Bangkok, Feb 6, 2013 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (HATC), Honda's automobile production and sales subsidiary in Thailand, today announced plans to build a new automobile production plant with an annual production capacity of 120,000 units. The new plant will be located within the property that Honda newly acquired in Prachinburi Province (approximately 120km east of Bangkok).

With an investment of approximately 17.15 billion baht (approximately 44.6 billion yen*), including acquisition of the land and construction of the automobile assembly and engine plant, the new plant is scheduled to become operational in 2015 with initial employment of approximately 1,200 associates (excluding seasonal). HATC will strive to establish a highly efficient production system at the new plant through various efforts including shortening of production processes and introduction of latest production technologies including new painting and welding equipment. HATC is planning to produce primarily small and sub-compact sized vehicles at the new plant, for which demand is increasing on a global basis.

Furthermore, annual production capacity of HATC's existing plant in Ayutthaya is increased from 240,000 to 280,000 units as of the end of January 2013, through the addition and upgrading of the existing facilities and equipment. HATC is planning to make an additional investment to increase the annual production capacity of the existing plant to 300,000 units in 2014. Combined with the capacity of the new plant, HATC's total annual production capacity will be increased to 420,000 units in 2015.

Envisioning the continuous growth of the small car market in Thailand and exports to ASEAN, Oceania, the Middle & Near East, Africa and Caribbean countries, HATC will increase its production capacity while also enhancing its product lineup.

* Calculated with an exchange rate of 1 baht = 2.6 yen

About Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Established:          December 2000 
Capital Investment:   5.46 billion baht 
Capitalization Ratio: 75.94% Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
                      13.05% Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
                      11.01% Others 
Representative:       Hiroshi Kobayashi/President 
Location:             Ayutthaya Province, Thailand 
Business Areas:       Production and sales of automobiles 
Production Models:    Brio, Brio Amaze, Jazz (known as Fit in Japan),
                      Jazz Hybrid, City, City CNG, Civic, Accord, CR-V 
Production Capacity:  280,000 units per year 
Employment:           Approximately 4,100 associates (excl. seasonal) 

About Honda

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (TSE:7267/NYSE:HMC/LSE:HNDA.L) 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.



Source: Honda

Contact:

Honda
Media Inquiries
corporate_pr@hm.honda.co.jp
+81-3-5412-1512

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