight, compact design that allows more freedom in the body layout and – provides highly convenient space

Honda determined the engine layout after examining a variety of engine types from numerous perspectives and decided on an in-line, 700cc, 2-cylinder engine with a 62 degrees forward lean (cylinder assembly angle). To meet a wide variety of uses, two transmissions can be coupled with this engine: the second generation of Honda’s innovative Dual Clutch Transmission, and a 6-speed manual transmission.

Main Features of the New Engine

I. Higher combustion efficiency and lower friction

A wide variety of low friction technologies that aid better fuel economy are incorporated: To improve fuel efficiency through better-controlled combustion while realizing a powerful ride in the low- to mid-rpm ranges, the bore-stroke ratio is set at 73 x 80mm. An ideal combustion chamber shape and optimum valve timing also contribute to achieve stable combustion. Resin coating is applied to the pistons, and lightweight aluminum material is employed for the first time in a motorcycle in the friction-reducing roller rocker arm.

II. Uneven-interval firing and uniaxial primary balancer

Adoption of uneven-interval firing with a 270 degrees phase crank and uniaxial primary balancer help realize an engine with a pleasant throbbing feel that also reduces vibration.

III. Branch intake port inside the cylinder head, valve timing

The layout of a branch intake port inside the cylinder head was chosen to have only one intake channel for two cylinders. This design creates deliberate interference between the two cylinders’ intake processes to achieve precisely calculated changes to combustion timing.

In addition, to change the valve timing between the two in-line cylinders with one camshaft, the specifications provide for a cam with two timing routines for the intake valve. Through these measures, subtle combustion changes can be generated to give the engine a delightful, pulsating feel.

IV. Exhaust emission purification system

V. Second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission

The Dual Clutch Transmission, developed for the first time by Honda for motorcycles and installed on the VFR1200F, is now lighter and more compact through a simplified hydraulic circuit and other design enhancements. A learning function has been added to each selected running mode to detect a variety of riding environments from city streets to mountain passes and automatically performs the most suitable shift control. Although it is an automatic transmission, the Dual Clutch Transmission delivers fuel economy on a par with manual transmissions as a result of its excellent transmission efficiency.

(1) WMTC mode (Honda calculations)

(2) Honda calculations

(3) PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection System) is a Honda registered trademark

(4) Honda calculations

About Honda

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is one of the leading manufacturers of automobiles and power products and the largest manufacture of motorcycles in the world. Honda has always sought to provide genuine satisfaction to people worldwide. The result is more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 30 countries worldwide, producing a wide range of products, including motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment and automobiles that bring the company into contact with over 19 million customers annually. For more information, please visit http://world.honda.com .

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Honda Announces New Global Environmental Slogan

22 06 2011

Honda Announces Global CO2 Emissions Reduction Targets Including 30% Reduction for Products

-New Global Environmental Slogan Established-

TOKYO, JAPAN – June 21, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. issued its Environmental Annual Report 2011. Striving to realize the Honda Environmental Vision of the joy and freedom of mobility and a sustainable society where people can enjoy life, Honda has established 2020 CO2 emissions reduction targets to address the most important business management issues of climate change and energy issues. At the same time, Honda introduced a global environmental slogan that draws directly from Honda’s environmental heritage – “Blue Skies for Our Children.”

Honda has been pursuing its own environmental targets and is committed to proactive environmental conservation activities. In 2006, Honda set a goal to reduce global CO2 emissions from use of its motorcycles, automobiles and power products by 10 percent by the end of 2010 compared to year 2000 levels. In 2010, the goal was attained by all products.

Honda has now set a target to reduce CO2 emissions from its global products by 30 percent by the end of 2020 compared to year 2000 levels. Furthermore, in addition to reducing CO2 emissions during production and supply chain, Honda will strengthen its efforts to realize reductions in CO2 emissions through its entire corporate activities. Honda will also strengthen its efforts in advancing technologies in the area of total energy management, to reduce CO2 emissions through mobility and people’s everyday lives.

In addition, Honda has established a global environmental slogan as an expression of the company’s proactive commitment to make progress in its environmental efforts on a global basis. With this slogan, Honda will strive to become the leader in the area of environmental and energy technologies.

The new global environmental slogan and symbol will be used with Honda’s internal and external environmental activities and communications around the world.

• Honda Environmental Vision:

Realizing “the Joy and Freedom of Mobility” and
“a Sustainable Society where People Can Enjoy Life”

• Global Environmental Slogan:

Blue Skies for Our Children

Honda engineers who took on the challenge to meet the stringent new emissions standards of the 1970s U.S. Clean Air Act, used the phrase “blue skies for our children” as a passionate rallying cry to devote themselves to this effort. Honda wants to pass on the “joy and freedom of mobility to the next generation” (for our children), therefore, we want to realize a sustainable society where people can enjoy life (blue skies). This slogan continues to represent Honda’s passion toward its environmental commitment which has not wavered and will remain resolute in the future.

• Global Environmental Symbol:

The circular graphic represents the earth and sun with blue skies (clean air), clean water, and lush green land expressing the bounty of nature that is necessary for us to realize a sustainable society where people can enjoy life. The white line through the middle represents a road where freedom of mobility is realized, while the heart represents Honda’s thinking and passion toward our environmental commitment.

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Honda Forecasts for Consolidated Financial Results and the Expected Amount of Distribution of Surplus for the Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2012

15 06 2011

TOKYO, JAPAN  – June 14, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. held an extraordinary board meeting and resolved the forecasts for consolidated financial results for the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, which were not available on April 28, 2011 when the company announced financial results for the previous fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

Concerning automobile production which has been impacted due to the restricted supply of parts after the Great East Japan Earthquake, production in Japan is expected to be nearly normalized in late June and production in regions outside of Japan is expected to be nearly normalized in the August/September timeframe. Honda will strive to recover sales based on the recovery of production; however, global unit sales for automobile business is expected to be 3.3 million units due to the restricted supply of parts which will continue for a certain models/types.

Honda’s current forecasts for the consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012 are described below, with assumption of the average currency exchange rates of JPY 80 = USD 1 and JPY 110 = Euro 1.

  • Net sales and other operating revenue: 8,300 billion yen (7.1% decline compared to the previous fiscal year)
  • Operating income: 200 billion yen (64.9% decline compared to the previous fiscal year)
  • Equity in income of affiliates: 100 billion yen (28.4% decline compared to the previous fiscal year)
  • Net income*1: 195 billion yen (63.5% decline compared to the previous fiscal year)

Decline in operating income compared to the previous fiscal year is mainly because of a decline in automobile unit sales due to the impact of the earthquake, cost of restoration and/or removal of damaged property and equipment, the unfavorable currency effects, increased raw material costs and increased R&D expenses related to the development of next generation products and stepped up development of environmental technologies.

The total annual dividend to be paid for this fiscal year is expected to be 60 yen per share, an increase of 6 yen pershare compared to the previous fiscal year.

FY 2011
ended
Mar. 31, 2011
FY 2012
ending
Mar. 31, 2012
Difference Difference
%
Unit Sales
(million units)
Motorcycles*2 11.445 12.645 +1.200 +10.5%
Automobiles*3 3.512 3.300 -0.212 -6.0%
Power products 5.509 6.075 +0.566 +10.3%
Financial
Results/
Forecasts
(billion yen)
Net sales and other operating revenue 8,936.8 8,300.0 -636.8 -7.1%
Operating income 569.7 200.0 -369.7 -64.9%
Income before
income taxes
630.5 215.0 -415.5 -65.9%
Equity in income
of affiliates
139.7 100.0 -39.7 -28.4%
Net income*1 534.0 195.0 -339.0 -63.5%
Annual Dividends per share 54 60 +6 -
Honda’s Average Rates (Yen) USD = 86 80 Yen up by 6 yen
EUR = 114 110 Yen up by 4 yen

*1 Net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. based on U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

*2 Unit sales of approximately 2.61 million units for the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2012 of Honda-brand motorcycle products that are manufactured and sold by overseas affiliates accounted for under the equity method but do not use any parts supplied from Honda and its consolidated subsidiaries, are not included in the total sales of the motorcycle segment or in the measure of unit sales, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

*3 Certain sales of automobiles that are financed with residual value type auto loans by Honda’s Japanese finance subsidiaries are accounted for as operating leases in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As a result, they are not included in the total sales of the automobile segment or in the measure of unit sales.

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Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Reports Consolidated Financial Results For the Fiscal Fourth Quarter and The Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2011

28 04 2011

TOKYO – April 28, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) today announced its consolidated financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

Fourth Quarter Results

Honda’s consolidated net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. for the fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2011 totaled JPY 44.5 billion (USD 536 million), a decrease of 38.3% from the same period last year.  Basic net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. per common share for the quarter amounted to JPY 24.72 (USD 0.30), a decrease of JPY 15.06 from JPY 39.78 for the corresponding period last year.  One Honda American Depository Share represents one common share.

Consolidated net sales and other operating revenue (herein referred to as “revenue”) for the quarter amounted to JPY 2,213.0 billion (USD 26,616 million), a decrease of 2.9% from the same period last year, due primarily to the unfavorable currency translation effects, despite increased revenue in the motorcycle business together with revenue related to licensing agreements.  Honda estimates that if calculated at the same exchange rate as the corresponding period last year, revenue for the quarter would have increased by approximately 3.3%.

Consolidated operating income for the quarter amounted to JPY 46.2 billion (USD 556 million), a decrease of 51.9% from the same period last year, due primarily to increased SG&A expenses, unfavorable foreign currency effects, and impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011 (the “Earthquake”) despite continuing cost reduction efforts, decreased R&D expenses, increased sales volume and model mix and operating income related to licensing agreements.

Consolidated income before income taxes and equity in income of affiliates for the quarter totaled JPY 76.6 billion (USD 921 million), a decrease of 18.1% from the same period last year, despite non-operating income related to dissolution of the joint venture.

Equity in income of affiliates amounted to JPY 25.0 billion (USD 301 million) for the quarter, an increase of 4.7 % from the corresponding period last year.

– United States dollar amounts have been translated from yen solely for the convenience of the reader at the rate of JPY 83.15=U.S.$1, the mean of the telegraphic transfer selling exchange rate and the telegraphic transfer buying exchange rate prevailing on the Tokyo foreign exchange market on March 31, 2011.

– Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011 on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations;

On March 11, 2011, Japan experienced a large earthquake commonly referred to as the Great East Japan Earthquake, which caused damage to certain of property, plant and equipment and inventory, and temporary suspension of production of the Company’s plants and research and development activities of the Company and its domestic consolidated subsidiaries.

As a result, the Company and its domestic consolidated subsidiaries recognized JPY 45,720 million of losses, of which JPY 17,450 million is included in cost of sales and JPY 28,270 million is included in selling, general and administrative in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the year ended March 31, 2011.  The losses mainly consist of unallocated fixed production overhead of JPY 15,062 million which is included in cost of sales, and loss on damaged property, plant and equipment of JPY 15,647 million which is included in selling, general and administrative.

The Company and its domestic consolidated subsidiaries did not recognize the costs of future restoration activities expected to be incurred in the next fiscal year in the current year consolidated financial statements.

– Dissolution of the joint venture and licensing agreements;

On March 22, 2011, Honda sold all of its investments in Hero Honda Motors Ltd. (HHML) with book value of JPY 34,275 million, which represented 26.0% of HHML’s total outstanding shares, to its joint venture partner at JPY 71,073 million for the dissolution of the joint venture.  In addition, Honda and HHML have signed a new licensing agreement which enables HHML to continue producing, selling and servicing its current products. Consideration for the licensing agreement was JPY 45,000 million, and becomes due through 2014.

Total consideration received less interest portion, including the fair value attributable to the termination of certain obligations under the joint venture agreement, is allocated to each element using the relative selling price method in accordance with FASB ASC 605 “Revenue Recognition”.  As a result, the Company recognized revenue of JPY 32,015 million related to the licensing agreement in Net sales and other operating revenue, and gain on sale of the investments of JPY 46,756 million in Other income (expense) – Other, net.

Transaction prices were determined through negotiation based on the estimate by management of Honda after considering economic rationality.

With respect to Honda’s sales for the fiscal fourth quarter by business segment, motorcycle unit sales totaled 2,934 thousand units, an increase of 12.8% from the same period last year* due mainly to increased unit sales in Asia and Other regions including South America.  Revenue from sales to external customers increased 5.4%, to JPY 353.1 billion (USD 4,247 million), from the same period last year, due mainly to increased unit sales and revenue related to licensing agreements, despite the unfavorable currency translation effects.  Operating income totaled to JPY 48.1 billion (USD 579 million), an increase of 71.8% from the same period last year, due primarily to increased unit sales and model mix and operating income related to licensing agreements, despite increased SG&A expenses and unfavorable foreign currency effects.

*Of the net sales of Honda-brand motorcycle products that are manufactured and sold by overseas affiliates accounted for under the equity method, those with respect to which parts for manufacturing were not supplied from Honda or its subsidiaries are not included in net sales and other operating revenue, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Accordingly, these unit sales are not included in the financial results.  Sales of such products amounted to approximately 1,810 thousand units for the period.

Honda’s automobile unit sales totaled 860 thousand units**, a decrease of 1.6% from the same period last year due mainly to decreased unit sales in Japan, despite increased unit sales in North America.  Revenue from sales to external customers decreased 4.4%, to JPY 1,645.3 billion (USD 19,788 million), from the same period last year, due mainly to unfavorable currency translation effects.  Honda reported an operating loss of JPY 39.1 billion (USD 471 million), a deterioration of JPY 63.1 billion from the same period last year, due primarily to increased SG&A expenses, unfavorable foreign currency effects and the impact of the Earthquake, despite continuing cost reduction efforts and decreased R&D expenses.

**Certain sales of automobiles that are financed with residual value type auto loans by our domestic finance subsidiaries are accounted for as operating leases in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As a result, they are not included in total sales of our automobile segment or in our measure of unit sales.

Revenue from customers in the financial services business decreased 6.8%, to JPY 134.5 billion (USD 1,618 million) from the same period last year.  Operating income decreased 16.1% to JPY 39.6 billion (USD 476 million) from the same period last year due mainly to the unfavorable foreign currency effects, despite the decreased allowance for losses on credit and lease residual values.

Honda’s power product unit sales totaled 1,746 thousand units, an increase of 7.1% from the same period last year due to an increase of unit sales in all the regions.  Revenue from sales to external customers in power product and other businesses increased 1.8%, to JPY 80.0 billion (USD 963 million), from the same period last year, due mainly to increased unit sales in power products, despite unfavorable currency translation effects.  Honda reported an operating loss of JPY 2.3 billion (USD 28 million), an improvement of JPY 0.7 billion from the same period last year, primarily due to continuing cost reduction efforts and increased sales volume and model mix of power products, despite increased SG&A expenses.

Fiscal Year Results

Honda’s consolidated net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 totaled JPY 534.0 billion (USD 6,423 million), an increase of 99.0% from the previous fiscal year. Basic net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. per common share for the fiscal year amounted to JPY 295.67 (USD 3.56), an increase of JPY 147.76 from JPY 147.91 for the previous fiscal year.

Consolidated revenue for the period amounted to JPY 8,936.8 billion (USD 107,479 million), an increase of 4.2% from the previous fiscal year, primarily due to increased revenue in the automobile business and the motorcycle business, despite the unfavorable currency translation effects. Honda estimates that if calculated at the same exchange rate as the previous fiscal year, revenue for the period would have increased by approximately 8.7%.

Consolidated operating income for the period totaled JPY 569.7 billion (USD 6,852 million), an increase of 56.6% from the previous fiscal year, due primarily to increased sales volume and model mix, decrease in fixed costs as volume of production increase and continuing cost reduction efforts, despite increased SG&A expenses and R&D expenses, the unfavorable foreign currency effects, and the impact of the Earthquake.

Consolidated income before income taxes and equity in income of affiliates for the period totaled JPY 630.5 billion (USD 7,583 million), an increase of 87.6% from the previous fiscal year due mainly to increased operating income and the non-operating income related to the dissolution of the joint venture.

Equity in income of affiliates amounted to JPY 139.7 billion (USD 1,681 million) for the period, an increase of 49.8% from the previous fiscal year.

Forecasts for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2011

The Company is currently unable to reasonably calculate forecasts of the consolidated financial results for the fiscal six months ending September 30, 2011, or for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, due to the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011.

Therefore, the Company will release the forecasts of the consolidated financial results for the fiscal six months ending September 30, 2011 and for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012 as soon as they become available.

Profit Redistribution Policy and Dividend per Share of Common Stock for fiscal years 2011

The Company strives to carry out its operations worldwide from a global perspective and to increase its corporate value.  With respect to the redistribution of profits to our shareholders, which we consider to be one of the most important management issues, the Company’s basic policy for dividends is to make distributions after taking into account its long-term consolidated earnings performance.

The Company will also acquire its own shares at the optimal timing with the goal of improving efficiency of the Company’s capital structure and implementing a flexible capital policy.  The present goal is to maintain a shareholders return ratio (i.e. the ratio of the total of the dividend payment and the repurchase of the Company’s own shares to net income attributable to Honda Motor Co., Ltd.) of approximately 30%.  Retained earnings will be allocated toward financing R&D activities that are essential for the future growth of the Company and capital expenditures and investment programs that will expand its operations for the purpose of improving business results and strengthening the Company’s financial condition.

The Company plans to distribute year-end cash dividends of JPY 15 per share for the year ended March 31, 2011.  As a result, total cash dividends for the year ended March 31, 2011, together with the first quarter cash dividends of JPY 12, the second quarter cash dividends of JPY 12 and the third quarter cash dividends of JPY 15, are planned to be JPY 54 per share, an increase of JPY 16 per share from the annual dividends paid for the year ended March 31, 2010.

Also, please note that the year-end cash dividends for the year ended March 31, 2011 is a matter to be resolved at the general meeting of shareholders.

The dividend forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012 is not determined, as the Company is currently unable to reasonably calculate forecasts of the consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, due to the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011.

This announcement contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs taking into account information currently available to it. Therefore, please be advised that Honda’s actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, including general economic conditions in Honda’s principal markets and foreign exchange rates between the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar, the Euro and other major currencies, as well as other factors detailed from time to time. The various factors for increases and decreases in income have been classified in accordance with a method that Honda considers reasonable.

For Additional information, please visit;

http://world.honda.com/investors/library/presentation/

http://world.honda.com/investors/library/financialresult/

where you can download presentation materials and financial results information.

SOURCE: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

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Update #3: Earthquake Impact on Honda Operations

17 03 2011

TORRANCE, CA – March 17, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – 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

  • As of March 14, all production activities are suspended at the following Honda plants: Sayama Plant at Saitama Factory (Sayama, Saitama), Ogawa Plant (Ogawa-machi, Hiki-gun Saitama), Tochigi Factory (Moka, Tochigi), Hamamatsu Factory (Hamamatsu, Shizuoka) and Suzuka Factory (Suzuka, Mie).
  • From March 15 through 20, Honda will suspend all production activities at its plants listed above as well as at Kumamoto Factory (Ozu-machi, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto).
  • From March 14 through 20, Honda will suspend regular operations at all Honda facilities in the Tochigi area, where damage was more serious, and focus on the recovery of each operation. Honda associates will not come to work during this time at those facilities, including Tochigi Factory, Honda R&D Co., Ltd., R&D Center and Honda Engineering Co., Ltd.
  • Honda is cooperating with electricity conservation efforts and rolling blackout measures, prioritizing the relief and recovery of affected areas.
  • 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.

North American Operations
Honda has confirmed the wellbeing of all Honda associates on assignment in Japan from North America.
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.

The following vehicles we build in North America are supported 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

Honda is assessing the long-term impact on Honda auto production in North America, since some auto parts are supplied from Japan.

We currently have adequate inventory of products supplied from Japan, both in inventory and in transit 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.

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