Form 6-K for April 2003
Table of Contents

 


 

No.1-7628

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 


 

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

FOR THE MONTH OF April 2003

 


 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 1-07628

HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA

(Name of registrant)

 


 

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

1-1, Minami-Aoyama 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8556, Japan

(Address of principal executive officers)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

 

Form 20-F     *        Form 40-F             

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):         

 

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):             

 

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Yes              No             

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):82-            

 


 


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Contents

 

Exhibit 1:

 

On April 1, 2003 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that Honda Motorcycle R&D China Co., Ltd. started to conduct motorcycle research and development activities in China. (Ref. #C03-21)

 

Exhibit 2:

 

On April 14, 2003 Honda Europe Motorcycle S.R.L. began imports of the India-manufactured low-price LEAD scooter, with sales in Europe to commence first in Germany, with later expansion to include Italy, France and other countries. (Ref. #C03-23)

 

Exhibit 3:

 

On April 15, 2003 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. began construction of a new Wako head office building on the site of the former Wako Engine Plant. When completed in summer 2004, Honda will transfer a number of functions from the current head office in Aoyama to the new Wako building. (Ref. #C03-024)

 

Exhibit 4:

 

On April 16, 2003 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of a new SUV, the Element, featuring a strikingly original exterior look that delivers new value with its center-pillarless body construction, freestyle door arrangement on both sides, highly water-resistant interior, and cargo space to accommodate a ten-foot-long surf board. (Ref. #A03-020)

 

Exhibit 5:

 

On April 18, 2003 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the introduction of the XR250 Motard, a new sport bike equipped with an easy-to-manage, powerful, air-cooled single-cylinder 250cc 4-stroke engine that delivers exceptional on-road driving performance. (Ref. #M03-023)

 

Exhibit 6:

 

On April 21, 2003 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it introduced a newly revamped corporate governance system in order to further enhance the trust, which Honda developed with its customers, society and shareholders with objective of becoming “a company that society wants to exist.” (Ref. #C03-025)

 

Exhibit 7:

 

On April 22, 2003 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that Takeo Fukui would become the company’s sixth President and Chief Executive Officer effective in late June 2003. (Ref. #C03-026)

 

Exhibit 8:

 

On April 22, 2003 Honda Automoveis do Brasil LTDA., the automobile production and sales operation of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., in Brazil, announced the production and sale of the Fit in Brazil. (Ref. #C03-026)

 

Exhibit 9:

 

On April 24, 2003 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. introduced its updated “Vamos” small utility vehicle and added “Vamos Hobio” and special “Vamos Hobio Travel Dog Version” to the line-up. (Ref. #A03-022)

 

Exhibit 10:

 

On April 24, 2003 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that global production increased 2.9% in March over the same month in 2002, bringing total production for the fiscal year ending March 2003 to 2,961,760 units, a 9.9% increase over the last year fiscal year and a new all-time record. (Ref. #C03-028)

 

Exhibit 11:

 

On April 25, 2003 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced its consolidated financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003.

 

Exhibit 12:

 

Notice of board of director’s meeting which was scheduled to hold on April 25, 2003.

 


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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

HONDA GIKEN KOGYO

KABUSHIKI KAISHA

( HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD )

/s/    Satoshi Aoki


Satoshi Aoki

Senior Managing and

Representative Director

 

Date: May 16, 2003

 

 


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Ref: C03-21

 

Honda Starts Operation of Motorcycle R&D Facility in China

 

Tokyo, April 1, 2003—Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that Honda Motorcycle R&D China Co., Ltd. had started to conduct motorcycle research and development activities in China. This is the first R&D facility wholly owned by a Japanese motorcycle manufacturer to start operations in China.

 

Honda Motorcycle R&D China Co., Ltd. is located on a 115,000m2 site in Songjiang, Shanghai, and includes a 400m straight test course, which, among other purposes, will be used to carry out measurements of road surface noise to comply with ISO standards. This facility will enable Honda to subject motorcycles to various conditions during the development phase enabling it to meet the various needs of customers in China.

 

In 2002, the Chinese motorcycle market exceeded the 10 million-unit level and is currently the largest in the world. Honda has three joint-venture companies in China: Wuyang-Honda Motors (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., Jialing-Honda Motors Co., Ltd. and Sundiro Honda Motorcycle Co., Ltd. Their combined sales reached a total of 915,000 units in 2002, an increase of 113.0% compared with the previous year, mainly through the expansion of domestic sales of low-priced models.

 

Through the local establishment of a speedy and highly efficient system encompassing all functions from research and development to the production of motorcycles, Honda will be able to react more rapidly to market changes and provide products that meet the needs of customers.

 

 

 

<Outline of Honda Motorcycle R&D China Co., Ltd.>

 

President:

  

Mr. Tsuyoshi Iiga

Location:

  

Songjiang Industry Zone, Shanghai

Capital:

  

US $17 million

Capitalization Ratio:

  

Honda R&D Co., Ltd.: 100%

Operational plan:

  

Research and development of motorcycles

Established:

  

February 2002

 


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Ref:C03-23

 

Honda Begins European Sales of LEAD Scooter Made in India.

 

Tokyo, April 14, 2003—Honda Europe Motorcycle S.R.L. has begun imports of the India-manufactured low-price LEAD scooter, with sales in Europe to commence first in Germany,with later expansion to include Italy, France and other countries.

 

The LEAD, equipped with an air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder 100cc engine, features clean and quiet performance, with stylish design. The model is manufactured by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (Private) Ltd. and will be sold at a price of 1,640 euros (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) – equivalent to that of motorcycles in the 50cc class.

 

Annual unit sales are forecast at 12,500 units.

 

Last November, prior to marketing the LEAD in Europe, Honda began sales in Greece of the 125cc step-through scooter INNOVA, manufactured by Thai Honda Mfg. Co., Ltd., and later introduced the model in other countries. This year, Honda plans to increase the number of models exported from countries other than Japan from the existing about 20 models at the end of 2002 to over 30 models, including the LEAD, through the use of Honda’s Global Supply Network.

 

 

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Honda LEAD (European Version)

 

Specifications-LEAD

 

·    L x W x H (m):

  

1.845 x 0.710 x 1.110

·    Engine type:

  

Air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder

·    Displacement:

  

102.1cm3

·    Manufacturing location:

  

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (Private) Ltd.

 


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C03-024

 

Honda to Begin Construction of Additional Head Office;

New Environmentally Friendly Building Based on Site of Former Wako Plant

 

Tokyo, April 15, 2003—Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will begin construction of a new Wako head office building April 16, 2003 on the site of the former Wako Engine Plant. When completed in summer 2004, Honda will transfer a number of functions from the current head office in Aoyama to the new Wako building.

 

The first floor of the unique new six-story Wako head office will occupy 14,700m2 and the “environmentally friendly” building will also incorporate the needs of physically challenged associates. When the new building opens in 2004, both the Aoyama and Wako centers will function as head offices – the precise functions and responsibilities to be based at each location are still being finalized.

 

The new “mid-rise” building will have a simple appearance with the priority on offering high functionality while projecting an advanced image. Importantly, the new head office is designed to harmonize with the building’s green surroundings, as well as the surrounding neighborhood.

 

A number of environmentally friendly attributes will be incorporated into the building, including a cooling system utilizing ambient air, extensive use of natural light, the use of rainwater and the reuse of wastewater, as well as positive application of natural energy including use of solar panels. These efforts will contribute to a reduction in energy consumption.

 

Further, a creative plan will be implemented for building construction. The Wako head office will have no basement, with the surplus soil from the construction work to be reused within the site. The cumulative effect of this construction plan and the unique environmentally friendly features of the building’s design will serve to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions during the complete life cycle of the building from construction, use and ultimately, disposal.

 

By incorporating input from physically challenged associates, the facility will feature a practical design for a universal working environment where wheel chair-bound associates will be able to work efficiently and cooperatively with their able-bodied partners.

 

With the design of ample open space around the building, coupled with an emergency power supply and food supply, the new building also will function as an evacuation center both for Honda associates and neighboring residents in the event of a disaster.

 

The Wako Engine Plant operated from June 1953 to June 2002, ceasing auto engine production last year as part of Honda’s strategy to achieve more synchronous production of vehicles and engines. Responsibility for production and assembly of engines on the Wako Plant’s four lines was transferred to two lines at a new engine plant adjacent to the automobile vehicle assembly plant at the Saitama Factory in Sayama.

 


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ref. #A03-020

 

Honda Introduces the Element — An SUV that Delivers New Value

 

April 16, 2003—Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the release of a new SUV*1, the Element, featuring a strikingly original exterior look that delivers new value with its center-pillarless body construction, freestyle door arrangement on both sides, highly water-resistant interior, and cargo space to accommodate a ten-foot-long surf board. The Element will go on sale April 18th at Honda Verno dealers throughout Japan.

 

The Element greets users with an inviting sense of spaciousness as soon as they open the door, and wraps them in a comfortable interior environment once they are inside and the doors are closed. The Honda Element is an SUV designed according to a lifeguard station*2 motif, a familiar object among youthful Americans who seek a free and active lifestyle.

 

The use of large-section structural materials and reinforced joints yields high body rigidity, despite the elimination of center pillars in its construction. The Element also employs a hook-and-catch system to prevent doors from impinging on the cabin area in the event of a side collision. This safety feature is combined with Honda’s original G-Con (G Force Control) Technology to assure exceptional collision safety performance.

 

The 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC engine and 4-speed automatic transmission generate smooth, powerful performance with excellent fuel economy. The Element also delivers outstanding environmental performance, meeting both Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport requirements for Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicles (ULEV)and fuel efficiency standards for 2010.

 

The Honda Element was developed by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., and built at the East Liberty Auto Plant of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. (Ohio, USA) for import to Japan.

 

*1   SUV: Sport Utility Vehicle

 

*2   Lifeguard Station: A lookout station on a beach used by lifeguards employed to protect bathers and surfers.

 

   

LOGO

Element

      

 

 

*About the Model Name:   The Element is named after the four basic “elements” -earth, air, fire and water-that make up the physical world. For those who wish to lead a free and independent lifestyle, this vehicle is meant to be as essential for existence as the elements from which it gets its name.

 

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l   Monthly domestic sales target: 1,000 units

 

l   Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (consumption tax not included; units: ¥1,000)

 

Type


  

Engine


  

Transmission


  

Drive


  

Price


Element

  

2.4l DOHC i-VTEC

  

4-speed automatic

  

4WD

  

2,590

 

¦    Body Colors (five in all):

 

Sunset Orange Pearl (new color); Satin Silver Metallic; Nighthawk Black Pearl; Galapagos Green Metallic; Shoreline Beige Metallic

 

l   Main Features of the Honda Element

 

Distinctively designed around a concept of freedom

 

  Element’s original design gives an impression of toughness and simplicity. Taking its cue from a lifeguard station motif, it expresses a sense of the open space conveyed by sea and sky, as well as the feeling of freedom that goes with spending your leisure time as you please. Instead of paint, the floor is coated with a new, highly scratch-resistant plastic finish; which expresses both functionality and individuality.
  The instrument panel, which is designed along horizontal lines, houses an independent three-meter cluster containing cone-shaped meters with a wristwatch look. The instruments, large air vents, and other components are arranged independently to create a distinctive layout.
  Body colors are selected around a theme of colors found in the natural world. There are five variations to choose from, including the new Sunset Orange Pearl. There is also a selection of three interior / seat color patterns to go with the body colors.

 

 

Robust body construction with a wide-open design

  The center-pillarless body construction and freestyle door arrangement on both sides yields a large door opening area 1,140mm high*3and 1,550mm wide*3. The rear side access doors employ a goose-neck type hinge that allows a door opening angle of 90 degrees, for easy loading and unloading of especially large or long objects.
  The clamshell tailgate facilitates effortless cargo loading. The lower gate also folds down to seat two adults, while the upper section provides shade and protection from the weather.
  Despite the center-pillarless design, the use of large-section materials, joint reinforcements, and other measures results in exceptional body rigidity.
  *3   Honda in-house measurements

 

 

Tough and flexible utility for the most demanding of users

  A plastic tank combined with rear suspension layout and other structural measures are employed to achieve a low, flat floor design that opens up ample stowage space, while sliding rear seats equipped with a flip-up mechanism permit a variety of seating arrangements.
  The Element incorporates a wipeable floor that lets users stow dirty gear without having to worry about cleanup, along with waterproof seat coverings and a water-repellent roof lining that can be wiped dry. These features combine to facilitate an active lifestyle.

 

 

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Driving performance

  The 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC engine and 4-speed automatic transmission achieve powerful torque, high fuel economy, and low exhaust emissions. The suspension is designed for an optimum balance of responsiveness and stability. Real-time 4WD distributes optimal drive power to all wheels in response to driving conditions, yielding powerful performance on any surface.
  The Element also assures excellent maneuverability with a minimum turning radius of just 5.2 meters.

 

 

Safety   performance
  Honda’s original G-CON (G-force Control) technology is incorporated to create a new body with a crash safety design that is among the best in the world. It can protect vehicle occupants in a 55km/h full-frontal collision, a 64km/h front offset collision, a 55km/h side collision, and a 50km/h rear collision.
  To further improve safety in real-world collisions, Honda has implemented its own vehicle-to-vehicle collision testing program*4 with its own independently-established research standards.
  The Element’s side frame ends are fitted with compatibility brackets to ensure that the frontal impact absorbing area is the same height as that of the other vehicle in a frontal collision. Consideration is given to efficiently absorbing the crash energy of both vehicles during a collision.
  The vehicle body employs an impact-absorbing designto reduce head and leg injuries to pedestrians during a vehicle-pedestrian accident. The interior is designed to protect occupants’ heads in a collision, and front-row seats are also designed to alleviate shocks to the neck. These and other measures assure a high level of crash safety that reduces injuries in real-world accident situations for occupants and pedestrians alike.
  *4   Testing involves a 50% front offset collision with a 2-ton class passenger car, both vehicles traveling at 50km/h.

 

 

Environmental Performance

  Atmospheric pollutants (HC and NOx) in the exhaust gas are dramatically reduced. The Element clears government emissions regulations for the year 2000 by more than 75%, earning it Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport certification as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV).
  High-efficiency combustion technologies achieve a low fuel consumption of 10.6 km/L*5, which complies with government regulations for fuel economy for 2010.
  Most interior injection-molded parts are made of olefin resin for superior recyclability. This and other measures result in an overall vehicle recyclability of over 90%*6.
  Aluminised radiator and heater cores, ceramic glass brake pads, and other measures have resulted in a reduction in the amount of lead used to one third of 1996 levels.
  *5   Fuel consumption when driven in 10-15 mode. (Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport figures.)
  *6   According to independent Honda measurement standards

 

Publicity information for the Elementis available from the following URL:

http://www.honda.co.jp/PR/

(This site is intended solely for the use of journalists.)

 

 

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ref. #M03-023

 

Honda Launches the New XR250 Motard Sport Bike

 

April 18, 2003—Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the introduction of the XR250 Motard, a new sport bike equipped with an easy-to-manage, powerful, air-cooled single-cylinder 250cc 4-stroke engine that delivers exceptional on-road driving performance. The XR250 Motard goes on sale Saturday, April 26th.

 

The XR250 Motard is based on the XR250 off-road sport bike that underwent a model change in February this year. This new on-road sport model has 17-inch aluminum wheels (front/rear) and road tires, giving the bike a “Super Motard”* image.

 

These modifications assure the XR250 Motard nimble handling and improved maneuverability when riding around town. The bike features a black body color scheme emphasizing a powerful look that will appeal to street bikers, who ride mainly in urban areas.

 

l    Bodycolor: Black

 

* Super Motard:    A   bike race that has recently become popular, mainly in Europe, featuring off-road bikes with small-diameter wheels and on-road tires that compete for speed over asphalt and dirt surfaces.

 

    

LOGO

XR250 Motard

      

 

l    Annual domestic sales target: 1,000 units

l    Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (consumption tax not included): ¥519,000

 

(Example of regionally adjusted manufacturer’s suggested retail price: Okinawa +8,000 yen. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is for reference only. Similar adjustments may be made in other regions.)

 

Publicity photographs and materials for the XR250 Motard are available at the following URL:

http:// www.honda.co.jp/PR/

(The site is intended exclusively for the use of journalists.)

 

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=Main Features of the XR250 Motard=

 

 

l   Powerful and dynamic exterior design
  The XR250 Motard is fitted with 3.00x17-inch and 3.50x17-inch (front/rear) wide-rim wheels equipped with 110/70-17 and 130/70-17 (front/rear) wide on-road tires. The combination of small wheels and long-stroke suspension achieves a striking, new exterior design. The sharp looking tank shroud and upswept design of the rear fender augment the bike’s dynamic appearance. The exterior expresses an overall feeling of power by virtue of its black body color highlighted with silver stripes.

 

 

l   Combination of off-road bike design and small-diameter on-road tires generates a fresh handling feel
  Combining a slim, lightweight off-road bike design with small diameter on-road tires provides comfortable handling distinguished by on-road agility and a tenacious road-holding feel.

 

 

l   Inverted front forks for exceptional handling stability and ride comfort
  The front suspension employs a 43mm diameter inverted cartridge type fork tube, achieving both comfortable handling and outstanding shock absorption.

 

 

l   Seat designed for comfort
  The two-tone black and gray seat features a slim design to facilitate rider body movements, together with a broad rider contact patch for assured comfort. Seat height is set 20mm lower than on the base XR250 model, enabling riders to assume an optimal position for on-road use.

 

 

l   Digital CDI unit ensures optimal ignition timing
  A digital CDI unit is employed for high-precision ignition timing optimally matched to throttle opening. Digital CDI boosts power at low throttle openings, giving riders easier control of the engine.

 

 

l   Effective anti-theft equipment
  Anti-theft protection includes a sturdy combination lock ignition key cylinder and pre-wiring for an alarm kit*, sold separately.

 

  *   The alarm kit consists of an anti-theft system that sounds an alarm if the bike is rocked or moved.

 

 

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Specifications

 

Model Name

      

XR250 Motard

Model Type

      

Honda BA-MD30

L x W x H

  

(m)

 

2.110×0.790×1.150

Wheelbase

  

(m)

 

1.425

Ground Clearance

  

(m)

 

0.240

Seat Height

  

(m)

 

0.855

Vehicle Weight

  

(Kg)

 

134

Dry Weight

  

(Kg)

 

120

Number of Riders

      

2

Min. Turning Radius

  

(m)

 

2.2

Engine Type

      

MD17E (air-cooled 4-stroke OHC single-cylinder)

Displacement

  

(cm3)

 

249

Bore x Stroke

  

(mm)

 

73.0×59.5

Compression Ratio

      

9.3:1

Maximum Power

  

(kW[PS]/rpm)

 

21[28]/8,000

Maximum Torque

  

(N•m[kg•m]/rpm)

 

25[2.6]/7,000

Fuel Consumption

  

(km/l)

 

40.0 (60 km/h low-altitude driving)

Carburetor Type

      

VE88

Starting

      

Self-starting type

Ignition

      

CDI battery ignition

Lubrication System

      

Pressure feed (dry sump)

Fuel Tank Capacity

  

(l)

 

9.7

Clutch

      

Wet-type, multi-plate and coil spring

Gearbox

      

Constant mesh, 6-speed return

Gear Ratio

        

1st

      

2.769

2nd

      

1.882

3rd

      

1.380

4th

      

1.083

5th

      

0.923

6th

      

0.814

Differential (primary/secondary)

 

3.100/3.000

Castor Angle (degrees)/Trail (mm)

 

25°15´/71

Tire Size

        

Front

      

110/70-17 M/C 54H

Rear

      

130/70-17 M/C 62H

Braking System

        

Front

      

Hydraulic disc

Rear

      

Hydraulic disc

Suspension

        

Front

      

Telescopic

Rear

      

Swing arm (Pro-Link)

Frame

      

Semi double cradle

 


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C03-025

 

Honda to Establish New Corporate Governance System

 

Tokyo, April 21, 2003—Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced today that it is introducing a newly revamped corporate governance system in order to further enhance the trust, which Honda has developed with its customers, society, and shareholders with the objective of becoming “a company that society wants to exist.”

 

In order to promote future global business expansion, Honda will accelerate the delegation of authority and the self-reliance of its regional operations, restructure its business management organization, establish an action guide and renew its compliance and risk management systems.

 

¨    Restructuring of Business Management Organization

            Strengthening of Board of Directors

  ·   At today’s board meeting, a resolution was passed in favor of a proposal to establish an “Assets and Loan Management Committee” which will enable agile decision-making inareas such as important capital investment.

 

            Strengthening of Board of Auditors

  ·   Two outside auditors will be appointed at the General Meeting of Shareholders to be held in June of this year. This will result in two of the four auditors being outside auditors, thereby enhancing the independence of the auditors’ board.
  ·   An “Auditors Office,” was established in April, to serve immediately under the Board of Auditors for the purpose of providing support.
  ·   Supervision of the Board of Auditors will be bolstered in regards to the assignment, remuneration, non-auditing functions and other matters related to accounting auditors

 

¨    Establishment of Action Guide

  ·   “Honda Conduct Guideline”, a guide providing direction concerning consistency in a wide range of corporate affairs and activities, to be utilized throughout the Honda organization, was established in April.

 

¨    Renewal of Compliance and Risk Management System (April 2003)

  ·   A system has been established whereby each Honda organization, under the lead of the director in charge, will be able to deal with matters of legal compliance and risk management in a systematic manner while enabling verification of such situations on a regular basis.
  ·   A Risk Management Officer has been appointed to serve as a director in charge of overseeing risk management.
  ·   A Compliance Officer has been appointed to serve as a director responsible for legal compliance.
  ·   A Business Ethics Committee, consisting of directors, has been established to serve as an organization to deliberate matters of corporate ethics and legal compliance.
  ·   An Ethics Proposal Line has been established, which will receive suggestions concerning corporate ethics and serve as a link to actual execution of improvements.

 


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C03-026

 

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Announces New President and CEO

 

Tokyo, April 22, 2003—Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that Takeo Fukui will become the company’s sixth President and Chief Executive Officer effective in late June 2003. Fukui, 58, currently a Senior Managing and Representative Director, will succeed Hiroyuki Yoshino, 63, who will assume the post of Director and Advisor to Honda Motor Co. This management succession will occur following the final decision of the Honda Motor Board of Directors after the company’s annual shareholders meeting in late June 2003.

 

Fukui brings a vast 34 years of experience with Honda to his new role, including expertise in research and development, engineering, environmental technology, racing activities and the manufacturing of automobiles, motorcycles and power products.

 

Fukui joined Honda in 1969, after graduating from Waseda University with a B.S. in Applied Chemistry. He started his career at Honda as a member of the Honda project team that developed the Honda CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) engine, which made the Honda Civic the first car to meet the strict emissions standards set by the U.S. Clean Air Act. In 1978, Fukui was transferred to the area of motorcycle racing, where he devoted almost a decade to Honda’s racing success including in the World Grand Prix 500cc class – where Honda won the championship for the first time in 1983.

 

After 19 years with Honda R&D Co., including serving as Managing Director as well as President of Honda Racing Corp., Fukui was appointed to the Board of Directors of Honda Motor Co. in 1988.

 

As Managing Director and later as Senior Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Fukui assumed the entire responsibility for motorcycle development from 1987 to 1992. In 1992, he became General Manager of the Hamamatsu Factory – a production facility with one of the most complex product mixes of any Honda factory in the world, including motorcycles, power products and auto transmissions.

 

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From 1994 to 1998, he served as Executive Vice President and later as President of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. in Ohio, where production volume significantly expanded under his tenure in order to meet increasing customer demand for Honda products in the North American market. In 1998, Fukui was named President of Honda R&D Co., his current post, and promoted to Senior Managing Director of Honda Motor Co. in 1999 with the additional responsibility for Honda’s motorsports activities, including Formula One Grand Prix racing.

 

Yoshino has served as Honda’s fifth CEO since assuming the position in June 1998. He has been with Honda more than 40 years, including the past five years as President and CEO. Under Yoshino’s strong leadership, Honda has expanded its global business from 10 million customers in 1998 to more than 15 million customers in 2002 while creating two new autonomous regional operations in South America and China. The company also has continued to advance its technological leadership, including the introduction of two gas-electric hybrid vehicles, the “FCX” fuel cell vehicle and ASIMO, the world’s first bi-pedal humanoid robot. Significantly, over the past four years, Honda has innovated its global manufacturing operations to the flexible “New Manufacturing System” that enables Honda to quickly and flexibly respond to changes in the marketplace on a global basis.

 

Yoshino joined Honda in 1963 as an engineer. In 1969, he became the first Honda R&D engineer assigned to the U.S. with the responsibility to work with the U.S. auto industry on the new Clean Air Act. As President of Honda R&D Co. and later Honda Motor Co., he guided the company to a leadership position in meeting both the environmental and safety challenges.

 

Honda is one of the world’s leading producers of mobility products including its line-up of motorcycles, automobiles and power products. This diverse product line-up has made Honda the world’s preeminent engine-maker, with production of more than 15 million engines globally in 2002.

 

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(For your information—This press release was distributed at 11:00am local time in Brazil on April 22nd: 11:00pm Japan time, April 22nd )

 

C03-026

 

Sales of Locally Produced Honda Fit to begin in Brazil

 

Brazil, April 22, 2003—Honda Automoveis do Brasil LTDA., the automobile production and sales operation of Honda Motor Co. Ltd., in Brazil, today announced the production and sale of the Fit in Brazil. The Fit is the second Honda model to be manufactured and sold locally following production of the Civic, which started in 1997. Local distribution of the Fit starts on April 22nd, with a first year sales target of 25,000 units.

 

After being chosen as the Japan Car of the Year in 2001, the Fit claimed the title of Best Selling Car in 2002, its first full year of sales in the Japanese market. The Fit has become widely popular overseas as well and is now sold in 60 countries around the world. After Japan, Brazil is the second production location for the Fit. Currently, the local parts procurement ratio in Brazil for the Fit exceeds 70%. The new project in Brazil represents a U.S. $150 million investment including expansion of the production capacity from 30,000 to 50,000 units. The number of production staff has also been increased by 25% to approximately 1,000. Future plans call for exports to Argentine, Bolivia, Chili, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and other South American countries.

 

Honda’s newly developed Global Small Platform is the key to the Fit’s appeal. This platform allows for a center tank layout where the fuel tank is placed forward toward the center of the vehicle and a short front nose design and compact front and rear suspension provide extra cabin space along with an exceptionally low floor and a wide variety of seating arrangements. In addition to world-leading safety and environment-friendliness, the Fit exceeds customer expectations in performance, fuel efficiency, driving pleasure, and style.

 

Due to economic and political uncertainty, the Brazilian market has contracted from a peak of 1.57 million units in 1997 to 1.23 million last year. Despite this slowdown, however, opportunities for growth in the small car segment have led Honda to introduce the Fit as part of its plan to rapidly increase sales in the Brazilian market.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Outline of the Fit

 

Engine

  

:     80-horsepower 1.4-liter i-DSI

Transmission

  

:     CVT / 5-speed manual

 

Equipment:

LX:   Air conditioner, driver-side airbag, audio, alarm, power windows, power door locks, power door mirrors.
LXL:   Same as LX plus aluminum alloy wheels, passenger-side airbag, ABS (Antilock Brake System), EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution)

 

Price: (1R$ = approx. ¥40)

    

LX (MT)

  

R$33,960

LX (CVT)

  

R$37,500

LXL (MT)

  

R$36,600

LXL (CVT)

  

R$39,980

 

Outline of Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda.

 

Established

  

: May, 1996

Capital Investment

  

: Approx. R$803 million

Capitalization

  

: Honda South America Ltda. 100%

Location

  

: Sumare, Sao Paolo

Representative

  

: Tetsuo Iwamura, President (as of April 1, 2003)

Number of Employees

  

: Approx. 1,000

Start of Production

  

: August, 1997 (Civic 4Dr)

Products

  

: Civic 4Dr, Fit

Production Capacity

  

: 50,000 units/year (as of April, 2003)

 

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Table of Contents

 

LOGO

ref. #A03-022

 

Honda Updates its “Vamos” Small Utility Vehicle

and adds “Vamos Hobio”, and special “Vamos

Hobio Travel Dog Version” to the Line-up

 

Tokyo, April 24, 2003—Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today introduced its updated “Vamos” small utility vehicle. Now boasting further improved equipment and quality, it will be available at Primo dealerships starting Friday, April 25.

 

The “Vamos Hobio”, featuring both a roomy interior and a hobby-oriented multi-purpose cargo area, has been added to the line-up for sale starting April 25. In addition, a special limited edition specifically designed for families with dogs, called the “Travel Dog Version”, will be available starting Friday, May 9.

 

LOGO

Vamos L Type

 

LOGO

Vamos Hobio L Type

 

l   Monthly Domestic Sales Target:            Series Total 4,000 units

 

l   Vamos

Major Areas of Enhancement

 

    New 12-inch aluminum wheel design (L Type)
    AM/FM tuner and MD/CD player (with built-in clock) + 2 front tweeters and 2 speakers (standard on L Type, Turbo*1)
    AM/FM tuner and CD Player (with built-in clock) + 2 front tweeters and 2 speakers (standard on M Type*1)
    Radio wave-type keyless entry system with welcome lamp and new answering back headlight function (M Type)
    Newly designed seat and door lining material
    4 new exterior colors (Purplish Blue Metallic, Brilliant White Pearl, Grace Silver Metallic, Storm Silver Metallic) for a total of 10 colors to choose from

 

  *   1 Less Audio (2 front tweeters and 2 speakers only) option available

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

l   Vamos Hobio

Distinctive Features

  ¦  High roof (105mm higher than Vamos) for increased cargo space

 

  ¦   4 different types of reusable nuts and hooks (described below) are distributed on the sides and floor of the cargo area to help owners arrange the space to best fit their lifestyles and hobbies.
    28 “utility nuts” (32 on the Pro Type) are distributed around the cargo area sidewalls, allowing the fitting of 6mm bolts without the necessity of perforating the body.
    Attachment hooks are fitted in 4 locations for increased versatility. A wrench and a bag are also provided.
    Utility hooks that can be used as convenience hooks or rope hooks are fitted in 8 locations on both L Type and Turbo models. These utility hooks are detachable and can also be exchanged for utility nuts.
    4 tie-down hooks are also fitted in the cargo area in order to hold in place heavier objects.
  ¦   Wipeable mats for easy removal of dirt and stains are available as a factory option to protect the cargo room floor and the back of the rear seat.
  ¦   Water-repellant seat and door lining material
  ¦   Presence-enhancing large-sized front grille and front/rear bumpers
  ¦   Also available in commercial vehicle Pro Type version featuring a one-piece rear seat and a flat floor cargo area

 

 

l   “Vamos Hobio Travel Dog”

Limited Edition

 

Based on the Vamos Hobio in both L Type and Turbo form, this model was developed from ideas suggested by members of Honda’s “Travel Dog”*2 website community, featuring equipment specially designed for dog owners and their dogs. Orders will be accepted over a limited period of time extending to October 31, 2003.

 

  *2   The “Travel Dog” website was created in November 2001 to help customers treat their dogs as full members of the family, including in regard to car use. This website provides information on cafés, restaurants and lodging facilities accepting pets as well as ideas from other registered members on traveling with their favorite pet. (http://www.travel-dog.com/, Japanese-language only)

 

 

Distinctive Features

  Wipeable door linings for easy removal of dog hair and saliva
  Wipeable mats for easy removal of dirt and stains
  Specially designed floor mats treated to fight bacteria, odors, and mites
  Rear heater to warm the rear seats efficiently in cold weather
  Tote bag for walking the dog
  Specially designed stickers
  Specially designed color-coded attachment hooks
  Specially designed color-coded utility hooks

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

l   Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (excluding consumption tax, units of 1,000 yen)

Vamos

 

¦ Type used in photo

 

Type


  

Engine


  

Transmission


    

Drive


    

Price x 1000 yen


 

M

       

5MT

    

2WD

    

1,124

   
       

3AT

         

1,188

   
       

5MT

    

4WD

    

1,244

   
       

4AT

         

1,318

   

L

  

3-cylinder 660cc SOHC

  

5MT

    

2WD

    

1,204

   
       

3AT

         

1,268

 

¦

       

5MT

    

4WD

    

1,324

   
       

4AT

         

1,398

   

Turbo

       

4AT

    

2WD

    

1,408

   
            

4WD

    

1,528

   

 

v    Brilliant White Pearl = + 20,000 yen

 

  ¦   Main factory options

  •  ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) with Brake-assist and EBD(Electronic Brake Distribution)    (M,L Types)

  

40,000 yen

  •  Rear Heater (2WD)

  

20,000 yen

  •  Less Audio (2 front tweeters and 2 speakers only) (M Type)

  

– 15,000 yen

(L Type, Turbo)

  

– 30,000 yen

  •  S-package (black metallic center panel and assistant panel, checkered pattern, central control panel, checkered pattern meter panel, special interior color (classic grey), special seat color (black/pilled tricot), 3-spoke steering wheel, lowered suspension (front: – 25mm/rear:

    

      – 20mm), 13-inch aluminum wheels + 155/70R13 75S Steel-belted radial tires) (L Type, Turbo)

  

40,000 yen

 

 

Vamos Hobio

 

¦ Type used in photo

 

Type


  

Engine


  

Transmission


    

Drive


    

Price x 1000 yen


 

M

       

5MT

    

2WD

    

1,134

   
       

3AT

         

1,198

   
       

5MT

    

4WD

    

1,254

   
       

4AT

         

1,328

   

L

       

5MT

    

2WD

    

1,224

   
       

3AT

         

1,288

 

¦

       

5MT

    

4WD

    

1,344

   
  

3-cylinder 660cc SOHC

  

4AT

         

1,418

   

Turbo

       

4AT

    

2WD

    

1,428

   
            

4WD

    

1,548

   

Pro

(4-number)

       

5MT

    

2WD

    

1,104

   
       

3AT

         

1,168

   
       

5MT

    

4WD

    

1,224

   
       

4AT

         

1,298

   

 

v    Brilliant White Pearl = + 20,000 yen

v    Pro   (2WD 5MT/3AT, 2WD 5MT) models enjoy preferential tax rates as part of the low emission vehicle promotion program

 

  ¦   Main factory-fitted options

  •  ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) with Brake-assist and EBD(Electronic Brake Distribution)  (M, L Pro Types)

  

40,000 yen

  •  Wipeable mats (cargo area floor, rear seat backrest)

  

15,000 yen

  •  U-package (3-spoke steering wheel, lowered suspension (front: – 25mm/rear: – 20mm), 13-inch steel wheels with center cap +155/70R13 75S Steel-belted radial tires) (L Type, Turbo)

  

30,000 yen

  •  13-inch aluminum wheels (set with U-package) (L Type, Turbo)

  

30,000 yen

      Less Audio (2 front tweeters and 2 speakers only) (L Type, Turbo)

  

– 30,000 yen

 

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Table of Contents

 

Vamos Hobio “Travel Dog Version”

 

Type


  

Engine


  

Transmission


    

Drive


    

Price x 1000 yen


L

       

5MT

    

2WD

    

1,274

       

3AT

         

1,338

  

3-cylinder 660cc SOHC

  

5MT

    

4WD

    

1,374

     

4AT

         

1,448

Turbo

       

4AT

    

2WD

    

1,478

            

4WD

    

1,578

 

v    Brilliant White Pearl = + 20,000 yen

 

  ¦   Main factory-fitted options

  •  ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) with Brake-assist and EBD(Electronic Brake Distribution) (L Type)

  

40,000 yen

  •  U-package (3-spoke steering wheel, lowered suspension (front: – 25mm/rear: – 20mm), 13-inch steel wheels with center cap +155/7013 75S Steel-belted radial tires)

  

30,000 yen

  •  13-inch aluminum wheels (set option with U-package)

  

30,000 yen

  •  Less Audio (2 front tweeters and 2 speakers only)

  

– 30,000 yen

 

Publicity photographs and materials for the Vamos, Vamos Hobio, and Vamos Hobio Travel Dog Version are available at the following URL: http:// www.honda.co.jp/PR/

(The site is intended exclusively for the use of journalists.)

 

-4-


Table of Contents

 

LOGO

 

 

(NOTE : This release is embargoed until 11:30 a.m., April 24)

C03-028

 

HONDA GLOBAL PRODUCTION FOR FISCAL YEAR SETS NEWS RECORD

 

April 24, 2003—Honda Motor Co., Ltd., announced today that global production increased 2.9% in March over the same month in 2002 bringing total production for the fiscal year ending March 2003 to 2,961,760 units, a 9.9% increase over the last year fiscal year and a new all-time record.

 

Although Japan production was down 22%, overseas production grew 27.6% over March 2002. It was the 27th consecutive month of growth.

 

Domestic sales were down 6.5% in March. The Fit again was the best-seller for Honda, and the best-selling vehicle in Japan for the month, totaling 32,430 units. Honda’s Life mini-vehicle (18,751 units) and Accord (6,529 units) were Honda’s other best-sellers for the month.

 

Overall, mini vehicle sales were down 20.7% in March, while passenger car and light truck sales were off 0.4%.

 

Export shipments from Japan in March were up 2.2%, mainly because of increased shipments to Europe.

 

 

 

HONDA PRODUCTION, SALES AND EXPORTS—MARCH 2003

 

 

 

PRODUCTION

 

      

March


      

Annual Total —  2003


      

Fiscal Year **  Total


 
      

Units


    

vs.3/02


      

Units


    

vs.2002


      

Units


    

vs.’02 FY


 

Domestic (CBU+CKD)

    

97,902

    

-22.0

%

    

309,129

    

-10.0

%

    

1,351,963

    

+2.8

%

Overseas (CBU only)

    

161,085

    

+27.6

%

    

465,309

    

+26.3

%

    

1,609,797

    

+16.8

%

Worldwide Total*

    

258,987

    

+2.9

%

    

774,438

    

+8.8

%

    

2,961,760

    

+9.9

%

 

*except overseas CKD

**(04/2002~03/2003)

 

REGIONAL PRODUCTION

 

      

March


      

Annual Total —  2003


      

Fiscal Year Total


 
      

Units


    

vs.3/02


      

Units


    

vs.2002


      

Units


    

vs. ‘02 FY


 

North America

    

115,696

    

+23.2

%

    

336,691

    

+20.2

%

    

1,170,399

    

+10.5

%

(USA only)

    

79,979

    

+26.1

%

    

230,916

    

+24.5

%

    

798,134

    

+14.9

%

Europe

    

15,915

    

+5.3

%

    

51,829

    

+22.7

%

    

186,282

    

+42.8

%

Asia

    

24,925

    

+72.5

%

    

63,608

    

+67.2

%

    

212,493

    

+36.1

%

Others

    

4,549

    

+66.5

%

    

13,181

    

+65.5

%

    

40,623

    

+24.4

%

Regional Total

    

161,085

    

+27.6

%

    

465,309

    

+26.3

%

    

1,609,797

    

+16.8

%

 

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Table of Contents

 

SALES

 

Vehicle type

    

March


      

Annual Total —  2003


      

Fiscal Year Total


 
      

Units


      

vs.3/02


      

Units


      

vs.2002


      

Units


      

vs.FY’02


 

Passenger Cars & Light Trucks

    

78,034

 

    

+0.4

%

    

155,258

 

    

-6.9

%

    

602,379

 

    

+0.1

%

(Imports)

    

(2,861

)

    

+135.3

%

    

(5,478

)

    

+103.2

%

    

(12,568

)

    

+25.6

%

Mini Vehicles

    

30,138

 

    

-20.7

%

    

62,039

 

    

-22.4

%

    

270,749

 

    

-6.7

%

Honda Brand TTL

    

108,172

 

    

-6.5

%

    

217,297

 

    

-12.0

%

    

873,128

 

    

-2.1

%

 

 

 

EXPORTS

 

      

March


      

Annual Total —  2003


      

Fiscal Year Total


 
      

Units


    

vs.3/02


      

Units


    

vs.2002


      

Units


    

vs.FY’02


 

North America

    

19,293

    

-16.3

%

    

60,172

    

-14.4

%

    

288,915

    

-0.7

%

(USA only)

    

15,404

    

-22.3

%

    

52,468

    

-16.6

%

    

255,825

    

-4.1

%

Europe

    

7,480

    

+214.4

%

    

33,290

    

+129.1

%

    

91,946

    

+48.5

%

Asia

    

918

    

-62.9

%

    

4,625

    

-25.4

%

    

30,112

    

+6.7

%

Others

    

5,473

    

+20.8

%

    

16,157

    

+23.2

%

    

74,947

    

+59.7

%

Total

    

33,164

    

+2.2

%

    

114,244

    

+9.7

%

    

485,920

    

+13.5

%

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Masaya Nagai

Shigeki Endo

Tatsuya David Iida

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Corporate Communications Division

Telephone:    03-5412-1512

Facsimile:    03-5412-1545

 

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Table of Contents

 

April 25, 2003

 

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. REPORTS

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS

 

FOR THE FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER AND

 

THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2003

 

Tokyo, April 25, 2003 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its consolidated financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003.

 

Fourth Quarter Results

 

Honda’s consolidated net income for the fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2003 totaled a record high, JPY 116.7 billion (USD 971 million), an increase of 9.4% from the same period in 2002. Basic net income per Common Share for the quarter amounted to JPY 120.86 (USD 1.01), compared to JPY 109.51 for the same period in 2002. Two of Honda’s American Depositary Shares represent one Common Share.

 

Unit sales in all Honda’s business categories, namely motorcycles, automobiles and power products, increased for the fiscal fourth quarter and consolidated net sales and other operating revenue (herein referred to as “revenue”) amounted to JPY 2,128.6 billion (USD 17,709 million), an increase of 1.3% over the corresponding period in 2002.

 

Revenue included currency translation effects, which had a negative impact on foreign currency denominated revenue from Honda’s overseas subsidiaries translated into yen.

 

Honda estimates that had the exchange rate of the yen remained unchanged from the same period in 2002, revenue for the quarter would have increased by approximately 7.2%.

 

Consolidated operating income for the fiscal fourth quarter totaled JPY 206.6 billion (USD 1,719 million), an increase of 22.0% compared to the same period in 2002. This increase in operating income was due mainly to higher revenue from strong automobile sales in North America. In addition, Honda’s ongoing cost cutting strategies also contributed to this increase. These positive impacts offset negative impacts, such as appreciation of the yen, increases in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses as well as research and development (R&D) expenses.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Consolidated income before income taxes for the quarter totaled JPY 177.3 billion (USD 1,475 million), an increase of 10.2% from the same period in 2002.

 

With respect to Honda’s sales in the fiscal fourth quarter by business category, motorcycle unit sales increased 18.0% to 2,068,000 units and revenue decreased 12.7%, to JPY 263.0 billion (USD 2,188 million).

 

Honda’s unit sales of automobiles increased by 7.4% to 780,000 units, due primarily to strong sales in North America. As a result, revenue increased 3.0%, to JPY 1,711.1 billion (USD 14,236 million) during the quarter.

 

Unit sales of power products totaled 1,716,000 units, an increase of 20.1% compared to the corresponding period in 2002. Favorable sales of Honda’s general-purpose engines in Europe and North America contributed to this increase. Revenue from other businesses, including the power product business and financial services, increased by 12.0% to JPY 154.4 billion (USD 1,285 million) due mainly to higher revenue from financial services led by favorable automobile sales in North America.

 

Fiscal Year Results

 

Honda’s consolidated net income for the year ended March 31, 2003 set a record high totaling JPY 426.6 billion (USD 3,550 million), an increase of 17.6% from the corresponding period of last year. Basic net income per Common Share for the year amounted to JPY 439.43 (USD 3.66), compared to JPY 372.23 for the corresponding period a year ago.

 

Unit sales of Honda’s motorcycles, automobiles and power products increased and revenue for the year amounted to JPY 7,971.4 billion (USD 66,319 million), an increase of 8.3% from last year.

 

Revenue included negative effect of currency translation, and Honda estimates that had the exchange rate of the yen remained unchanged from the previous year, revenue for the year would have increased by approximately 9.1%.

 

Consolidated operating income for the year totaled JPY 689.4 billion (USD 5,736 million), an increase of 7.8% compared to the corresponding period last year. Higher revenue from the automobile business, Honda’s continuing cost cutting strategies and weaker yen were the major contributing factors in this increase in operating income.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Consolidated income before income taxes for the year totaled JPY 609.7 billion (USD 5,073 million), an increase of 10.6% compared to the previous year.

 

With respect to Honda’s sales for the fiscal year by business category, motorcycle unit sales increased by 32.6% to 8,080,000 units, and revenue increased 3.2% to JPY 978.0 billion (USD 8,137 million). Higher sales in Asia outside Japan mainly contributed to this increase.

 

Honda’s unit sales of automobiles increased by 8.3% to 2,888,000 units, and revenue increased 8.6% to JPY 6,440.0 billion (USD 53,578 million) from the previous fiscal year. Strong sales in North America and Asia outside Japan contributed to this increase in unit sales.

 

Unit sales of power products totaled 4,584,000 units, an increase of 16.8% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. This is due mainly to increased unit sales of general-purpose engine sin Europe and North America. Revenue from other businesses, including power products and financial services, showed a 14.1% increase, amounting to JPY 553.3 billion (USD 4,603 million).

 

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Table of Contents

 

Forecasts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2004

 

Fears of a progressing slowdown in the U.S. economies, and its impact on the global business environment are anticipated to increase, and competition in the Japanese market is expected to intensify amid continuing weak consumer spending. Other global concerns, including Iraqi issues, are also expected to affect the overall global economies. In these circumstances, Honda expects competition in each of its markets to remain challenging. In regard to the forecasts of the financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2004, Honda projects consolidated results as to be below:

 

First half ending September 30, 2003

 

    

In billions of yen


       

Changes from FY 2003


 

Net sales and other operating revenue

  

4,050

       

+5.1

%

Income before income taxes

  

270

       

-1.4

%

Net income

  

195

       

+0.1

%

 

Fiscal year ending March 31, 2004

 

    

In billions of Yen


       

Changes from FY 2003


 

Net sales

  

8,300

       

+4.1

%

Income before income taxes

  

620

       

+1.7

%

Net income

  

440

       

+3.1

%

 

These forecasts are based on the assumption that the exchange rates for the yen to the U.S. dollar and the euro for the current fiscal year will average JPY 116 and JPY 125, respectively.

 

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Honda’s actual results could materially differ from those contained in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors outside of Honda’s control. Such factors include general economic conditions in Honda’s principal markets, and foreign exchange rates between the Japanese yen and other major currencies, as well as other factors detailed from time to time in Honda’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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Table of Contents

 

[1]    Unit Sales Breakdown

 

      

(In thousands of units)


 
      

Three months ended Mar. 31, 2003


      

Three months ended

Mar. 31,2002


      

Year ended Mar. 31, 2003


      

Year ended Mar. 31, 2002


 

MOTORCYCLE BUSINESS

 

                                   

Japan

    

123

 

    

101

 

    

432

 

    

404

 

(motorcycles included above)

    

(123

)

    

(101

)

    

(432

)

    

(404

)

North America

    

170

 

    

190

 

    

610

 

    

590

 

(motorcycles included above)

    

(101

)

    

(101

)

    

(324

)

    

(307

)

Europe

    

92

 

    

96

 

    

305

 

    

315

 

(motorcycles included above)

    

(89

)

    

(94

)

    

(296

)

    

(308

)

Others

    

1,683

 

    

1,365

 

    

6,733

 

    

4,786

 

(motorcycles included above)

    

(1,681

)

    

(1,361

)

    

(6,722

)

    

(4,775

)

      

    

    

    

Total

    

2,068

 

    

1,752

 

    

8,080

 

    

6,095

 

(motorcycles included above)

    

(1,994

)

    

(1,657

)

    

(7,774

)

    

(5,794

)

AUTOMOBILE BUSINESS

 

                                   

Japan

    

221

 

    

247

 

    

849

 

    

878

 

North America

    

402

 

    

364

 

    

1,522

 

    

1,368

 

Europe

    

64

 

    

54

 

    

207

 

    

176

 

Others

    

93

 

    

61

 

    

310

 

    

244

 

      

    

    

    

Total

    

780

 

    

726

 

    

2,888

 

    

2,666

 

                                     

POWER PRODUCT BUSINESS

 

                                   

Japan

    

119

 

    

137

 

    

472

 

    

409

 

North America

    

712

 

    

622

 

    

1,872

 

    

1,601

 

Europe

    

592

 

    

405

 

    

1,290

 

    

1,012

 

Others

    

293

 

    

265

 

    

950

 

    

904

 

      

    

    

    

Total

    

1,716

 

    

1,429

 

    

4,584

 

    

3,926

 

 

5


Table of Contents

 

[2]    Net Sales Breakdown

(A)    For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002

 

    

(In millions of Yen)


 
    

Three months ended

Mar. 31, 2003


      

Three months ended

Mar. 31, 2002


 

MOTORCYCLE BUSINESS

                         

Japan

  

24,277

  

(9.2

%)

    

24,624

  

(8.2

%)

North America

  

89,130

  

(33.9

%)

    

126,241

  

(41.9

%)

Europe

  

57,758

  

(22.0

%)

    

60,453

  

(20.1

%)

Others

  

91,862

  

(34.9

%)

    

89,912

  

(29.8

%)

    
  

    
  

Total

  

263,027

  

(100.0

%)

    

301,230

  

(100.0

%)

                           

AUTOMOBILE BUSINESS

                         

Japan

  

377,804

  

(22.1

%)

    

447,843

  

(26.9

%)

North America

  

1,038,509

  

(60.7

%)

    

999,596

  

(60.2

%)

Europe

  

133,009

  

(7.8

%)

    

106,228

  

(6.4

%)

Others

  

161,820

  

(9.4

%)

    

108,152

  

(6.5

%)

    
  

    
  

Total

  

1,711,142

  

(100.0

%)

    

1,661,819

  

(100.0

%)

                           

OTHERS

                         

Japan

  

30,873

  

(20.0

%)

    

28,938

  

(21.0

%)

North America

  

86,247

  

(55.8

%)

    

75,673

  

(54.8

%)

Europe

  

25,790

  

(16.7

%)

    

22,042

  

(16.0

%)

Others

  

11,570

  

(7.5

%)

    

11,328

  

(8.2

%)

    
  

    
  

Total

  

154,480

  

(100.0

%)

    

137,981

  

(100.0

%)

                           

TOTAL

                         

Japan

  

432,954

  

(20.3

%)

    

501,405

  

(23.9

%)

North America

  

1,213,886

  

(57.0

%)

    

1,201,510

  

(57.2

%)

Europe

  

216,557

  

(10.2

%)

    

188,723

  

(9.0

%)

Others

  

265,252

  

(12.5

%)

    

209,392

  

(9.9

%)

    
  

    
  

Total

  

2,128,649

  

(100.0

%)

    

2,101,030

  

(100.0

%)

 

Explanatory Note:

 

1.   The geographical breakdown of net sales is based on the location of affiliated and unaffiliated customers.

 

2.   Net sales of others including revenue from sales of power products and related parts, leisure businesses, trading and financial services.

 

6


Table of Contents

 

[2]    Net Sales Breakdown—continued

(B)    For the years ended March 31, 2003 and 2002

 

    

(In millions of Yen)


 
    

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2003


    

Year

ended
Mar. 31, 2002


 

MOTORCYCLE BUSINESS

                       

Japan

  

98,391

  

(10.1

%)

  

101,587

  

(10.7

%)

North America

  

329,073

  

(33.6

%)

  

348,832

  

(36.8

%)

Europe

  

175,736

  

(18.0

%)

  

172,378

  

(18.2

%)

Others

  

374,895

  

(38.3

%)

  

325,103

  

(34.3

%)

    
  

  
  

Total

  

978,095

  

(100.0

%)

  

947,900

  

(100.0

%)

                         

AUTOMOBILE BUSINESS

                       

Japan

  

1,513,596

  

(23.5

%)

  

1,654,238

  

(27.9

%)

North America

  

3,926,848

  

(61.0

%)

  

3,529,560

  

(59.5

%)

Europe

  

420,292

  

(6.5

%)

  

336,844

  

(5.7

%)

Others

  

579,358

  

(9.0

%)

  

409,100

  

(6.9

%)

    
  

  
  

Total

  

6,440,094

  

(100.0

%)

  

5,929,742

  

(100.0

%)

                         

OTHERS

                       

Japan

  

136,719

  

(24.7

%)

  

112,921

  

(23.3

%)

North America

  

312,005

  

(56.4

%)

  

269,535

  

(55.6

%)

Europe

  

65,933

  

(11.9

%)

  

54,330

  

(11.2

%)

Others

  

38,653

  

(7.0

%)

  

48,010

  

(9.9

%)

    
  

  
  

Total

  

553,310

  

(100.0

%)

  

484,796

  

(100.0

%)

                         

TOTAL

                       

Japan

  

1,748,706

  

(21.9

%)

  

1,868,746

  

(25.4

%)

North America

  

4,567,926

  

(57.3

%)

  

4,147,927

  

(56.3

%)

Europe

  

661,961

  

(8.3

%)

  

563,552

  

(7.7

%)

Others

  

992,906

  

(12.5

%)

  

782,213

  

(10.6

%)

    
  

  
  

Total

  

7,971,499

  

(100.0

%)

  

7,362,438

  

(100.0

%)

 

Explanatory Note:

1.   The geographical breakdown of net sales is based on the location of affiliated and unaffiliated customers.

 

2.   Net sales of others including revenue from sales of power products and related parts, leisure businesses, trading and financial services.

 

7


Table of Contents

 

[3]    Consolidated Financial Summary

 

For the three months and years ended March 31, 2003 and 2002

 

Financial Highlights

 

    

(In millions of Yen)


    

Three months

ended

Mar. 31, 2003


  

%

Change


    

Three months

ended

Mar. 31, 2002


  

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2003


  

%

Change


    

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2002


                 
                 

Net sales and other operating revenue

  

2,128,649

  

1.3

%

  

2,101,030

  

7,971,499

  

8.3

%

  

7,362,438

Operating income

  

206,602

  

22.0

%

  

169,277

  

689,449

  

7.8

%

  

639,296

Income before income taxes

  

177,345

  

10.2

%

  

160,882

  

609,755

  

10.6

%

  

551,342

Net income

  

116,716

  

9.4

%

  

106,709

  

426,662

  

17.6

%

  

362,707

    

(In Yen)


Basic net income per

                                 

Common Share

  

121

         

109.51

  

439

         

372.23

American Share

  

60.43

         

54.75

  

219.71

         

186.11

 

      

(In millions of U.S. Dollars)


      

Three months

ended

Mar. 31, 2003


  

Year

ended

Mar. 31, 2003


       
       

Net sales and other operating revenue

    

17,709

  

66,319

Operating income

    

1,719

  

5,736

Income before income taxes

    

1,475

  

5,073

Net income

    

971

  

3,550

      

(In U.S. Dollars)


Net income per

           

Common Share

    

1.01

  

3.66

American Share

    

0.5

  

1.83

 

Explanatory Note:

The number of treasury stock has been excluded from the calculation for basic net income per common share.

 

8


Table of Contents

 

[4]    Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings

(A)    For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002

 

    

(In millions of Yen)


    

Three months ended Mar. 31, 2003


  

Three months ended Mar. 31, 2002


           

Net sales and other operating revenue

 

  

2,128,649

  

2,101,030

Operating costs and expenses:

         

Cost of sales

  

1,420,375

  

1,451,738

Selling, general and administrative

  

384,290

  

372,263

Research and development

  

117,382

  

107,752

    
  

Operating income

  

206,602

  

169,277

Other income:

         

Interest

  

1,721

  

1,851

Other

  

5,086

  

16,009

Other expenses:

         

Interest

  

2,559

  

3,853

Other

  

33,505

  

22,402

    
  

Income before income taxes

  

177,345

  

160,882

Income taxes

  

78,953

  

68,009

    
  

Income before equity in income of affiliates

  

98,392

  

92,873

Equity in income of affiliates

  

18,324

  

13,836

    
  

Net income

  

116,716

  

106,709

Retained earnings:

         

Balance at beginning of period

  

3,044,948

  

2,658,891

Cash dividends paid

  

  

Transfer to legal reserves

  

  

    
  

Balance at end of period

  

3,161,664

  

2,765,600

    
  
    

(In Yen)


Basic net income per

         

Common Share

  

120.86

  

109.51

American Share

  

60.43

  

54.75

 

Explanatory Note:

The number of treasury stock has been excluded from the calculation for basic net income per common share.

 

9


Table of Contents

 

[4]    Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings—continued

(B)    For the years ended March 31, 2003 and 2002

 

    

(In millions of Yen)


 
    

Year ended Mar. 31, 2003


    

Year ended Mar. 31, 2002


 

Net sales and other operating revenue

  

7,971,499

 

  

7,362,438

 

Operating costs and expenses:

             

Cost of sales

  

5,410,192

 

  

5,036,188

 

Selling, general and administrative

  

1,434,995

 

  

1,291,778

 

Research and development

  

436,863

 

  

395,176

 

    

  

Operating income

  

689,449

 

  

639,296

 

Other income:

             

Interest

  

7,445

 

  

7,445

 

Other

  

5,741

 

  

1,898

 

Other expenses:

             

Interest

  

12,207

 

  

16,769

 

Other

  

80,673

 

  

80,528

 

    

  

Income before income taxes

  

609,755

 

  

551,342

 

Income taxes

  

245,065

 

  

231,150

 

    

  

Income before equity in income of affiliates

  

364,690

 

  

320,192

 

Equity in income of affiliates

  

61,972

 

  

42,515

 

    

  

Net income

  

426,662

 

  

362,707

 

Retained earnings:

             

Balance at beginning of year

  

2,765,600

 

  

2,428,293

 

Cash dividends paid

  

(30,176

)

  

(24,360

)

Transfer to legal reserves

  

(422

)

  

(1,040

)

Balance at end of year

  

3,161,664

 

  

2,765,600

 

    

  

    

(In Yen)


 

Basic net income per

             

Common Share

  

439.43

 

  

372.23

 

American Share

  

219.71

 

  

186.11

 

 

Explanatory Note:

The number of treasury stock has been excluded from the calculation for basic net income per common share.

 

10


Table of Contents

 

[5]    Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

    

(In millions of Yen)


Assets


  

Mar. 31, 2003


  

Mar. 31, 2002


Current assets:

         

Cash and cash equivalents

  

547,404

  

609,441

Trade accounts and notes receivable

  

444,498

  

452,208

Finance subsidiaries—receivables, net

  

1,097,541

  

995,087

Inventories

  

751,980

  

644,282

Deferred income taxes

  

202,376

  

182,788

Other current assets

  

248,561

  

204,538

    
  

Total current assets

  

3,292,360

  

3,088,344

    
  

Finance subsidiaries—receivables, net

  

2,230,020

  

1,808,861

Investments and advances

  

412,971

  

395,495

Property, plant and equipment, at cost:

         

Land

  

342,991

  

318,208

Buildings

  

942,747

  

920,106

Machinery and equipment

  

2,023,724

  

2,048,244

Construction in progress

  

72,112

  

82,610

    
  
    

3,381,574

  

3,369,168

Less accumulated depreciation

  

1,987,231

  

1,979,455

    
  

Net property, plant and equipment

  

1,394,343

  

1,389,713

    
  

Other assets

  

351,597

  

258,382

    
  

Total assets

  

7,681,291

  

6,940,795

    
  

 

11


Table of Contents

 

[5]    Consolidated Balance Sheets—continued

 

    

(In millions of Yen)


 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity


  

Mar. 31, 2003


    

Mar. 31, 2002


 

Current liabilities:

             

Short-term debt

  

877,954

 

  

1,035,069

 

Current portion of long-term debt

  

304,342

 

  

308,014

 

Trade payables

  

830,671

 

  

840,957

 

Accrued expenses

  

777,492

 

  

678,118

 

Income taxes payables

  

64,179

 

  

61,244

 

Other current liabilities

  

267,752

 

  

186,657

 

    

  

Total current liabilities

  

3,122,390

 

  

3,110,059

 

    

  

Long-term debt

  

1,140,182

 

  

716,614

 

Other liabilities

  

788,999

 

  

540,181

 

    

  

Total liabilities

  

5,051,571

 

  

4,366,854

 

    

  

Stockholders' equity:

             

Common stock

  

86,067

 

  

86,067

 

Capital surplus

  

172,529

 

  

172,529

 

Legal reserves

  

29,391

 

  

28,969

 

Retained earnings

  

3,161,664

 

  

2,765,600

 

Adjustments from foreign currency translation

  

(469,472

)

  

(300,081

)

Net unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

  

14,820

 

  

8,730

 

Minimum pension liabilities adjustment

  

(308,513

)

  

(187,824

)

    

  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

  

(763,165

)

  

(479,175

)

Treasury stock

  

(56,766

)

  

(49

)

    

  

Total stockholders' equity

  

2,629,720

 

  

2,573,941

 

    

  

               

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  

7,681,291

 

  

6,940,795

 

    

  

 

12


Table of Contents

 

[6]    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

    

(In millions of Yen)


 
    

Year ended Mar. 31, 2003


    

Year ended Mar. 31, 2002


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

             

Net income

  

426,662

 

  

362,707

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

             

Depreciation

  

220,874

 

  

194,944

 

Deffered income taxes

  

68,433

 

  

8,086

 

Equity in income of affiliates

  

(61,972

)

  

(42,515

)

Loss on fair value adjustment of derivative instrument

  

36,983

 

  

21,740

 

Decrease (increase) in:

             

Trade accounts and notes receivable

  

(16,842

)

  

5,539

 

Inventories

  

(146,574

)

  

10,191

 

Increase (decrease) in trade payables

  

28,675

 

  

(14,101

)

Other, net

  

131,888

 

  

203,359

 

    

  

Net cash provided by operating activities

  

688,127

 

  

749,950

 

    

  

Cash flows from investing activities:

             

Decrease (increase) in investments and advances

  

20,737

 

  

476

 

Capital Expenditures

  

(316,991

)

  

(303,424

)

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

  

16,438

 

  

7,416

 

Decrease (increase) in finance subsidiaries—receivables

  

(793,743

)

  

(591,039

)

    

  

Net cash used in investing activities

  

(1,073,559

)

  

(886,571

)

    

  

Cash flows from financing activities:

             

Increase (decrease) in short-term debt

  

(47,959

)

  

5,997

 

Proceeds from long-term debt

  

775,987

 

  

624,070

 

Repayment of long-term debt

  

(292,063

)

  

(298,718

)

Acquisition of common share

  

(56,717

)

  

 

Cash dividends paid

  

(30,176

)

  

(24,360

)

               

Increase (decrease) in commercial paper classified as long-term debt

  

(2,131

)

  

649

 

    

  

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  

346,941

 

  

307,638

 

    

  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

  

(23,546

)

  

20,905

 

    

  

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

  

(62,037

)

  

191,922

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

  

609,441

 

  

417,519

 

    

  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  

547,404

 

  

609,441

 

    

  

 

13


Table of Contents

 

Explanatory Notes:

 

1.   The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States since the Company has issued American Depositary Receipts listed on the New York Stock Exchange and files reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, except all segment information which is prepared in accordance with a Ministerial Ordinance under the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan.

 

2.   The average exchange rates for the fiscal forth quarter ended March 31, 2003 were ¥118.94=U.S.$1 and ¥127.74=euro1. The average exchange rates for the corresponding period last year were ¥132.52=U.S.$1 and ¥116.11=euro1. The average exchange rates for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 were ¥121.95=U.S.$1 and ¥121.04=euro1, as compared with ¥125.14=U.S.$1 and ¥110.58=euro1 for the corresponding period last year.

 

3.   United States dollar amounts have been translated from yen solely for the convenience of the reader at the rate of ¥120.20=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, 2003.

 

4.   The Company’s Common Stock-to-ADR exchange rate has been changed from two shares of Common Stock to one ADR to one share of Common Stock to two ADRs, effective January 10, 2002.

 

5.   The Company has adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”. The following table represents components of the Company’s comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of changes in adjustments from foreign currency translation, net unrealized gains on marketable equity securities and minimum pension liabilities adjustment.

 

      

Three months ended

March 31, 2003


      

Three months ended

March 31, 2002


 
      

(In millions of Yen)

 

Net income

    

116,716

 

    

106,709

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    

(82,529

)

    

(49,847

)

      

    

Comprehensive income

    

34,187

 

    

56,862

 

                   
      

Fiscal year ended

March 31, 2003


      

Fiscal year ended

March 31, 2002


 
      

(In millions of Yen)

 

Net income

    

426,662

 

    

362,707

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    

(283,990

)

    

5,352

 

      

    

Comprehensive income

    

142,672

 

    

368,059

 

 

6.   Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s consolidated financial statements to confirm to the presentation used for the year ended March 31, 2003.

 

7.   The number of treasury stock has been excluded from the calculation for basic net income per common share.

 

14


Table of Contents

 

[7]    Segment Information

 

(A) Business Segment Information

For the year ended March 31, 2003

 

    

(In millions of Yen)


    

Motor-

cycle

Business


  

Auto-

mobile

Business


  

Financial

Services


  

Other

Businesses


  

Total


    

Corporate assets

and

Eliminations


    

Consolidated


                      
                      

Net sales and other

                                      

operating revenue:

                                      

Sales to unaffiliated customers

  

978,095

  

6,440,094

  

237,958

  

315,352

  

7,971,499

    

 

  

7,971,499

Intersegment-sales

  

0

  

0

  

3,037

  

10,971

  

14,008

    

(14,008

)

  

    
  
  
  
  
    

  

Total

  

978,095

  

6,440,094

  

240,995

  

326,323

  

7,985,507

    

(14,008

)

  

7,971,499

Cost of sales, S.G.A. and R&D expenses

  

919,329

  

5,879,991

  

179,006

  

317,732

  

7,296,058

    

(14,008

)

  

7,282,050

    
  
  
  
  
    

  

Operating income

  

58,766

  

560,103

  

61,989

  

8,591

  

689,449

    

0

 

  

689,449

    
  
  
  
  
    

  

Assets

  

798,530

  

3,624,639

  

3,505,017

  

241,085

  

8,169,271

    

(487,980

)

  

7,681,291

Depreciation and amortization

  

25,311

  

187,839

  

804

  

6,920

  

220,874

    

 

  

220,874

Capital expenditures

  

37,496

  

270,263

  

646

  

8,586

  

316,991

    

 

  

316,991

 

 

 

For the year ended March 31, 2002

 

    

(In millions of Yen)


    

Motor-

cycle

Business


  

Auto-

mobile

Business


  

Financial

Services


  

Other

Businesses


  

Total


  

Corporate assets

and

Eliminations


    

Consolidated


                    
                    

Net sales and other

                                    

operating revenue:

                                    

Sales to unaffiliated customers

  

947,900

  

5,929,742

  

201,906

  

282,890

  

7,362,438

  

 

  

7,362,438

Intersegment-sales

  

0

  

0

  

7,409

  

10,968

  

18,377

  

(18,377

)

  

    
  
  
  
  
  

  

Total

  

947,900

  

5,929,742

  

209,315

  

293,858

  

7,380,815

  

(18,377

)

  

7,362,438

Cost of sales, S.G.A. and R&D expenses

  

878,244

  

5,409,232

  

164,231

  

289,812

  

6,741,519

  

(18,377

)

  

6,723,142

    
  
  
  
  
  

  

Operating income (losses)

  

69,656

  

520,510

  

45,084

  

4,046

  

639,296

  

0

 

  

639,296

    
  
  
  
  
  

  

Assets

  

754,512

  

3,377,470

  

2,917,170

  

240,735

  

7,289,887

  

349,092

 

  

6,940,795

Depreciation and amortization

  

22,129

  

165,508

  

786

  

6,521

  

194,944

  

 

  

194,944

Capital expenditure

  

29,929

  

264,657

  

676

  

8,162

  

303,424

  

 

  

303,424

 

15


Table of Contents

 

Explanatory Note:

 

1.   Segmentation of Business  

Business segment is based on Honda's business organization and the similarity of the principal products included within each segment as well as the relevant markets for such products.

 

2.   Principal products of each segment:

 

Business


  

Sales


  

Principal Products


Motorcycle

  

Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles(ATVs), personal watercraft and relevant parts

  

Large-size motorcycles, mid-size motorcycles, motorized bicycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), personal watercraft

Automobile

  

Automobiles and relevant parts

  

Compact cars, sub-compact cars, mini-vehicles

Finance Services

  

Financial and insurance services

    

Other

  

Power products and relevant parts, and others

  

Power tillers, generators, general-purpose engines, lawn mowers

 

16


Table of Contents

 

(B)   Geographical Segment Information

The geographical segmentation is based on the location where sales originated.

 

For the year ended March 31, 2003

 

    

( In millions of Yen)


    

Japan


  

North America


  

Europe


  

Others


  

Total


  

Corporate assets

and

Eliminations


    

Consolidated


                    
                    

Net sales and other

                                    

operating revenue:

                                    

Sales to unaffiliated customers

  

1,975,518

  

4,580,004

  

663,032

  

752,945

  

7,971,499

  

 

  

7,971,499

Transfers between geographical segments

  

1,943,465

  

131,906

  

161,551

  

35,515

  

2,272,437

  

(2,272,437

)

  

    
  
  
  
  
  

  

Total

  

3,918,983

  

4,711,910

  

824,583

  

788,460

  

10,243,936

  

(2,272,437

)

  

7,971,499

Cost of sales, S.G.A. and R&D expenses

  

3,716,654

  

4,313,202

  

810,398

  

727,440

  

9,567,694

  

(2,285,644

)

  

7,282,050

    
  
  
  
  
  

  

Operating income (losses)

  

202,329

  

398,708

  

14,185

  

61,020

  

676,242

  

13,207

 

  

689,449

    
  
  
  
  
  

  

Assets

  

2,392,252

  

4,182,861

  

535,507

  

472,259

  

7,582,879

  

98,412

 

  

7,681,291

 

 

 

For the year ended March 31, 2002

 

    

( In millions of Yen)


    

Japan


  

North America


  

Europe


    

Others


  

Total


  

Corporate assets

and

Eliminations


    

Consolidated


                    
                    

Net sales and other

                                      

operating revenue:

                                      

Sales to unaffiliated customers

  

2,087,765

  

4,163,951

  

570,170

 

  

540,552

  

7,362,438

  

 

  

7,362,438

Transfers between geographical segments

  

1,723,269

  

143,987

  

33,335

 

  

14,259

  

1,914,850

  

(1,914,850

)

  

    
  
  

  
  
  

  

Total

  

3,811,034

  

4,307,938

  

603,505

 

  

554,811

  

9,277,288

  

(1,914,850

)

  

7,362,438

Cost of sales, S.G.A. and R&D expenses

  

3,557,603

  

3,905,543

  

638,843

 

  

514,100

  

8,616,089

  

(1,892,947

)

  

6,723,142

    
  
  

  
  
  

  

Operating income (losses)

  

253,431

  

402,395

  

(35,338

)

  

40,711

  

661,199

  

(21,903

)

  

639,296

    
  
  

  
  
  

  

Assets

  

2,177,095

  

3,679,762

  

514,535

 

  

374,801

  

6,746,193

  

194,602

 

  

6,940,795

 

Explanatory Note:

Corporate assets included in Corporate assets and Eliminations amounted to 323,005 million yen for the year ended March 31, 2002 and 348,625 million yen for the year ended March 31, 2001, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and marketable equity securities at the Parent company.

 

(C)   Overseas Sales

 

For the year ended March 31, 2003

 

    

( In Millions of Yen)

 
    

North America


    

Europe


    

Others


    

Total


 

Overseas Sales

  

4,567,926

 

  

661,961

 

  

992,906

 

  

6,222,793

 

Consolidated Sales

                       

7,971,499

 

Overseas Sales Ratio to Consolidated Sales

  

57.3

%

  

8.3

%

  

12.5

%

  

78.1

%

 

For the year ended March 31, 2002

 

    

( In Millions of Yen)

 
    

North America


    

Europe


    

Others


    

Total


 

Overseas Sales

  

4,147,927

 

  

563,552

 

  

782,213

 

  

5,493,692

 

Consolidated Sales

                       

7,362,438

 

Overseas Sales Ratio to Consolidated Sales

  

56.3

%

  

7.7

%

  

10.6

%

  

74.6

%

 

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Table of Contents

[8]    Consolidated Financial Statements divided into non-financial services and finance subsidiaries

 

(1) Consolidated Balance Sheets divided into non-financial services businesses and finance subsidiaries

 

(In millions of Yen)

 

    

The fiscal year ended March 31, 2003


 
    

Yen


    

% of total


 

Assets

             

<Non-financial services businesses>

             

Current Assets:

  

2,987,609

 

  

38.9

 

Cash and cash equivalents

  

530,343

 

      

Trade accounts and notes receivable

  

450,241

 

      

Inventories

  

751,980

 

      

Other current assets

  

1,255,045

 

      

Investments and advances

  

557,971

 

  

7.3

 

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

  

1,376,137

 

  

17.9

 

Other assets

  

325,398

 

  

4.2

 

    

  

Total assets

  

5,247,115

 

  

68.3

 

<Finance subsidiaries>

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  

17,061

 

  

0.2

 

Finance subsidiaries—short-term receivables, net

  

1,106,917

 

  

14.4

 

Finance subsidiaries—long-term receivables, net

  

2,231,804

 

  

29.1

 

Other assets

  

149,235

 

  

1.9

 

    

  

Total assets

  

3,505,017

 

  

45.6

 

Eliminations among subsidiaries

  

(1,070,841

)

  

(13.9

)

    

  

Total assets

  

7,681,291

 

  

100.0

 

    

  

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

             

<Non-financial services businesses>

             

Current liabilities:

  

1,950,980

 

  

25.4

 

Short-term debt

  

241,039

 

      

Current portion of long-term debt

  

9,753

 

      

Trade payables

  

835,302

 

      

Accrued expenses

  

653,570

 

      

Other current liabilities

  

211,316

 

      

Long-term debt

  

32,805

 

  

0.4

 

Other liabilities

  

789,031

 

  

10.3

 

    

  

Total liabilities

  

2,772,816

 

  

36.1

 

<Finance subsidiaries>

             

Short-term debt

  

1,400,962

 

  

18.2

 

Current portion of long-term debt

  

294,596

 

  

3.8

 

Accrued expenses

  

128,870

 

  

1.7

 

Long-term debt

  

1,111,069

 

  

14.5

 

Other liabilities

  

269,252

 

  

3.5

 

    

  

Total liabilities

  

3,204,749

 

  

41.7

 

Eliminations among subsidiaries

  

(925,994

)

  

(12.0

)

    

  

Total liabilities

  

5,051,571

 

  

65.8

 

    

  

Common stock

  

86,067

 

  

1.1

 

Capital surplus

  

172,529

 

  

2.2

 

Legal reserves

  

29,391

 

  

0.4

 

Retained earnings

  

3,161,664

 

  

41.1

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

  

(763,165

)

  

(9.9

)

Treasury stock

  

(56,766

)

  

(0.7

)

    

  

Total stockholders’ equity

  

2,629,720

 

  

34.2

 

    

  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  

7,681,291

 

  

100.0

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

(2)     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows divided into non-financial services business and finance subsidiaries

 

      

(In millions of Yen)


 
      

The fiscal year ended March 31, 2003


 

Items


    

Non-financial services businesses


    

Finance subsidiaries


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

               

Net Income

    

412,636

 

  

14,265

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

               

Depreciation

    

220,070

 

  

804

 

Deferred income taxes

    

(18,139

)

  

86,752

 

Equity income of affiliates

    

(62,638

)

      

Loss on fair value adjustment of derivative instrument

    

(1,956

)

  

38,939

 

Decrease in trade accounts and notes receivable

    

(19,774

)

      

Decrease in inventories

    

(146,574

)

      

Decrease in trade payables

    

28,273

 

      

Other, net

    

131,705

 

  

163

 

      

  

Net cash provided by operating activities

    

543,603

 

  

140,743

 

      

  

Cash flows from investing activities:

               

*Decrease (increase) in investments and advances

    

(122,255

)

  

(551

)

Capital expenditures

    

(316,345

)

  

(646

)

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

    

16,273

 

  

165

 

Decrease (increase) in finance subsidiaries—receivables

           

(796,314

)

      

  

Net cash used in investing activities

    

(422,327

)

  

(797,346

)

      

  

Free cash flow (cash flows from operating and investing activities)

    

121,276

 

  

(656,603

)

      

  

Free cash flow of non-financial services businesses excluding the increase in loans (amounting to 70,471 million yen) to finance subsidiaries (Note)

    

246,184

 

      
      

  

Cash flows from financing activities:

               

*Increase (decrease) in short-term debt

    

(70,207

)

  

156,825

 

*Proceeds from long-term debt

    

8,240

 

  

767,749

 

*Repayment of long-term debt

    

(9,886

)

  

(283,589

)

*Proceeds from issuance of common stock

           

16,967

 

Cash dividends paid

    

(56,717

)

      

Increase (decrease) in commercial paper classified as long-term debt

    

(30,221

)

  

(194

)

             

(2,131

)

      

  

      

(158,791

)

  

655,627

 

      

  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    

(22,940

)

  

(606

)

      

  

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    

(60,455

)

  

(1,582

)

      

  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

    

590,798

 

  

18,643

 

      

  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

    

530,343

 

  

17,061

 

      

  

Note:   Non-financial services businesses loans to finance subsidiaries. These cash flows were included in the items of “Decrease(increase) in investments and advances” of non-financial services businesses, and some items of finance subsidiaries (marked by *). Free cash flow of non-financial services businesses excluding the increase in lending to finance subsidiaries are stated for the readers’ information.

 

19


Table of Contents

 

Unconsolidated Financial Summary

(Parent company only)

 

For the years ended March 31, 2003 and 2002

 

1.      Financial   Highlights

(Parent company only)

    

(In millions of Yen)


 
    

Year ended Mar. 31, 2003


    

% Change


    

Year ended Mar. 31, 2002


 

Net sales

  

3,322,719

 

  

3.5

%

  

3,211,186

 

Operating profit

  

144,838

 

  

(22.1

%)

  

185,829

 

Ordinary profit

  

242,680

 

  

10.8

%

  

218,987

 

Net income

  

170,035

 

  

26.0

%

  

134,925

 

    

(In Yen)


 

Net income per share

  

174.63

 

         

138.47

 

Dividend per share for the term

  

32

 

         

28

 

Year-end dividend per share

  

16

 

         

15

 

Interim dividend per share

  

16

 

         

13

 

    

(As a percentage)


 

Payout ratio

  

18.3

%

         

20.2

%

 

2.      Estimated   Financial Figures for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2004

(Parent company only)

 

    

(In millions of Yen)


    

First half ending Sep. 30, 2003


  

Year ending Mar. 31, 2004


Net sales

  

1,640,000

  

3,390,000

Ordinary profit

  

125,000

  

260,000

Net income

  

90,000

  

190,000

    

(In Yen)


Dividend per share for the term

  

19

  

19

 

20


Table of Contents

 

3.      Unit   Sales Breakdown

(Parent company only)

 

      

(In thousands of units)


 
      

Year ended Mar. 31, 2003


      

Year ended Mar. 31, 2002


 

MOTORCYCLE BUSINESS

 

                 

Japan

    

429

 

    

396

 

Export

    

776

 

    

808

 

(Motorcycles included in export)

    

(446

)

    

(505

)

      

    

Total

    

1,205

 

    

1,204

 

AUTOMOBILES BUSINESS

                 

Japan

    

871

 

    

902

 

(Mini-vehicles included above)

    

(265

)

    

(295

)

Export

    

485

 

    

428

 

      

    

Total

    

1,357

 

    

1,330

 

POWER PRODUCT BUSINESS

                 

Japan

    

473

 

    

412

 

Export

    

4,075

 

    

3,450

 

      

    

Total

    

4,548

 

    

3,862

 

 

21


Table of Contents

 

3.      Net   Sales Breakdown—continued

(Parent company only)

 

    

(In millions of Yen)


    

Year ended Mar. 31, 2003


  

Year ended Mar. 31, 2002


MOTORCYCLE BUSINESS

         

Japan

  

79,696

  

81,583

Export

  

369,998

  

392,785

    
  

Total

  

449,695

  

474,369

AUTOMOBILES BUSINESS

         

Japan

  

1,173,907

  

1,285,340

Export

  

1,581,244

  

1,344,981

    
  

Total

  

2,755,152

  

2,630,321

POWER PRODUCT BUSINESS

         

Japan

  

23,028

  

21,678

Export

  

94,842

  

84,817

    
  

Total

  

117,871

  

106,495

TOTAL

         

Japan

  

1,276,633

  

1,388,602

Export

  

2,046,086

  

1,822,583

    
  

Total

  

3,322,719

  

3,211,186

 

Explanatory Notes:

1.   The summary of unconsolidated financial information set forth above is derived from the complete unconsolidated financial information of the Company to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the Company's Form 6-K for the month of May 2003.

 

2.   Unconsolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in Japan in accordance with the Japanese Commercial Code.

 

3.   The unit sales and yen amounts described above are rounded down to the nearest one thousand units and one million yen, respectively.

 

22


Table of Contents

 

4.   Unconsolidated Statements of Income

(Parent company only)

 

    

(In millions of Yen)


 
    

Year ended Mar. 31, 2003


    

Year ended

Mar. 31, 2002


 

Net sales

  

3,322,719

 

  

3,211,186

 

Cost of sales

  

2,247,487

 

  

2,184,432

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  

930,398

 

  

840,924

 

    

  

Operating profit

  

144,838

 

  

185,829

 

Non-operating profit

  

117,732

 

  

92,388

 

Non-operating expenses

  

19,891

 

  

59,231

 

Ordinary Profit

  

242,680

 

  

218,987

 

Extraordinary profit

  

4,197

 

  

1,646

 

Extraordinary loss

  

14,859

 

  

45,362

 

    

  

Income before income taxes

  

232,018

 

  

175,270

 

Income taxes

             

Current

  

92,888

 

  

73,589

 

Deferred

  

(30,905

)

  

(33,245

)

    

  

Net income

  

170,035

 

  

134,925

 

    

  

 

Notes

1.   Research and development expenses for the fiscal year amounted 414,634 million of yen.

 

23


Table of Contents

 

5.   Unconsolidated Balance Sheets

(Parent company only)

 

    

(In millions of Yen)


 
    

Mar. 31, 2003


    

Mar. 31, 2002


 

Current assets

  

829,444

 

  

766,973

 

Fixed assets

  

1,231,887

 

  

1,170,832

 

    

  

Total assets

  

2,061,331

 

  

1,937,805

 

    

  

Current liabilities

  

525,315

 

  

523,785

 

Fixed liabilities

  

114,761

 

  

71,372

 

    

  

Total liabilities

  

640,077

 

  

595,157

 

Common stock

  

86,067

 

  

86,067

 

Capital surplus

  

168,912

 

  

168,912

 

Legal reserve

  

21,516

 

  

21,516

 

Earned surplus

  

1,179,817

 

  

1,040,337

 

Unrealized gains on securities available for sale

  

21,707

 

  

25,864

 

Treasury stock

  

(56,766

)

  

(49

)

    

  

Stockholders' equity

  

1,421,254

 

  

1,342,648

 

    

  

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  

2,061,331

 

  

1,937,805

 

    

  

 

24


Table of Contents

 

Management Policy

 

Honda’s business activities are based on fundamental corporate philosophies known as “Respect for the Individual” and “The Three Joys.”

 

“Respect for the Individual” defines Honda’s relationship with its associates, business partners and society. It is based on sharing a commitment to initiative, equality and mutual trust among people.

 

It is Honda’s belief that everyone who comes into contact with Honda’s activities will gain a sense of satisfaction through the experience of buying, selling or creating our Honda’s products and services. This philosophy is expressed as “The Three Joys.”

 

With these corporate philosophies as the foundation, Honda’s business is guided by the following Company Principle:

 

“Maintaining a global viewpoint,

we are dedicated to supplying products of the highest quality

at a reasonable price for worldwide customer satisfaction”

 

Honda actively works to share a sense of satisfaction with all of its customers as well as its shareholders, and to continue improving its corporate value.

 

Profit Redistribution Policy

 

The Company considers redistribution of profits to our shareholders as one of the most important management issues. Accordingly, the Company attempts to increase its corporate value while carrying out its operations from a global standpoint.

 

The Company intends to redistribute profits to our shareholders, with regard to its projected comprehensive cash needs/requirements, and to make distribution payments, taking into consideration the Company’s long-term consolidated earnings performance.

 

In consideration of shareholder expectations, retained earnings will be applied toward financing the 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 its business results and strengthening its financial condition.

 

25


Table of Contents

 

Acquisition of the Company’s common stock will also be implemented at the optimal timing with the aim of improving efficiency in its capital structure.

 

Preparing for the Future

 

Fears of a progressing slowdown in the U.S. economies, and its impact on the global business environment are anticipated to increase, and competition in the Japanese market is expected to intensify amid continuing weak consumer spending. Other global concerns, including Iraqi issues, are also expected to affect the overall global economies. In these circumstances, as part of its objective of strengthening the corporate structure and improving product competitiveness to increase speed and flexibility in response to changing customer and social needs, Honda recognizes that further enhancing each of the following specific areas is essential to its success:

 

·   R&D

 

·   Production Efficiency

 

·   Sales Efficiency

 

·   Product Quality

 

·   The Environment

 

·   Safety Technologies

 

·   European Business Strategy

 

R&D

 

Along with efforts to develop more effective safety and environmental technologies, Honda will create and swiftly introduce new value-added products that meet specific needs in various regional markets.

 

Honda will also continue efforts in the research of future technologies, which include the advancement of a bi-pedal humanoid robot.

 

Production Efficiency

 

Honda will establish efficient and flexible production systems and expand production capacity with aims to increase the capability of supplying high quality products that meet market needs. In addition to the ongoing expansion of these systems, the Company also intends to expand on a global scale the supply network of its competitive products and component parts.

 

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Sales Efficiency

 

Honda will expand its product lines and upgrade its sales structure. Through the innovative use of IT, Honda will also promote its efforts in customer communication.

 

Product Quality

 

Responding to increasing consumer demand, Honda will upgrade its quality control through enhanced coordination among the development purchasing, production, sales and service departments.

 

The Environment

 

Honda will step up the introduction of clean, fuel-efficient engine technologies and recyclability throughout its product lines. Honda will also advance alternative fuel technologies, including fuel cells. In addition, Honda will continue its efforts to minimize the environmental impact, as measured by the *Life Cycle Assessment, in all of its business fields including logistics and sales. In its production activities, Honda promotes environmental preservation issues under its Green Factory concept.

 

*Life Cycle Assessment

 

A comprehensive system for quantifying the environmental impacts of Honda’s products throughout their life cycles, from the material procurement and energy consumption to waste disposal.

 

Safety Technologies

 

Honda R&D will develop technologies for the prediction and the prevention of accidents as well as those for passenger and pedestrian injury reduction. Honda intends to enhance its contribution to traffic safety in motorized societies, including Asian countries. Honda also intends to remain active in a variety of traffic safety programs, including advanced driving and motorcycling training schemes provided by its local dealerships.

 

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European Business Strategy

 

Honda will continue efforts to reinforce its sales structure by strengthening product lineup and restructuring its sales and distribution organization. On the manufacturing side, Honda will improve its cost competitiveness by enhancing parts procurement through Honda’s global supply network, including the network in Asian countries, and improving production efficiency at each of Honda’s production facilities in Europe.

 

Honda will continue to evolve in each of these areas, focusing on activities aligned with the three directions—“Value Creation,” “Globalization,” and “Commitment for the future”—to reach its goal of becoming a company that society wants to exist.

 

 

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April 15, 2003

 

 

 

Re:  Notice of board of director’s meeting

 

 

 

Dear Sirs or Mesdames,

 

 

 

We would hereby like to inform you that the board of director’s meeting of the Company is scheduled to be held on 25th April, 2003 at which the proposed payment of year-end dividend subject to approval at the shareholder’s meeting which is planned to be held in June 2003 and the announcement of consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended 31st March, 2003 are expected to be approved.

 

 

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

Yuetsu Sato

Manager

Finance Department

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.