Form 6-K
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 May 2005

 

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 offices)

 

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  x             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-            

 



Table of Contents

Contents

 

Exhibit 1:

 

On May 9, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that its cumulative worldwide motorcycle production reached 150 million units at the end of April 2005 – the 57th year of production. Mass production of motorcycles began in 1949 with the “Dream Type D” model. (Ref. #C05-042)

 

Exhibit 2:

 

On May 11, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it has passed a resolution as its Board of Directors meeting held on May 11, 2005, to elect a new independent auditor in charge of the audits under Paragraph 1, Article 2, of the Law for Special Exceptions to the Commercial Code Concerning Audits, etc., of Joint-Stock Companies and Paragraph 1, Article 193-2, of the Securities and Exchange Law. The effecting of the election is conditional on the agenda item of “Election of Independent Auditor” being approved at the 81st ordinary general meeting of shareholders of the Company, which is expected to be held on June 23, 2005.

 

Exhibit 3:

 

On May 11, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that the time and date of the 81st Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders was decided by resolution at the meeting of the Board of Directors held on May 11, 2005. The 81st Ordinary General Meeting is to be held on June 23, 2005.

 

Exhibit 4:

 

On May 23, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that with the aim of reinforcing workplace fundamentals and promoting the evolution of its automobile and power products sales operations, it will implement a new sales structure in Japan for the two business fields on September 1, 2005. Main elements of the new operational structure include the creation of high-efficiency business field structures and the fortification of the sales function. (Ref. #C05-048)

 

Exhibit 5:

 

On May 24, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that its cumulative worldwide sales of hybrid vehicles reached 100,000 units in April 2005, including approximate sales of 89,000 units in the U.S., 5,900 units in Japan, 3,800 units in Europe and 1,500 units in Canada. (Ref. #C05-050)

 

Exhibit 6:

 

On May 25, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it has increased its investment ratio from 8.3% to 20.7% in Kikuchi Co., Ltd., (location of headquarters: Hamura, Tokyo; President: Toshitsugu Kikuchi), a parts manufacturer which mainly produces body frame components for automobiles, with the objective of further strengthening their business relationship. (Ref. # C05-052)

 

Exhibit 7:

 

On May 25, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced production, domestic sales and export results for the month of April 2005. Honda achieved increase in total domestic sales, worldwide production, and exports in April compared to the same month a year ago. (Ref. # C05-051)

 

Exhibit 8:

 

On May 26, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that the release of an all-new Step Wagon (Step WGN). Featuring a low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, the new Step WGN offers superior comfort and a compact body along with sedan-like handling and maneuverability. The new Step WGN goes on sale May 27 at Honda automobile dealers throughout Japan. (Ref. # A05-020)

 

Exhibit 9:

 

Notice of Convocation of the 81st Ordinary Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 23, 2005 (which is a translation of the original notice in the Japanese language mailed on May 27, 2005 to stockholders in Japan).

 

Exhibit 10:

 

On May 31, 2005, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that the following with respect to the management policy described in the press release dated April 26, 2005, on its unaudited consolidated financial statements. “Future Policies for Reduction of the Number of Shares Constituting One Investment Unit”


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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: June 17, 2005


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

ref. #C05-042

 

Honda’s Cumulative Worldwide Motorcycle Production Reaches

150 Million Units

 

Tokyo, May 9, 2005 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that its cumulative worldwide motorcycle production reached 150 million units at the end of April 2005 – the 57th year of production. Mass production of motorcycles began in 1949 with the “Dream Type D” model.

 

Honda began overseas production of motorcycles in Belgium in 1963, and has since begun local production in countries around the world based on Honda’s philosophy of “producing products close to the customer.” The motorcycle business is where Honda started out as a company and it has served to pioneer the way for Honda’s automobile operations in markets around the globe. Honda now builds motorcycles at 28 locations in 21 countries around the world. In addition, Honda has established R&D centers in the U.S., Germany, Italy, Thailand, China, and India, in order to develop motorcycles that meet local needs.

 

In 2004, Honda’s annual worldwide motorcycle sales exceeded the 10 million-unit mark for the first time, totaling 10.8 million units. In working toward a sales goal of 12.5 million units for 2005, a 16% increase from last year, Honda will continue striving to provide products that meet the increasingly diverse needs of its customers.

 

LOGO
Dream D
LOGO
Gold Wing

 

Publicity photographs and materials concerning this release are available at the following URL:

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

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


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May 11, 2005

 

Notice Concerning Election of New Independent Auditor

 

Tokyo, May 11, 2005 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it has passed a resolution at its Board of Directors meeting held on May 11, 2005, to elect a new independent auditor in charge of the audits under Paragraph 1, Article 2, of the Law for Special Exceptions to the Commercial Code Concerning Audits, etc., of Joint-Stock Companies (the “Law for Special Exceptions to the Commercial Code”) and Paragraph 1, Article 193-2, of the Securities and Exchange Law. The effecting of the election is conditional on the agenda item of “Election of Independent Auditor” being approved at the 81st ordinary general meeting of shareholders of the Company, which is expected to be held on June 23, 2005.

 

The prior consent of the Board of Corporate Auditors of the Company has been obtained with regard to the election of the new independent auditor.

 

1. Reason for the New Election

 

The Company has requested Ernst & Young ShinNihon to audit the accounts under the Law for Special Exceptions to the Commercial Code and the Securities and Exchange Law, and simultaneously requested KPMG AZSA & Co. to audit the accounts under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act. The term of service of Ernst & Young ShinNihon will expire upon the closing of the 81st ordinary general meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held on June 23, 2005. Accordingly, the Company will propose to elect KPMG AZSA & Co. as the succeeding independent auditor to take charge of audit of the accounts under the Law for Special Exceptions to the Commercial Code and the Securities and Exchange Law.

 

KPMG AZSA & Co. has formed an alliance with an accounting firm that has been responsible for auditing the overseas subsidiaries of the Company that make up the majority of the Company’s global net sales on a consolidated basis. The Company plans to establish an efficient auditing system in the group of the Company by unifying the independent auditor of the Company under Japanese and U.S. laws and regulations.

 

2. Independent Auditor to be Elected

 

Name:

  

KPMG AZSA & Co.

Office location:

  

1-2, Tsukudo-cho

    

Shinjuku-ku

    

Tokyo

 

3. Independent Auditor before New Election

 

Name:

  

Ernst & Young ShinNihon

Office location:

  

Hibiya Kokusai Building

    

2-2-3 Uchisaiwai-cho

    

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

 

4. Expected Date for Election to Take Effect

 

June 23, 2005

  

(expected date for the ordinary general meeting of shareholders)


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May 11, 2005

 

Announcement for the Date of Shareholders’ Meeting

 

Tokyo, May 11, 2005— Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the time and date of the 81st Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders was decided by resolution at the Board of Directors meeting held on May 11, 2005 as follows:

 

Time and Date:    10:00 a.m. on June 23, 2005 (Thursday)
Place:    Hall B7 on the 7th floor of B block,
     Tokyo International Forum,
     located at 5-1, 3-chome, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo


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LOGO

 

Honda to Fortify Domestic Automobile and

Power Products Sales Operations

 

Ref.# C05-048

 

Tokyo, May 23, 2005—Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced today that with the aim of reinforcing workplace fundamentals and promoting the evolution of its automobile and power products sales operations, it will implement a new sales structure in Japan for the two business fields on September 1, 2005. Main elements of the new operational structure include the creation of high-efficiency business field structures and the fortification of the sales function.

 

Under the new sales structure, Honda will create an even more robust and modern sales system that maximizes lifetime customer satisfaction. The major initiatives within the new structure are as follows:

 

n Creation of High-Efficiency Business Field Structures

 

1) Unification of Branch Offices with Honda Headquarters

 

The following branch offices in Japan will be closed and merged with Honda headquarters: the six automobile Regional Sales Offices, the six Parts Centers, the eight Power Products Sales Offices, and the Power Products Administrative Office. This unification will serve to concentrate main tasks in corporate headquarters, place corporate headquarters on the front line of operations, fortify cooperation between the headquarters and dealers, and use IT even more efficiently, leveraging the ability of Honda associates to serve our customers. As a result, Honda will respond more flexibly and rapidly to market changes and customer needs that are increasingly varied and complex.

 

• The six automobile Regional Sales Offices will merge their functions with departments in Honda headquarters. The new Eastern Japan Sales Division and Western Japan Sales Division will perform such key functions as territory-based field sales and dealer communication, aiming for increased cooperation at the point of sale.

 

• From sales to logistics, the supply chain will be completely redesigned and the roles within it made more clear. To achieve functional unification, the role of the six Parts Centers will be transferred to two headquarter divisions, the After-Market Control Division will assume control of sales functions and the Parts Business Division will assume control of logistic functions of the six Parts Centers to centralize and fortify each function.

 

–1–


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• The new headquarters-based Power Products Sales Division will replace the eight Power Products Sales Offices and the Power Products Administrative Office. The new organizational management structure will achieve functional unification to respond to the changing purchasing practices and business realities at both large-scale retailers and local dealers.

 

2) Introduction of Direct-Access Field Sales

 

Under the current system, associates use regional offices as bases from which they visit dealers to collect information and communicate strategies. In contrast, under the new system, associates will live and work in their territories and keep in contact with the dealers directly. By eliminating the travel time between regional offices and dealers’ locations while also maximizing the efficiency with which IT solutions are implemented, the new sales system will be speedier, more efficient, and more connected to the point of sale.

 

• For automobile sales, Primo Block Managers and Service/Parts Block Managers will live and work in each sales territory.

• Similarly, Power Products Block Managers and Power Products Service Managers will live and work in their respective territories.

• In both areas, direct access to dealers and the fuller use of IT will create a sales system that is speedier, more efficient, and more connected to the point of sale.

 

n Strengthening the Sales Network and Sales Function

 

1) Fortifying Dealer Management

 

To improve the quality of sales and service for small- and medium-sized regional automobile dealers and further strengthen management, a new system will replace the current Local Dealer Guidance System. Drawing upon a wealth of experience and specialized knowledge, approximately 120 department-head-level associates will be assigned to dealers for extended periods to effect a general fortification of dealer management systems.

 

2) Fortifying the Development of Human Resources

 

To reinforce workplace fundamentals and promote the evolution of the corporate structure, Honda seeks to fortify the development of the company’s human resources on a lifelong basis. To this end, Honda Consulting Co., Ltd. will be established as an independent and flexible human resources development company that helps improve skills and maximize each person’s experiences and abilities.

 

–2–


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This new company will employ current associates, experienced dealers, retired Honda associates, and external human resources as instructors to effect industry-leading dealer sales and human resource development.

 

 

Overview of Honda Consulting Co., Ltd.
Name:    Honda Consulting Co., Ltd.
Capital:    100 million Japanese yen
Captilization:    100% owned by Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Date of foundation:    Registration planned for July 2005
Number of employees:    Approximately 130 (estimate for September 1, 2005)
Address:    Sumitomo Fudosan Iidabashi Building, Building 3, 10F;
     Nishi-Gokencho 13-1, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo.

 

LOGO

 

–3–


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LOGO

 

ref. #C05-050

 

Honda Reaches 100,000-unit Mark

in Cumulative Global Hybrid Vehicle Sales

 

Tokyo, May 24, 2005 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that its cumulative worldwide sales of hybrid vehicles reached 100,000 units in April 2005, including approximate sales of 89,000 units in the U.S., 5,900 units in Japan, 3,800 units in Europe and 1,500 units in Canada.

 

Honda currently offers three hybrid vehicles: the Insight, Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid. In November 1999, Honda introduced in Japan its first hybrid car, Insight, which featured Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology and achieved the world’s highest-level fuel efficiency* for a gasoline-powered mass-produced vehicle. (Insight became the first hybrid vehicle introduced in the U.S., in December 1999.) In December 2001, Honda launched the Civic Hybrid in Japan – introducing hybrid technology to one of Honda’s global mass market models. (Civic Hybrid was introduced in the U.S. in March 2002.) In December 2004, Honda launched the Accord Hybrid in the U.S. as the world’s first V6 hybrid vehicle, combining Honda’s IMA hybrid technology with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) engine technology.

 

*Fuel efficiency of Insight (10-15 mode, 5-speed MT) was 35km/liter at the time of introduction in 1999; the current model achieves 36km/liter.

 

Production of Honda’s hybrid vehicles currently takes place in two production facilities in Japan – Suzuka (for Insight and Civic Hybrid) and Saitama (for Accord Hybrid). The Civic Hybrid is the most widely sold of these models, offered in 19 countries in North America, Europe, Japan and the Asia Oceania region.


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LOGO

 

Ref.# C05-052

 

Honda and Kikuchi Strengthen Business Relationship

 

Tokyo, May 25, 2005 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it has increased its investment ratio from 8.3% to 20.7% in Kikuchi Co., Ltd., (location of headquarters: Hamura, Tokyo; President: Toshitsugu Kikuchi), a parts manufacturer which mainly produces body frame components for automobiles, with the objective of further strengthening their business relationship.

 

Honda has enjoyed a favorable working relationship with Kikuchi ever since it first ventured into the automobile business in 1964, over 40 years ago.

 

The body frame components manufactured by Kikuchi are in high demand due to features which include advanced environmental friendliness, lightweight design technologies which meet safety requirements and technologically advanced high rigidity characteristics. Amidst severe global competition, a wide variety of products in the market and heightened environmental and safety requirements from customers, the strengthening of this business relationship will enable both companies to realize a highly efficient automobile frame development structure based on a long-term technological strategy.

 

Further, with future growth expected in China and Asian markets, a fortification of the relationship, based on cooperation in the areas of QCD (quality, cost and delivery), will be pursued in the accompanying expansion of overseas operations, so that local production of body frame components can take place rapidly.

 

(About Kikuchi Co., Ltd. – as of the end of March, 2005)

 

Established:

  

November, 1953

Capital:

  

JPY 1,526.42 million

Investment ratio:

  

K. P. Co., Ltd. 16.8%, Toshitsugu Kikuchi 16.7%,

    

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. 8.3%, other 58.2%

Location:

  

Hamura, Tokyo

Representative:

  

Toshitsugu Kikuchi, President & C.E.O.

Business activities:

  

Manufacture and sale of automobile body frame components

 

–1–


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Main operations:    Japan: Tokyo (Hamura, Akishima), Tochigi, Gunma, Suzuka
     Overseas: U.S. (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Georgia), Canada (Ontario), Brazil (Sao Paolo), China (Guangzhou), etc.
Number of employees:    600 (approx.)
Consolidated Net Sales:    JPY 31,490 million (Fiscal Year ended September, 2004)
Ordinary Profit:    JPY 1,180 million (Fiscal Year ended September, 2004)
Other:    Began over-the-counter trading at Japan Securities Dealers’ Association (present JASDAQ Securities Exchange) in April, 1996.
      

 

–2–


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Ref.#C05-051

 

Domestic Sales on Rise; Worldwide Production

Continues to Increase

 

Tokyo, May 25, 2005 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced production, domestic sales and export results for the month of April 2005. Honda achieved increase in total domestic sales, worldwide production, and exports in April compared to the same month a year ago.

 

Domestic production in April increased 8.1% compared to the same month a year ago due primarily to increased production of popular new export models. It is the sixth consecutive month that domestic production exceeded the total from a year ago. Overseas production increased 10.5% compared to the same month a year ago, exceeding the total from the previous year for the 15th consecutive month. Production in Asia remains strong, increasing 18.8% in April compared to a year ago, while production in the U.S. also increased 16.0% compared to last year.

 

Domestic sales for the month of April increased 11.3% compared to the same month a year ago, due mainly to strong sales of Life and Step WGN. It is the first time in the last four months for domestic sales to exceed the total of the same month from the previous year. Life was Honda’s best-selling car for the month on sales of 12,693 units. The Fit and Step WGN, with sales of 8,891 and 4,516 units, respectively, were Honda’s second and third best-selling models.

 

Total exports in April increased 18.5% compared to the same month a year ago, exceeding the previous year’s record for the eighth consecutive month. Continued strong sales of Jazz in Europe (Fit in Japan) resulted in a major increase in exports to Europe – up 34.3% — and contributed to the overall increase in exports.

 

PRODUCTION, SALES, EXPORTS (April 2005)

 

PRODUCTION

 

     April

   

Year-to-Date Total

(Jan - April 2005)


 
     Units

   Vs.4/04

    Units

   Vs.2004

 

Domestic (CBU+CKD)

   97,710    +8.1 %   445,919    +8.6 %

Overseas (CBU only)

   179,056    +10.5 %   703,832    +10.2 %
    
  

 
  

Worldwide Total

   276,766    +9.6 %   1,149,751    +9.6 %
    
  

 
  

 

–1–


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OVERSEAS PRODUCTION

 

     April

    Year-to-Date Total
(Jan. - Apr. 2005)


 
     Units

   Vs.4/04

    Units

   Vs.2004

 

North America

   113,032    +9.3 %   455,319    +8.0 %

(USA only)

   78,092    +16.0 %   313,466    +12.8 %

Europe

   16,870    +2.2 %   65,780    -5.0 %

Asia

   42,444    +18.8 %   157,905    +26.4 %

Others

   6,710    +5.3 %   24,828    +8.5 %
    
  

 
  

Overseas Total

   179,056    +10.5 %   703,832    +10.2 %
    
  

 
  

 

SALES (JAPAN)

 

     April

   

Year-to-Date Total

(Jan. - Apr. 2005)


 

Vehicle type


   Units

   Vs.4/04

    Units

   Vs.2004

 

Passenger Cars & Light Trucks

   31,304    +5.7 %   152,472    -9.0 %

(Imports)

   495    -31.5 %   2,181    -41.0 %

Mini Vehicles

   21,492    +20.6 %   88,884    -6.0 %
    
  

 
  

Honda Brand Total

   52,796    +11.3 %   241,356    -7.9 %
    
  

 
  

 

EXPORTS

 

     April

   

Year-to-Date Total

(Jan. - Apr. 2005)


 
     Units

   Vs.4/04

    Units

   Vs.2004

 

North America

   18,755    -2.0 %   92,464    +14.5 %

(USA only)

   17,291    -0.4 %   82,642    +13.7 %

Europe

   13,695    +34.3 %   50,096    +8.1 %

Asia

   1,496    +61.4 %   6,160    +54.1 %

Others

   11,541    +42.1 %   36,458    +22.1 %
    
  

 
  

Total

   45,487    +18.5 %   185,178    +15.0 %
    
  

 
  

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Shigeki Endo

Tatsuya Iida

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Corporate Communications Division

Telephone: 03-5412-1512

Facsimile: 03-5412-1545

 

–2–


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LOGO

 

ref. #A05-020

 

Honda Introduces All-New Step Wagon

 

May 26, 2005—Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of an all-new Step Wagon (Step WGN). Featuring a low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, the new Step WGN offers superior comfort and a compact body along with sedan-like handling and maneuverability. Attractive features such as floor panel design, a first for a production passenger minivan, help create a comfortable and inviting interior. The new Step WGN goes on sale May 27 at Honda automobile dealers throughout Japan.

 

This all-new third generation Step WGN combines the spaciousness of a minivan with the driving performance of a sedan. Based on the concept “Fun-derful Mover,” the new Step WGN offers high-value, next-generation utility in a comfortable vehicle that’s fun to drive and fun to use.

 

The new Step WGN is built on Honda’s unique low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, and offers the same interior height as the previous model. However, the vehicle’s center of gravity is 40mm1 lower and floor height 60mm lower1. Reductions in vehicle height of 75mm1 and in vehicle length of 45mm make the new Step WGN more compact and give it enhanced drivability, yet the interior is spacious and accommodating. The lower center of gravity helps improve maneuverability, resulting in sedan-like handling, stability, and ride comfort. The highly functional packaging of the new Step WGN makes it ideal for a wide variety of everyday activities.

 

Cabin features such as floor paneling that provides the look and convenience of a hard wood floor; an optional six-panel skylight for soft, natural illumination; and flexible seat configurations contribute to the relaxed, spacious ambience of this high-value next-generation minivan utility vehicle.

 

1 Comparison with previous FF models according to Honda internal calculations.

 

LOGO     
Step Wagon Type-G (FF)         

 

 

l Monthly sales target(Japan):

 

                                         8,000units

 

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l  Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices in Japan

  (Ø model shown in photo)

 

Type


  

Engine


  

Transmission


  

Drive

system


   Price (including
consumption tax)


   Price (excluding
consumption tax)


    

B

   2.0 l DOHC i-VTEC    4AT    FF    ¥ 1,995,000    ¥ 1,900,000       
           4WD    ¥ 2,257,500    ¥ 2,150,000       

G

         FF    ¥ 2,079,000    ¥ 1,980,000    Ø  
           4WD    ¥ 2,341,500    ¥ 2,230,000       

L Package

         FF    ¥ 2,173,500    ¥ 2,070,000       
           4WD    ¥ 2,436,000    ¥ 2,320,000       

S Package

         FF    ¥ 2,278,500    ¥ 2,170,000       
           4WD    ¥ 2,541,000    ¥ 2,420,000       

LS Package

         FF    ¥ 2,362,500    ¥ 2,250,000       
           4WD    ¥ 2,625,000    ¥ 2,500,000       

Side Lift-up Seat

         FF      tax exempt    ¥ 2,498,000       
           4WD      tax exempt    ¥ 2,718,000       

Passenger Lift-up Seat

         FF      tax exempt    ¥ 2,498,000       
           4WD      tax exempt    ¥ 2,718,000       

24Z

   2.4 l DOHC i-VTEC    CVT + 7-speed mode    FF    ¥ 2,551,500    ¥ 2,430,000       
        5AT    4WD    ¥ 2,814,000    ¥ 2,680,000       

 

* Prices shown do not include insurance premiums, registration fees, applicable taxes (other than consumption tax), or other costs incurred in the purchase of an automobile.
* The Automobile Recycling Law requires separate payment of a recycling fee. The recycling fee includes a deposit equivalent to the cost of recycling shredder dust, airbags, fluorocarbon gases, and other materials as well as the cost of maintaining a database of recycled materials. An administrative fee is also included to offset administrative costs.
* Additional charge of ¥31,500 (excluding consumption tax ¥30,000) for Premium White Pearl.
* Vehicles with G/passenger lift-up seat are classified as device type designated motor vehicles.

 

O 9 body colors, including 2 new colors

 

Exclusive for B, G, G/L, G/Side Lift-up Seat/Passenger Lift-up Seat: Sky Mist Metallic (new color).

Exclusive for G/S, G/LS Package and 24Z: Moonrise Metallic (new color).

Available on all types: Satin Silver Metallic, Premier White Pearl, Dessert Mist Metallic, Milano Red, Artic Blue Pearl, Black Amethyst Pearl, Nighthawk Black Pearl.

 

O 4 interior color schemes

 

B: Chic Gray.

G, G/L Package: Chic Gray, Natural Ivory, Pop Orange.

G/S Package: Natural Ivory, Cool Black.

G/Side Lift-Up Seat/Passenger Lift-Up Seat: Natural Ivory.

G/LS Package, 24Z: Chic Gray, Natural Ivory, Cool Black, Pop Orange.

 

O Package Features

 

G/L

Package

   l Left rear power slide door l hydrophilic, heated door mirrors l water-repellant front door glass l security alarm l driver seat height adjuster l driver seat back pocket l sunglass holder with cabin mirror l slide door courtesy lamps (both sides of rear seat) l left and right rear speakers

G/S

Package

   Front and rear lower skirt l tailgate spoiler l high-intensity discharge headlights with dark chrome sub-reflectors* l dark chrome on front grill, outer door handles, and rear license garnish* l fog lights l door-mirror turn signal lamps l slide door courtesy lamps (both sides of rear seat) l double spiral horns l left and right rear speakers

G/LS

Package

   Left rear power slide door front and rear lower skirt l tailgate spoiler l high-intensity discharge headlights with dark chrome sub-reflectors* l dark chrome on front grill, outer door handles, and rear license garnish* l fog lights l door-mirror turn signal lamps l hydrophilic, heated door mirrors l water-repellant front door glass l security alarm l driver seat height adjuster l driver seat back pocket l sunglasses holder with cabin mirror l slide door courtesy lamps (both sides of rear seat) l double spiral horns l left and right rear speakers

 

* Vehicles with IHCC have regular chrome.

 

–2–


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O Major Factory Options (prices before consumption tax in parentheses)

 

Name of Option


  

Available on


   Price

 
Front row i-side airbag system (with passenger-side body position detector) + side curtain airbag system (for all three rows of seats)    B, G, G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages, G/Side Lift-up Seat, 24Z    ¥ 147,000 ( ¥140,000)

VSA (ABS + TCS + sideslip control)

   G, G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages, 24Z    ¥ 73,500 ( ¥70,000)
Intelligent Highway Cruise Control (IHCC) + Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMS) + E-Pretensioner for both driver and passenger seats    G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages, 24Z    ¥ 262,500 ( ¥250,000)

High-intensity discharge headlights (HID)

with low beam/auto-leveling mechanism

        G/L Package    ¥ 42,000 ( ¥40,000)
        G, G/Side Lift-up Seat, G/Passenger Lift-up Seat (standard on G/S, G/LS Packages, 24Z)    ¥  63,000 ( ¥60,000)
Honda HDD InterNavi system + Progressive Commander with rear camera (8-inch widescreen display, TV/AM/FM tuner with DVD/CD player and six speakers)   

G, G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages, 24Z

G/Side Lift-up Seat, G/Passenger Lift-up Seat

   ¥
 
346,500 (
tax exempt (
¥330,000)
¥290,000)
Rear entertainment system with 9-inch widescreen display    G, G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages, 24Z    ¥ 105,000 ( ¥100,000)

AM/FM tuner with MD/CD player and six speakers

   G, G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages, 24Z (standard on G/Side Lift-up Seat and G/Passenger Lift-up Seat)    ¥ 42,000 ( ¥40,000)
Power sliding door (touch sensor/anti-pinch mechanism, remote-control, and driver seat switch)    Left
rear

 

  

G/S Package (standard on G/L, G/LS, G/Side Lift-up Seat, G/Passenger Lift-up Seat)

 

   ¥ 52,500 ( ¥50,000)
   Right
rear

 

  

G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages, G/Side Lift-up Seat, G/Passenger Lift-up Seat

 

   ¥ 52,500 ( ¥50,000)
   Both
sides
rear
   24Z    ¥ 105,000 ( ¥100,000)
Power tailgate (touch sensor/anti-pinch mechanism, remote-control, and driver seat switch)    G/L, G/LS Packages, 24Z    ¥ 63,000 ( ¥60,000)
Skylight roof    G, G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages, 24Z    ¥ 94,500 ( ¥90,000)
Floor paneling    G, G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages, 24Z FF    ¥ 52,500 ( ¥50,000)
Second row captain seats with 6:4 tip-up, sliding function, and center armrest with cup holder    G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages, 24Z    ¥ 73,500 ( ¥70,000)

16-inch aluminum wheels + steel-belted radial tires

(205/60R16 92H)

        G, G/L Packages and G/Side Lift-up Seat, G/Passenger Lift-up Seat    ¥ 84,000 ( ¥80,000)
       

G/S, G/LS Packages

(standard on 24Z)

   ¥ 52,500 ( ¥50,000)

 

* VSA also to be installed when CMS + E-Pretensioner and IHCC are selected as an option.
* 16-inch aluminum wheels and steel-belted radial tires to be installed when VSA is selected as an option.
* Rear entertainment system available only on HDD InterNavi system-equipped vehicles.
* Some options are not offered in combination or are available only as part of an option package.
* Options on G/Side Lift-up Seat, G/ Passenger Lift-up Seat vehicles are tax exempt.

 

–3–


Table of Contents

¨

  Major Features of the All-New Step WGN

 

<Packaging and Utility>

 

  Spacious, easy-to-drive, and with sedan-like dynamic performance, the new Step WGN is based on Honda’s innovative low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform. This design maintains the Step WGN’s ceiling height of 1,350 mm while lowering vehicle height by 75 mm2. A compact engine compartment allows for an even shorter-nose front end, maintaining the Step WGN’s cabin length at a generous 2,800 mm3 while reducing overall vehicle length by 45 mm2. The result is a spacious interior in a compact, easy-to-maneuver body.

 

  Floor height at the second seat row is 390 mm4, highest in the minivan class. While increasing leg room for second-row passengers, the one-step floor also makes it easy for children and older passengers to enter and exit the vehicle.

 

  More comfortable than ever, the Step WGN’s second- and third-row seats accommodate passengers and cargo in a wide variety of configurations. The standard second-row tumble seats fold away with a single simple action. Optional captain seats for the second row allow passengers to sit facing each other and feature a 6:4 tip-up, sliding mechanism5. The third-row seats are also lighter and more compact, making them easier than ever to stow.

 

  The second- and third-row seats can also be stowed to create a 1,675 mm-long4 cargo space with a generous 1,541 l6 luggage capacity (figures are for tumble seat-equipped vehicles).

 

  Two large-capacity covered storage compartments have been added to the upper instrument panel, and the glove compartment is nearly twice as large as in the previous model. There is abundant space in all three seat rows for storing personal belongings and small items.

 

  Many features have been optimized for improved visibility and to reduce blind spots: the low and unobtrusive meter panel; low, flat windshield wipers; large triangular vent windows; the specially shaped front pillar cross-section and third-row headrests; and specially positioned door mirrors.

 

  The tilting/telescoping steering column, which for allows a driver-optimized steering position, is standard on all types.

 

  Even with a longer wheelbase and wider tires, all versions of the new Step WGN boast the smallest turning radius in the minivan class: 5.3 m7.

 

2 Comparison with previous FF models according to Honda internal calculations.
3 On vehicles equipped with the Honda HDD InterNavi system; 2,775 mm for other vehicles.
4 FF, according to Honda internal calculations.
5 Factory option for G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages and 24Z.
6 According to Honda VDA calculations.
7 2.0 l or higher, Japan “5-number” (less than 1.7m width, less than 4.7m length) minivan class.

 

<Styling>

 

l Exterior Styling

 

  The sleek and dynamic styling of the new Step WGN complements its dynamic performance and spacious eight-passenger cabin.

 

  The sleek aerodynamic upper body narrows toward the rear, while the rectangular lower body trims the airflow. The Dynamic Character Line sets off these two areas for an especially distinctive appearance.

 

  The smooth bumper, boldly defined grill, and three-dimensional, oversized headlights make the front view of the Step WGN substantial and distinctive.

 

–4–


Table of Contents
  From the side, the short nose and long wheelbase convey the spaciousness of the cabin, while the deep, gradually widening Dynamic Character Line symbolizes the Step WGN’s dynamic performance.

 

  The square shape of the rear reflects the spaciousness of the Step WGN’s cabin, and the wide combination taillights emphasize the wide-stance, low-center-of-gravity design of the automobile.

 

  Front and rear lower skirts, tailgate spoiler, and dark chrome headlight sub-reflectors—options for the sporty models8—further accent the Step WGN’s low center of gravity and premium appearance.

 

8 Available for G/S, G/LS Packages and 24Z.

 

l Interior Styling

 

  The interior of the all-new Step WGN is spacious, inviting, and relaxed—providing all the comfort and amenities of one’s own living room at home.

 

  For the first time in a production passenger minivan, optional floor paneling9 for the second- and third-row seats is available in either Natural or Brown to complement the interior color schemes—a unique feature that makes the Step WGN even more comfortable and inviting.

 

  The optional 500 mm wide10 by 1,680 mm long10 skylight11 provides gentle and natural illumination throughout the entire cabin. The white laminated glass of the skylight softens bright sunlight, while a six-panel sunshade allows for a variety of shading configurations.

 

  The large and amply cushioned second-row seats provide plenty of room to relax, with cushion depth and frame width reconfigured to offer even more secure and comfortable support.

 

  The seat cover colors and textures have also been coordinated with the interior color schemes to provide a completely unified and pleasing environment. Available in Natural Ivory, Pop Orange, Chic Gray, and Cool Black.

 

9 Factory option for G, G /L,G/S, G/LS, and 24Z FF.
10 External dimensions according to Honda internal calculations.
11 Factory option for G, G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages and 24Z.

 

<Powertrain>

 

l Engine

 

  The economical and environmentally friendly DOHC i-VTEC engine combines Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) with Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC), which optimizes intake valve timing in response to engine load. The 2.0 l DOHC i-VTEC engine provides smooth acceleration from low speeds, and the 2.4 l DOHC i-VTEC engine provides high-torque output at any engine speed.

 

The 2.0 l DOHC i-VTEC engine features a 114 kW (155 PS) power rating with 188 N·m (19.2 kg·m) of torque12.

 

The 2.4 l DOHC i-VTEC engine features a 119 kW (162 PS) power rating with 218 N·m (22.2 kg·m) of torque13.

 

  DBW (Drive By Wire) electronic throttle control optimizes throttle characteristics in accordance with vehicle speed, providing the driver greater control. The transmission and TCS (Traction Control System) work in combination to provide smoother torque transmission and better fuel economy.

 

12 Net values for B, G, G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages, G/Side Lift-up Seat, and G/Passenger Lift-up Seat.
13 Net values for 24Z.

 

–5–


Table of Contents

l Transmission

 

  The 24Z FF’s CVT (continuously variable transmission) delivers smooth, seamless acceleration, and the torque converter assures powerful starts; together they generate highly responsive power at all rpm ranges. The steering wheel-mounted paddle shift features 7-speed mode for a manual-shift feel.

 

  The new Step WGN comes with one of two automatic transmissions designed to take full advantage of the engine’s dynamic performance and fuel economy: a four-speed in the B and G, and a five-speed in the 24Z 4WD.

 

  The Step WGN’s ECON mode, standard on all types, optimizes performance of the engine, transmission, and air conditioner to achieve excellent fuel economy with a smooth ride.

 

<Chassis and Body>

 

  The new low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, including a newly designed rear suspension and fuel tank, reduces the roll tendency often observed in minivans with high centers of gravity. Optimized suspension settings and high-rigidity mounts allow for highly stable handling as well as superior ride comfort.

 

  The reduced front and rear overhangs, newly designed suspension, and lower center of gravity all help reduce the moment of inertia, and the Step WGN’s aerodynamic characteristics have also been improved. As a result, freeway cruising stability and resistance to the effects of crosswinds have both significantly increased.

 

  Increased rigidity throughout the body and highly rigid support of the sliding doors and tailgate are important factors in the Step WGN’s sedan-like handling stability and ride comfort.

 

  A secondary balancer suppresses engine vibration and, in combination with acoustic insulation, helps reduce engine noise. Optimized acoustic materials reduce road noise to create a quiet cabin in which conversation can be enjoyed in any seat.

 

<Advanced Features>

 

  The new Step WGN is equipped with the Intelligent Highway Cruise Control (IHCC)14 vehicle speed and distance control system, which assesses driving conditions using data from a millimeter-wave radar unit built into the front grill of the vehicle that measures the distance to the vehicle ahead, along with data from speed and yaw rate sensors. In addition to maintaining the vehicle at a set speed, this cruise control system automatically regulates vehicle speed and distance depending on whether or not there is a vehicle in the same lane ahead.

 

  The Honda HDD InterNavi System with Progressive Commander15 features an 8-inch-wide display positioned for easy visibility to minimize the need for the driver to shift his or her line of sight. The many functions made possible thanks to the ample information storage and retrieval made possible by the system’s high-capacity hard disk drive can be accessed via the Progressive Commander, located within easy reach of the driver. New telecommunications technology features include Bluetooth16 compatibility for wireless connectivity with mobile phones.

 

14 Factory option for G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages and 24Z.
15 Factory option for G, G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages, G/Side Lift-up Seat, G/Passenger Lift-up Seat, and 24Z.
16 Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

 

–6–


Table of Contents

<Safety Performance>

 

  The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system—which includes the Antilock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), and sideslip control17—works in combination with the DBW electronic throttle control that optimizes engine torque to achieve precision handling.

 

  The Collision Mitigation System (CMS)18 uses a millimeter-wave radar to calculate the distance between the Step WGN and the vehicle ahead. If the system determines that a collision is likely, it sounds an alarm and provides a tactile warning, applies light breaking to prompt the driver to take preventative action. Should the system continue to sense that the situation is dangerous, the brake assist function compensates for insufficient pedal pressure to mitigate impact damage.

 

  E-Pretensioners (driver and front passenger seats)18 work in concert with the CMS, pulling lightly on the seatbelt if there is a danger of a collision and more forcefully if it is determined that a collision is imminent, for increased restraining effect.

 

  The Step WGN’s crash compatibility body provides a high level of self-protection while improving compatibility toward other vehicles. In a full-frontal collision, the upper frame and lower members distribute and absorb the energy of impact, diffusing it into the front pillar and floor. At the time of impact, the lower members prevent misalignment with the crash-absorbing members of the other vehicle, and together with the upper frame create a broadened surface for absorbing the impact, significantly reducing cabin intrusion.

 

  The Step WGN is also designed to mitigate injury in the event of impact with pedestrians, particularly to their head and legs, through the use of impact-absorbing structures.

 

  In addition to front-seat i-side air bags, a side curtain airbag system19 protects all three rows of seats.

 

17 Factory option for G, G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages and 24Z.
18 CMS and E-Pretensioners are available as a factory option set for G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages and 24Z.
19 Front seat i-side airbag system and side curtain airbags are a factory option for B, G, G/L, G/S, G/LS Packages and 24Z.

 

<Environmental Performance>

 

  The use of a precision air-to-fuel ratio control system and high-density catalytic converter has achieved major reductions in emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX), carbon monoxide (CO), and other harmful substances. All Step WGN types have been certified by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport as having achieved a 75% reduction with respect to emissions regulations for 2005.

 

  High-efficiency combustion technology, precise coordination between engine and transmission, and lightweight engine construction are factors behind the Step WGN’s excellent fuel economy: 13.2 km/ l20 for the 2.0 l DOHC i-VTEC engine (B,G, G/L Package FF vehicles) and 12.2 km/ l20 for the 2.4 l DOHC i-VTEC engine (24Z, FF). Further, all Step WGN types have already achieved compliance with 2010 Japanese government regulations for fuel economy, while the B 4WD, G 4WD, G/S, G/LS, G/Side Lift-up Seat, G/Passenger Lift-up Seat, and 24Z types have achieved the 2010 fuel economy level + 5%21.

 

  PVC has been eliminated from interior and exterior components wherever possible to achieve over 90% recyclability22.

 

  Use of lead has been reduced to less than 10% of 1996 levels, and the use of coatings containing hexavalent chromium on parts such as fuel filler pipes and brackets has been eliminated.

 

20 10/15 mode cruising consumption rate (Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport).
21 Some B, G, and G/L Package FF vehicles also achieve the 2010 + 5% fuel economy level with certain factory options.
22 According to Honda internal calculations.

 

–7–


Table of Contents

<Barrier free vehicles>

 

  Both electrically powered front passenger and second-row passenger-side lift-up seats are available as options on the Step WGN type G. A single switch controls swiveling, raising, and lowering, while the superior comfort offered by these seats are comparable to standard front row seats making long drives less tiring. Moreover, Step WGN models equipped with lift-up seats earn Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport certification and receive preferential treatment under Japan’s Green Tax program.

 

Publicity material relating to the new Step WGN is available at the following URL:

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

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

 

–8–


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

NOTICE OF CONVOCATION OF

THE 81ST ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD AT THE TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FORUM, TOKYO, JAPAN

ON JUNE 23, 2005 AT 10:00 A.M.

 

(This is a translation of the original notice

in the Japanese language mailed on May 27, 2005

to stockholders in Japan, and is for reference purposes only.)

 

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

(HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

TOKYO, JAPAN


Table of Contents

[ Translation ]

 

May 27, 2005

 

To Stockholders:

 

Notice of Convocation of the 81st

Ordinary General Meeting of Stockholders

 

Dear Stockholders:

 

You are hereby notified that the 81st Ordinary General Meeting of Stockholders will be held as stated below. You are respectfully requested to attend the meeting.

 

If you are unable to attend the aforesaid meeting, you are requested to study the reference documents attached hereto, and exercise your voting rights by means of the following:

 

To indicate on the voting right exercise form enclosed herewith your approval or disapproval of the items of business on the agenda and to return to the Company the said form after affixing thereto your seal impression.

 

Yours faithfully,

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

1-1, 2-chome, Minami-Aoyama

Minato-ku, Tokyo

By: Takeo Fukui

President and Representative Director

 

2


Table of Contents

Particulars

 

1. Time and Date:    10:00 a.m. on June 23, 2005 (Thursday)
2. Place:    Hall B7 on the 7th floor of B block, Tokyo International Forum, located at 5-1, 3-chome, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

 

3. Agenda:

 

Matters to be reported:

 

1. Report on the Business Report, Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Income, Unconsolidated Balance Sheets and Unconsolidated Statements of Income for the 81st Fiscal Year (from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005);

 

2. Report on the results of the audit of the consolidated financial statements for the 81st Fiscal Year (from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005) by the independent auditors and the Board of Corporate Auditors; and

 

3. Report on the purchase of its own shares pursuant to resolutions of the Board of Directors based on the authorization under the Articles of Incorporation of the Company.

 

Matters to be resolved:

 

First Item:

 

Approval of Proposal for Appropriation of Retained Earnings for the 81st Fiscal Year

 

Second Item:

 

Partial Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation

 

An outline of the measure is provided in “Reference Documents Concerning Exercise of Voting Right” (p. 4-5).

 

Third Item:

 

Election of Twenty-One (21) Directors

 

Fourth Item:

 

Election of One (1) Corporate Auditor

 

Fifth Item:

 

Election of Independent Auditor

 

Sixth Item:

 

Revision of Amount of Remuneration Payable to Directors

 

Seventh Item:

 

Payment of Bonus to Directors and Corporate Auditors for the 81st Fiscal Year

 

Eighth Item:

 

Presentation of Retirement Allowance to Retiring Directors for Their Respective Services

 

3


Table of Contents

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

CONCERNING EXERCISE OF VOTING RIGHT

 

1. Total number of voting rights held by stockholders:

 

9,170,515 votes

 

2. Reference matters with respect to the proposals:

 

FIRST ITEM: Approval of Proposal for Appropriation of Retained Earnings for the 81st Fiscal Year

 

The Company proposes to make an appropriation of retained earnings, as referred to in the “Business Report for the 81st Fiscal Year” (page 49), in order to strengthen its Company quality and take into consideration its future business development, etc. The Company strives to carry out its operations from a global perspective and increase its corporate value. With respect to distribution of profits, the Company considers the distribution of profits to its shareholders to be one of the most important management issues, and its basic policy for dividends is to make distributions after taking into account its long-term consolidated earnings performance. The Company will also acquire its own shares at the optimal timing with the aim of improving efficiency in capital structure. Retained earnings will be applied toward financing R&D activities essential for the future growth of the Company and capital expenditures and investment programs that will expand its operations for the purpose of improving business results and strengthening the Company’s financial condition.

 

The year-end dividend for the fiscal year under review is proposed to be ¥37 per share.

 

SECOND ITEM: Partial Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation

 

(1) Reasons for Amendments:

 

1) The Company has retired forty-six million (46,000,000) of its own shares pursuant to the resolutions of the meetings of the Board of Directors held on July 28, 2004 and January 28, 2005 in accordance with the provisions of Article 212 of the Commercial Code. Accordingly, the total number of shares authorized to be issued by the Company as set forth in Article 5 of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company shall be decreased correspondingly by the number of shares so retired.

 

2) The Operating Officer System will be introduced for the purpose of delegating authority to each region and work site, dividing the duties into the supervision of management and the execution of business management, and improving the flexibility and agility of the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the number of directors prescribed in Article 18 of the Articles of Incorporation shall be amended from not more than forty-five (45) to not more than thirty (30).

 

4


Table of Contents

(2) Contents of Amendments:

 

Portions of the existing Articles of Incorporation will be amended as follows:

 

(The underlines indicate the portions to be amended.)

 

Existing Articles of Incorporation


 

Proposed Amendments


Chapter II. Shares   Chapter II. Shares
(Total number of shares authorized to be issued by the Company)   (Total number of shares authorized to be issued by the Company)

Article 5. The total number of shares authorized to be issued by the Company shall be 3,600,000,000 shares; provided, however, that in case any retirement of shares is made, the number of authorized shares shall be decreased correspondingly by the number of shares so retired.

 

Article 5. The total number of shares authorized to be issued by the Company shall be 3,554,000,000 shares; provided, however, that in case any retirement of shares is made, the number of authorized shares shall be decreased correspondingly by the number of shares so retired.

Chapter IV. Directors and Board of Directors   Chapter IV. Directors and Board of Directors
(Number of Directors)   (Number of Directors)

Article 18. Directors of the Company shall be not more than forty-five in number.

 

Article 18. Directors of the Company shall be not more than thirty in number.

 

5


Table of Contents

THIRD ITEM: Election of Twenty-One (21) Directors

 

The terms of office of the present 36 Directors are due to expire at the close of this meeting. It is proposed that 21 Directors be elected at the meeting. The names and particulars of the 21 candidates for the position of Director are given below.

 

Candi-
date No.


  

Name

(Date of birth)


  

Resume

* denotes representation of other companies


   Number of shares
of the Company held


   Special interest
between the candidate
and the Company


1.    Takeo Fukui (November 28, 1944)   

Joined in April 1969

President and Director of Honda Racing Corporation in May 1987

Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in May 1987

Director of the Company in June 1988

Senior Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in June 1990

Executive Vice President and Director of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. in June 1994

Managing Director of the Company in June 1996 President and Director of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. in June 1996

President and Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in June 1998

Motor Sports in June 1999

Senior Managing Director of the Company in June 1999

President and Director of the Company in June 2003 (present)

   9,100    None
2.    Michiyoshi Hagino (April 1, 1944)   

Joined in April 1966

Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in June 1989

Director of the Company in June 1990

Senior Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in June 1990

Executive Vice President and Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in June 1994

Managing Director of the Company in June 1996

Chief Operating Officer for Automobile Operations in June 1999

Senior Managing Director of the Company in June 1999 (present)

General Supervisor, Information Systems in April 2000

General Supervisor, Purchasing Policy in April 2004 (present)

General Supervisor, Quality in April 2005 (present)

   11,200    None

 

6


Table of Contents
Candi-
date No.


  

Name

(Date of birth)


  

Resume

* denotes representation of other companies


   Number of shares
of the Company held


   Special interest
between the candidate
and the Company


3.   

Minoru Harada

(January 9, 1947)

  

Joined in April 1969

General Manager of Asia & Oceania Division (Automobiles) in Overseas Regional Automobile Operations (Asia & Oceania, the Middle & Near East, Africa and Latin America) in October 1993

Director of the Company in June 1994

Managing Director of the Company in June 1997

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Europe, the Middle & Near East and Africa) in June 1998

President and Director of Honda Motor Europe Ltd. in June 1998

Senior Managing Director of the Company in June 1999 (present)

Chief Operating Officer for Motorcycle Operations in April 2004 (present)

   5,600    None
4.   

Motoatsu Shiraishi

(October 14, 1946)

  

Joined in April 1969

General Manager of Auto Production Planning Office in Automobile Planning Board in February 1993

Director of the Company in June 1994

Managing Director of the Company in June 1997

President and Director of Honda Engineering Co., Ltd. in June 1997

Chief Operating Officer of Domestic Production for Regional Operations (Japan) in June 1998

General Supervisor, Production in April 2000

Senior Managing Director of the Company in June 2000 (present)

Chief Operating Officer for Production Operations in April 2001

Risk Management Officer in April 2003

General Supervisor, Information Systems in April 2004

President and Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in April 2005 (present)

*  President and Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.

   6,200    None
5.   

Satoshi Aoki

(August 19, 1946)

  

Joined in April 1969

General Manager of Finance Division in Business Management Operations in June 1994

Director of the Company in June 1995

Chief Operating Officer for Business Management

Operations in June 1998 (present)

Managing Director of the Company in June 1998

Senior Managing Director of the Company in June 2000 (present)

Compliance Officer in April 2004

Released from Compliance Officer in April 2005

   6,300    None

 

7


Table of Contents
Candi-
date No.


  

Name

(Date of birth)


  

Resume

* denotes representation of other companies


   Number of shares
of the Company held


   Special interest
between the candidate
and the Company


6.   

Satoshi Dobashi

(July 7, 1947)

  

Joined in May 1970

General Manager of Corporate Project of the Company in December 1995

Director of the Company in June 1996

General Manager of Japan Automobile Sales Operations in Regional Operations (Japan) in June 1998

Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Japan) in June 1999

Managing Director of the Company in June 1999

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Sales Operations (Japan) in April 2001 (present)

Chief Officer of Driving Safety Promotion Center in Regional Sales Operations (Japan) in April 2004 (present)

Government & Industrial Affairs in April 2004 (present)

Senior Managing Director of the Company in June 2004 (present)

   3,400    None
7.   

Atsuyoshi Hyogo

(January 2, 1949)

  

Joined in April 1972

President and Director of Honda Canada Inc. in October 1993

Director of the Company in June 1995

Executive Vice President and Director of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in June 1996

Managing Director of the Company in June 1998 (present)

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (China) in April 2003 (present)

President of Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd. in February 2004 (present)

*  President of Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd.

   8,000    None
8.   

Satoshi Toshida

(January 13, 1947)

  

Joined in May 1973

General Manager of Motorcycle Sales Division in Regional Operations (Asia & Oceania) in April 1995

Director of the Company in June 1995

President and Director of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in May 1996 (present)

President and Director of Honda Cars (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in June 1998

Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Asia & Oceania) in June 1999

Managing Director of the Company in June 2000 (present)

President and Director of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in December 2000

President and Director of Honda Leasing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in June 2002

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Asia & Oceania) in April 2003 (present)

*  President and Director of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

   3,000    None

 

8


Table of Contents
Candi-
date No.


  

Name

(Date of birth)


  

Resume

* denotes representation of other companies


   Number of shares
of the Company held


   Special interest
between the candidate
and the Company


9.   

Koki Hirashima

(November 28, 1946)

  

Joined in April 1969

Executive Vice President of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. in June 1993

Director of the Company in June 1997

Executive Vice President and Director of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. in June 1997

President and Director of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. in June 1998

Managing Director of the Company in June 2000 (present)

Chief Operating Officer for Production Operations in April 2005 (present)

Risk Management Officer in April 2005 (present)

General Supervisor, Information Systems in April 2005 (present)

   3,000    None
10.   

Koichi Kondo

(February 13, 1947)

  

Joined in April 1970

President and Director of Honda Motor do Brasil Ltda. (presently Honda South America Ltda.) in June 1996

President and Director of Moto Honda da Amazonia Ltda. in June 1996

President and Director of Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda. in June 1996

Director of the Company in June 1997

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Latin America) in April 2000

Managing Director of the Company in June 2002 (present)

Executive Vice President and Director of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in April 2003

President and Director of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in June 2003 (present)

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (North America) in April 2004 (present)

President and Director of Honda North America, Inc. in April 2005 (present)

*  President and Director of Honda North America, Inc.

*  President and Director of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

   3,068    None
11.   

Toru Onda

(March 18, 1949)

  

Joined in January 1977

General Manager of Automobile Purchasing Division 1 in Purchasing Operations in June 1998

Director of the Company in June 1999

Chief Operating Officer for Purchasing Operations in April 2000 (present)

Managing Director of the Company in June 2002 (present)

   4,000    None

 

9


Table of Contents
Candi-
date No.


  

Name

(Date of birth)


  

Resume

* denotes representation of other companies


   Number of shares
of the Company held


   Special interest
between the candidate
and the Company


12.   

Akira Takano

(August 18, 1949)

  

Joined in April 1972

Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in June 1995

Director of the Company in June 1996

Executive Vice President and Director of Honda Motor Europe Ltd. in June 1998

President and Director of Honda of the U.K. Manufacturing Ltd. in June 1998

Managing Director of the Company in June 2003 (present)

Chief Operating Officer for Customer Service Operations in April 2004 (present)

   4,100    None
13.   

Mikio Yoshimi

(September 6, 1947)

  

Joined in April 1970

Executive Vice President and Director of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. in June 1998

Director of the Company in June 1998

President and Director of Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC in April 2000

Human Resources and Associate Relations for Business Support Operations in April 2002

Human Resources, Associate Relations and Administration for Business Support Operations in April 2003

Chief Operating Officer for Business Support Operations in April 2004 (present)

Managing Director of the Company in June 2004 (present)

Compliance Officer in April 2005 (present)

   3,100    None
14.   

Shigeru Takagi

(February 4, 1952)

  

Joined in April 1974

President and Director of Honda Canada Inc. in June 1998

Director of the Company in June 1998

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Europe) in April 2004 (present)

President and Director of Honda Motor Europe Ltd. in April 2004 (present)

Managing Director of the Company in June 2004 (present)

*  President and Director of Honda Motor Europe Ltd.

   3,000    None
15.   

Hiroshi Kuroda

(August 18, 1948)

  

Joined in April 1972

Product Planning and Marketing Office in Automobile Operations in June 1996

Products for Automobile Operations in June 1999

Director of the Company in June 1999

Chief Operating Officer for Automobile Operations in April 2004 (present)

Managing Director of the Company in June 2004 (present)

   3,000    None

 

10


Table of Contents
Candi-
date No.


  

Name

(Date of birth)


  

Resume

* denotes representation of other companies


   Number of shares
of the Company held


   Special interest
between the candidate
and the Company


16.   

Satoru Kishi

(March 29, 1930)

  

Chairman of the Board of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd. in June 2000

Director of the Company in June 2001 (present)

Advisor of the Board of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd. in June 2002 (present)

   None    None
17.   

Hiroyuki Yoshino

(November 2, 1939)

  

Joined Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in April 1963

Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in March 1977

Executive Vice President and Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in May 1983

Director of the Company in May 1983

Managing Director of the Company in June 1988

President and Director of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. in June 1988

Senior Managing Director of the Company in June 1990

Executive Vice President and Director of the Company in June 1992

President and Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in June 1994

President and Director of the Company in June 1998

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Japan) in June 1999

Director and Advisor of the Company in June 2003 (present)

   19,400    None
18.   

Tetsuo Iwamura

(May 30, 1951)

  

Joined in April 1978

Chief Operating Officer for Parts Operations in April 2000

Director of the Company in June 2000 (present)

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Latin America) in April 2003 (present)

President and Director of Honda South America Ltda. in April 2003 (present)

President and Director of Moto Honda da Amazonia Ltda. in April 2003 (present)

President and Director of Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda. in April 2003 (present)

*  President and Director of Honda South America Ltda.

*  President and Director of Moto Honda da Amazonia Ltda.

*  President and Director of Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda.

   3,000    None
19.   

Tatsuhiro Oyama

(July 9, 1950)

  

Joined in April 1969

General Manager of Motorcycle Sales Division in Regional Sales Operations (Japan) in April 2001

Director of the Company in June 2001 (present)

President and Director of Honda Motorcycle Japan Co., Ltd. in August 2001

Chief Operating Officer for Parts Operations in April 2003 (present)

   3,700    None

 

11


Table of Contents
Candi-
date No.


  

Name

(Date of birth)


  

Resume

* denotes representation of other companies


   Number of shares
of the Company held


   Special interest
between the candidate
and the Company


20.   

Fumihiko Ike

(May 26, 1952)

  

Joined in February 1982

Chief Operating Officer for Power Products Operations in April 2003 (present)

Director of the Company in June 2003 (present)

   3,000    None
21.   

Kensaku Hogen

(August 2, 1941)

  

Joined Ministry of Foreign Affairs in April 1964

Japanese Consul General in Boston in January 1989

Japanese Consul General in Honolulu in October 1991

Manager of Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau in January 1995

General Manager of Training Institute in July 1996

Undersecretary General of United Nations in March 1998

Ambassador in Canada in April 2001

Retired from Ministry of Foreign Affairs in January 2005

   None    None

Notes   1:   denotes newly appointed candidates for the position of Director.
   

2:

  Satoru Kishi and Kensaku Hogen satisfy the required conditions for the outside director provided for in Article 188, Paragraph 2, Item 7-2 of the Commercial Code.

 

FOURTH ITEM: Election of One (1) Corporate Auditor

 

While the number of the current Corporate Auditors is five (5), it is proposed that one (1) additional Corporate Auditor should be elected for the purpose of strengthening the corporate auditors system by increasing the number of the Corporate Auditors. The name and particulars of the candidate for the position of Corporate Auditor are given below.

 

Further, the prior consent of the Board of Corporate Auditors has been obtained with regard to submission of this item on the agenda.

 

Name

(Date of birth)


  

Resume

* denotes representation of other companies


   Number of shares
of the Company held


   Special interest
between the candidate
and the Company


Shinichi Sakamoto

(August 3, 1950)

  

Joined in April 1969

General Manager of Regional Operations Planning Office in Regional Operations (North America) in April 2000

Stationed at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in April 2000 (present)

Regional Operating Officer of the Company in April 2004

Released from Regional Operating Officer in April 2005

Released from General Manager of Regional Operations

Planning Office in Regional Operations (North America) in April 2005

   3,000    None

Note: denotes newly appointed candidate for the position of Corporate Auditor.

 

12


Table of Contents

FIFTH ITEM: Election of Independent Auditor

 

Due to expiration of the term of service of Ernst & Young ShinNihon, the independent auditor of the Company, at the close of this meeting, it is proposed that KPMG AZSA & Co. will be newly elected the independent auditor of the Company as the successor.

 

The Company has requested Ernst & Young ShinNihon to audit the accounts under the Law for Special Exceptions to the Commercial Code Concerning Audit, etc. of Joint-Stock Companies (Kabushiki Kaisha) and the Securities and Exchange Law, and simultaneously requested KPMG AZSA & Co. to audit the accounts under the Securities Exchange Act (the United States). KPMG AZSA & Co. has formed an alliance with an accounting firm that has been responsible for auditing the overseas subsidiaries of the Company, which make up the majority of the Company’s global net sales on a consolidated basis.

 

The Company plans to establish an efficient auditing system in the group of the Company by requesting KPMG AZSA & Co. to audit the accounts under Japanese laws and regulations and unifying the independent auditor of the Company under Japanese and U.S. laws and regulations upon the election of the independent auditor at this meeting.

 

The candidate for the independent auditor is as follows.

 

Further, the prior consent of the Board of Corporate Auditors has been obtained with regard to submission of this item on the agenda.

 

Name of Firm

   KPMG AZSA & Co.

Location of Office

  

Principal Office

1-2 Tsukudo-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

History

   1993    Asahi & Co. was formed through the merger of Asahi Shinwa & Co. and Inoue Saito Eiwa Audit Corporation.
   2000    Century Ota Showa & Co. was formed through the merger of Century Audit Corporation and Showa Ota & Co.
        (The corporate name was changed to Ernst & Young ShinNihon in 2001.)
   2003    A portion of the auditing division became independent from Ernst & Young ShinNihon and formed AZSA & Co.
   2004    KPMG AZSA & Co. was newly formed through the merger of Asahi & Co. and AZSA & Co. under the new corporate name “KPMG AZSA & Co.”

 

13


Table of Contents

SIXTH ITEM: Revision of Amount of Remuneration Payable to Directors

 

With regard to the amount of remuneration payable to the Directors, it was determined at the 80th ordinary general meeting of shareholders held on June 23, 2004 that such amount of remuneration be seventy-seven million yen (¥77,000,000) or less per month, and the amount so determined has remained unchanged up to this date. In this regard, it is proposed that the amount of remuneration to the Directors will be revised to sixty million yen (¥60,000,000) or less per month as a result of the decrease in the number of the Directors.

 

At present, the number of the current Directors is thirty-six (36). If the matters under the Third Item on the Agenda are decided as proposed, the number of the Directors will be twenty-one (21).

 

SEVENTH ITEM: Payment of Bonus to Directors and Corporate Auditors for the 81st Fiscal Year

 

The Company would—taking into consideration the profit for the current fiscal year, the amount of the bonus that has been paid in the past to the Directors and the Corporate Auditors, the lowering of the standard of the remuneration to the Directors and the Corporate Auditors so that the total amount of the remuneration and bonus will be more closely connected with the business performance and other various circumstances—pay the bonus in the total amount of 668 million yen (¥668,000,000) to thirty-six (36) Directors as of the end of the current fiscal year and the bonus in the total amount of 52 million yen (¥52,000,000) to the five (5) Corporate Auditors as of the end of the current fiscal year in order to reward those Directors and Corporate Auditors for their services for the current fiscal year. The amount of bonus payable to each of the Directors and the Corporate Auditors would be left to the determination by the Board of Directors with regard to Directors’ bonus and to the consultation by the Corporate Auditors with regard to Corporate Auditors’ bonus.

 

14


Table of Contents

EIGHTH ITEM: Presentation of Retirement Allowance to Retiring Directors for Their Respective Services

 

It is proposed that monetary rewards be given to Directors Mr. Koichi Amemiya, Mr. Yasuo Ikenoya, Mr. Takanobu Ito, Mr. Masaaki Kato, Mr. Akio Hamada, Mr. Teruo Kowashi, Mr. Takashi Yamamoto, Mr. Masaru Takabayashi, Mr. Suguru Kanazawa, Mr. Manabu Nishimae, Mr. Masaya Yamashita, Mr. Hiroshi Kobayashi, Mr. Kazuo Sagawa, Mr. Kazuto Iiyama, Mr. Hiroshi Oshima and Mr. Sho Minekawa, who are to resign from office at the close of this meeting, for the meritorious services that they have rendered to the Company, pursuant to the past practice of the Company and in accordance with the Company’s bylaws on the retirement allowance of Directors. It is proposed that decisions on the amount of money, time and method of payment of such monetary rewards be entrusted to the Board of Directors as to the retiring Directors. Resumes of the above-mentioned persons are given below.

 

Name


  

Resume


Koichi Amemiya

  

Joined in April 1963

Director of the Company in May 1986

Managing Director of the Company in June 1989

Senior Managing Director of the Company in June 1990

Executive Vice President and Director of the Company in June 1997

Yasuo Ikenoya

  

Joined in April 1971

Director of the Company in June 1998

Managing Director of the Company in June 2002

Takanobu Ito

  

Joined in April 1978

Director of the Company in June 2000

Managing Director of the Company in June 2003

Masaaki Kato

  

Joined in April 1974

Director of the Company in June 1998

Akio Hamada

  

Joined in April 1971

Director of the Company in June 1999

Teruo Kowashi

  

Joined in January 1971

Director of the Company in June 2000

Takashi Yamamoto

  

Joined in April 1977

Director of the Company in June 2000

Masaru Takabayashi

  

Joined in April 1975

Director of the Company in June 2001

Suguru Kanazawa

  

Joined in April 1977

Director of the Company in June 2002

Manabu Nishimae

  

Joined in April 1977

Director of the Company in June 2002

Masaya Yamashita

  

Joined in April 1977

Director of the Company in June 2003

Hiroshi Kobayashi

  

Joined in April 1978

Director of the Company in June 2003

Kazuo Sagawa

  

Joined in April 1968

Director of the Company in June 2004

Kazuto Iiyama

  

Joined in April 1975

Director of the Company in June 2004

Hiroshi Oshima

  

Joined in April 1977

Director of the Company in June 2004

Sho Minekawa

  

Joined in April 1978

Director of the Company in June 2004

 

15


Table of Contents

Business Report for the 81st Fiscal Year

 

For the Period

From: April 1, 2004

To: March 31, 2005

 

1. OUTLINE OF BUSINESS

 

(1) Review of Operations

 

During fiscal 2005, ended March 31, 2005, economic conditions surrounding Honda were on a gradual recovery. The United States showed expansion led by growth in capital investment and production as well as other factors. The principal economies of the EU reported a gradual recovery along with increases in exports. The economies of Asia outside Japan experienced continued expansion as a result of firm consumer spending in China, Thailand and other countries in the region as well as other factors. In Japan, the economy remained generally on an upward trend led by increases in exports and production as well as a gradual recovery in consumer spending. However, there were signs of a slowdown during the latter half of the fiscal year.

 

Against this backdrop, Honda worked to strengthen its corporate structure to respond quickly and accurately to the diverse needs of its customers. Concerning R&D, the Company endeavored to accelerate the development of safety and environmental technologies as well as enhance its product offerings with new value added. On the production side, Honda implemented further reforms in its production systems and expanded production capacity at its plants in the United States and elsewhere as well as at affiliates in China. In its sales activities, in addition to strengthening its marketing and sales capabilities, the Company strove to augment its product lineup, including the supply of products that transcend national boundaries.

 

Net sales in fiscal 2005 rose 6.0% over fiscal 2004, to ¥8,650.1 billion. Profitwise, operating income increased 5.1%, to ¥630.9 billion, mainly on the strength of the increase in income generated by higher net sales and the positive impact of cost reductions, which offset the effects of a weaker U.S. dollar and increased SG&A and R&D expenses. Income before income taxes advanced 2.3%, to ¥656.8 billion, and net income posted a gain of 4.7%, to ¥486.1 billion.

 

Motorcycles—Major developments included the introduction in Japan of a new version of the 250cc Forza scooter featuring full model changes and the installation of a Honda S-Matic transmission—the first of its kind in the world—that allows riders to switch between an automatic mode and a six-speed manual mode. In addition, the Company began imports and sales of the Dio Cesta 50cc scooter from China. Moreover, the Company introduced the XR50 Motard, an easy riding sports bike for beginners. In North America, the Company began sales of the FourTrax Foreman, a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle (ATV), incorporating full model changes, and the CRF450X, an off-road bike based on Honda’s specialized motocross competition bikes. In Latin America, the Company introduced the CG150 Sport bike in Brazil, featuring improved riding performance. In Europe, the Company made model changes in its SH125 and SH150 scooters, which became the first bikes to meet the Euro 3 emission regulations. In addition, Honda introduced the FMX650 sports bike featuring impressive power and dynamic design. In Asia, the Company began sales in India of its Unicorn motorcycle with a newly designed 150cc engine, which offers excellent acceleration and fuel efficiency, as well as the CD100 motorcycle in Pakistan, with a high-powered engine featuring good fuel economy. In China, Honda introduced the SDH125-22 125cc scooter, which has superior environmental friendliness and a sporty design.

 

Domestic sales declined 6.2% over the previous fiscal year, to 378 thousand units, but overseas sales climbed 14.8%, to 10,104 thousand units. Total motorcycle sales posted a gain of 13.9%, to 10,482 thousand units. Despite the adverse impact of currency translation factors, total sales in value terms to unaffiliated customers of this segment increased 10.2% over the previous year, to ¥1,097.7 billion, because of the gain in unit sales and other factors. Operating income increased a sharp 63.4%, to ¥69.3 billion, because of the positive impact on income of higher sales and cost reduction efforts, despite the adverse effect of currency movements, principally the weakening of the U.S. dollar, and certain other factors.

 

16


Table of Contents

Automobiles—Developments during the fiscal year under review included the introduction of new Legend models in Japan with Honda’s Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive and other cutting-edge technologies. In North America, Honda introduced the new Acura RL, the counterpart of Legend models sold in Japan, also featuring full model changes, including the introduction of Honda’s Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive. In addition, the Company began sales of the Edix in Japan and the FR-V in Europe; both are new minivans offering a roomier interior, with six seats configured in two rows of three seats each, for better passenger comfort and ease of communication. Also, in Japan, Honda introduced its new, eight-seat Elysion minivan with top-quality space and riding comfort for all passengers. In North America, the Company introduced a fully redesigned Odyssey, which offers a wide choice of seating arrangements and top safety and environmental features. Honda also began the marketing of its next-generation truck Ridgeline, which was developed in North America and features a roomy interior with ample storage space. In Europe, the Company commenced sales of the CR-V model with a diesel engine that meets the stringent European gas emission standards. Developments in Asia included the introduction of the Jazz models manufactured locally in Indonesia and the commencement of sales of the Accord and CR-V in Korea, where the Company has newly begun imports and marketing of its vehicles. In China, Honda has started local production and sales of its CR-V and Fit automobiles at some of its Chinese affiliates, and introduced a fully redesigned Odyssey.

 

Unit sales in Japan amounted to 712 thousand automobiles, approximately the same as for the previous year, while overseas sales rose 11.6% over the prior fiscal year, to 2,530 thousand. As a result, total automobile sales were up 8.7%, to 3,242 thousand. Despite the impact of currency translation factors, sales in value terms to unaffiliated customers rose 5.6%, to ¥6,963.6 billion, reflecting the increase in unit sales and other factors. Operating income increased 3.1%, to ¥452.3 billion, owing to the positive impact of higher sales on income and cost reduction efforts, despite the adverse effect of currency movements, principally the weakening of the U.S. dollar, and certain other factors.

 

Financial Services—Net sales of the Financial Services business segment to unaffiliated customers increased 5.4%, to ¥255.7 billion. Operating income declined 17.1%, to ¥89.9 billion, due mainly to increased funding costs.

 

Power Products and Others—Major developments during the fiscal year included the introduction of electric power generators, equipped with sine-wave inverters that can produce two voltage currents, such as 100V and 200V, at the same time. These are the first generators of this type in the world and were introduced under the product names EM45is and EM55is in Japan and EM5000is and EM7000is in North America. Other new products introduced in Japan and Europe included the HSS970is, a hybrid-engine snowblower, and the Salad FF500 rotary tiller, which has a high-powered engine and features improved tilling capabilities and greater working efficiency. In addition, in Japan, the Company has begun to import its HRX537 push lawnmower from North America, which offers four features in one unit as well as economical operation and environmental friendliness. In the United States, Honda has introduced a fully redesigned version of its FG110 portable tiller.

 

Unit sales in Japan of power products were down 9.4% compared with the previous fiscal year, to 432 thousand units, while overseas sales rose 6.5%, to 4,868 thousand units. Total unit sales of power products advanced 5.0%, to 5,300 thousand units. Sales in value terms of this segment to unaffiliated customers edged up 0.4%, to ¥332.9 billion, as a result of higher unit sales for the fiscal year. Operating income posted a strong gain of 85.9%, to ¥19.3 billion, because of the higher income generated by increased sales in the Power Product and Other businesses, despite the adverse effect of currency movements, principally the weakening of the U.S. dollar, and certain other factors.

 

17


Table of Contents

n Unit Sales and Net Sales Breakdown

 

Unit (thousands), Yen (millions)

 

Business Segment


  

Fiscal 2004 (reference)

From April 1, 2003

to March 31, 2004


  

Fiscal 2005

From April 1, 2004

to March 31, 2005


  

Change from the previous fiscal year

(reference)


   Unit sales

    Net sales

   Unit sales

    Net sales

   Unit sales

    (%)

    Net sales

   (%)

Grand Total

         8,162,600          8,650,105                487,505    6.0

Domestic

         1,628,493          1,699,205                70,712    4.3

Overseas

         6,534,107          6,950,900                416,793    6.4

North America

         4,542,930          4,575,076                32,146    0.7

Europe

         770,110          870,795                100,685    13.1

Asia

         801,611          977,011                175,400    21.9

Other regions

         419,456          528,018                108,562    25.9

Motorcycle Business
(motorcycles only)

   9,206
(8,891
 
)
  996,290    10,482
(10,159
 
)
  1,097,754    1,276
(1,268
 
)
  13.9
(14.3
 
)
  101,464    10.2

Domestic
(motorcycles only)

   403
(403
 
)
  93,203    378
(378
 
)
  97,405    –25
(–25
 
)
  –6.2
(–6.2
 
)
  4,202    4.5

Overseas
(motorcycles only)

   8,803
(8,488
 
)
  903,087    10,104
(9,781
 
)
  1,000,349    1,301
(1,293
 
)
  14.8
(15.2
 
)
  97,262    10.8

North America
(motorcycles only)

   656
(360
 
)
  322,213    643
(346
 
)
  321,828    –13
(–14
 
)
  –2.0
(–3.9
 
)
  –385    –0.1

Europe
(motorcycles only)

   299
(289
 
)
  182,400    338
(325
 
)
  198,471    39
(36
 
)
  13.0
(12.5
 
)
  16,071    8.8

Asia
(motorcycles only)

   7,017
(7,017
 
)
  242,370    8,192
(8,192
 
)
  289,169    1,175
(1,175
 
)
  16.7
(16.7
 
)
  46,799    19.3

Other regions
(motorcycles only)

   831
(822
 
)
  156,104    931
(918
 
)
  190,881    100
(96
 
)
  12.0
(11.7
 
)
  34,777    22.3

Automobile Business

   2,983     6,592,024    3,242     6,963,635    259     8.7     371,611    5.6

Domestic

   716     1,397,237    712     1,463,531    –4     –0.6     66,294    4.7

Overseas

   2,267     5,194,787    2,530     5,500,104    263     11.6     305,317    5.9

North America

   1,558     3,900,755    1,575     3,923,930    17     1.1     23,175    0.6

Europe

   231     516,108    267     597,467    36     15.6     81,359    15.8

Asia

   341     532,552    512     661,471    171     50.1     128,919    24.2

Other regions

   137     245,372    176     317,236    39     28.5     71,864    29.3

Financial Services Business

   —       242,696    —       255,741    —       —       13,045    5.4

Domestic

   —       20,043    —       20,017    —       —       –26    –0.1

Overseas

   —       222,653    —       235,724    —       —       13,071    5.9

North America

   —       212,522    —       222,494    —       —       9,972    4.7

Europe

   —       7,448    —       8,827    —       —       1,379    18.5

Asia

   —       899    —       1,441    —       —       542    60.3

Other regions

   —       1,784    —       2,962    —       —       1,178    66.0

Power Product
& Other Businesses

   5,047     331,590    5,300     332,975    253     5.0     1,385    0.4

Domestic

   477     118,010    432     118,252    –45     –9.4     242    0.2

Overseas

   4,570     213,580    4,868     214,723    298     6.5     1,143    0.5

North America

   2,363     107,440    2,514     106,824    151     6.4     –616    –0.6

Europe

   1,261     64,154    1,309     66,030    48     3.8     1,876    2.9

Asia

   619     25,790    712     24,930    93     15.0     –860    –3.3

Other regions

   327     16,196    333     16,939    6     1.8     743    4.6

Notes:   1.   The geographic breakdown of unit and net sales is based on the location of unaffiliated customers.
    2.   Unit sales of the Power Product and Other business segment is the unit sales of power products. Net sales of this segment includes power products and relevant parts, leisure businesses, trading and others.

 

18


Table of Contents

l Unit Sales by Region (By location of unaffiliated customers) (reference)

 

LOGO

 

19


Table of Contents

l Net Sales by Region (By location of unaffiliated customers) (reference)

 

LOGO

 

20


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

n Capital Expenditures

 

Capital expenditures during the fiscal year totaled ¥373,980 million. The breakdown of capital expenditures by business segment was as follows:

 

Yen (millions), %

 

Business Segment


   Fiscal 2004 (reference)

   Fiscal 2005

   Change in amount

   Change (%)

Motorcycle Business

   35,041    41,845    6,804    19.4

Automobile Business

   240,416    317,271    76,855    32.0

Financial Services Business

   430    1,941    1,511    351.4

Power Product & Other Businesses

   11,854    12,923    1,069    9.0
    
  
  
  

Total

   287,741    373,980    86,239    30.0
    
  
  
  

 

Capital expenditures for production facilities were made to expand, rationalize and renew production facilities. Other investments consist primarily of the expansion of sales and R&D facilities as well as the construction of a new company building.

 

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Table of Contents

n Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The policy of Honda is to support its business activities by maintaining sufficient capital resources, an ample level of liquidity and a sound balance sheet. Honda’s main business is the manufacture and sale of motorcycles, automobiles and power products. To support this business, it also provides retail financing and automobile leasing services for customers, as well as wholesale financing for dealers. In its manufacturing and sales business, Honda requires operating capital mainly to purchase parts and materials required for production, as well as to control inventory of finished products and cover receivables from dealers. Honda also requires funds for capital expenditures, mainly to upgrade, rationalize and renew production facilities, as well as to expand and reinforce research and development and sales facilities. Honda meets its operating capital requirements mainly through cash generated by operations. Honda funds its financial programs for customers and dealers primarily from corporate bonds, medium-term notes and commercial paper, as well as the securitization of finance receivables.

 

The ¥773.5 billion in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the fiscal year corresponds to approximately one month of net sales, and Honda believes it has sufficient liquidity for its business operations. At the same time, Honda is aware of the possibility that various factors, such as recession-induced market contraction and financial and foreign exchange market volatility, may adversely affect liquidity. For this reason, financial subsidiaries carry total short-term borrowings of ¥1,310.6 billion in the form of commercial paper issued regularly to replace debt. This serves as alternative liquidity for a backup credit line equivalent to ¥643.6 billion. In addition, Honda currently has ample credit limits, extended by prominent international banks, that are not subject to contracts. Honda’s short- and long-term debt securities are rated by credit rating agencies, such as Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and Standard & Poor’s Rating Services. Major current ratings, which are shown below, indicate that Honda will be able to raise funds even if it requires more capital than its present level of liquidity would allow.

 

    

Short-term

unsecured debt securities


  

Long-term

unsecured debt securities


Moody’s Investors Service

   P–1    A1

Standard & Poor’s Rating Services

   A–1    A+

 

The above ratings are based on information provided by Honda and other information deemed credible by the rating agencies. They are also based on the agencies’ assessment of credit risk associated with designated securities issued by Honda. Each rating agency uses different standards for calculating Honda’s credit rating, and also makes its own assessments. Ratings can be revised or nullified by agencies at any time. These ratings are not meant to serve as a recommendation for trading in or holding debt.

 

22


Table of Contents

(2) Profit Distribution Policy

 

The Company strives to carry out its operations from a global perspective and increase its corporate value. With respect to distribution of profits, the Company considers the distribution of profits to its shareholders to be one of the most important management issues, and its basic policy for dividends is to make distributions after taking into account its long-term consolidated earnings performance. The Company will also acquire its own shares at the optimal timing with the aim of improving efficiency in capital structure. The present goal, however, is to increase the shareholders return ratio (i.e., the ratio of the total of the dividend payment and the repurchase of Company shares to consolidated net income) to approximately 30%. Retained earnings will be applied toward financing R&D activities essential for the future growth of the Company and capital expenditures and investment programs that will expand its operations for the purpose of improving business results and strengthening the Company’s financial condition.

 

The year-end cash dividend will be ¥37 per share, and total cash dividends for the year ended March 31, 2005 will be ¥65 per share, with an interim cash dividend of ¥28. For the year ending March 31, 2006, the Company plans to increase the interim cash dividend by ¥9, to ¥37 per share. It also projects that the year-end cash dividend will be ¥37 per share. As a result, total cash dividends for the year ending March 31, 2006 are expected to be ¥74 per share, an increase of ¥9 per share from that for the year ended March 31, 2005. The Company will continue to work hard to earn and keep the support of its shareholders.

 

l Trends in Dividends (reference)

 

(Yen)

 

     Fiscal 2002

   Fiscal 2003

   Fiscal 2004

   Fiscal 2005

  Fiscal 2006

Classification


   Interim

   Year-
end


   Total

   Interim

   Year-
end


   Total

   Interim

   Year-
end


   Total

   Interim

  

Year-

end


  Total

  Interim

 

Year-

end


  Total

Dividends

   13    15    28    16    16    32    19    23    42    28    37
(planned)
  65
(planned)
  37
(planned)
  37
(planned)
  74
(planned)

 

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Table of Contents

(3) Preparing for the Future

 

The global economy, driven primarily by the U.S. and Asian economies, is expected to grow steadily, but the pace of growth is anticipated to slow down. Also, the global management environment still lacks transparency because of global political and economic uncertainty, fluctuations in oil prices and currency movements. In Japan, the economic recovery has become more moderate, and weak consumer spending is anticipated to continue. As a result, competition in the Japanese market is expected to intensify.

 

It is under these circumstances that Honda will strengthen its corporate structure quickly and flexibly to meet the requirements of our customers and society and the changes in its business environment. Honda recognizes that further enhancing the following specific areas is essential to its success:

 

R&D

 

Along with efforts to develop even more effective safety and environmental technologies, Honda will enhance the creativity in its advanced technology and products, and it will create and swiftly introduce new value-added products that meet specific needs in various markets around the world.

 

Honda will also continue efforts in the research of future technologies, including the advancement of advanced humanoid robots and compact business jets and their engines.

 

Production Efficiency

 

Honda will establish efficient and flexible production systems and expand production capacity at its global production bases, with the aim of increasing its capability of supplying high quality products.

 

Sales Efficiency

 

Honda will continue to make efforts to expand its product lines through the innovative use of IT and to upgrade its sales and service structure, in order to further satisfy our customers.

 

Product Quality

 

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

 

Safety Technologies

 

Honda will develop safety technologies for accident prediction and prevention, technologies to reduce injuries to passengers and pedestrians from car accidents and technologies for reducing aggresivity, as well as expand its lineup of products incorporating such technologies. 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 local dealerships.

 

The Environment

 

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

 

* Life Cycle Assessment: A comprehensive system for quantifying the impact Honda’s products have on the environment at the different stages in their life cycles, from material procurement and energy consumption to waste disposal.

 

Continuing to Increase Society’s Trust in and Understanding toward Honda

 

In addition to continuing to provide products incorporating Honda’s advanced safety and environmental technologies, Honda will continue striving to earn even more trust and understanding from society by, among other things, undertaking activities for corporate governance, compliance and risk management and contributing to society.

 

Through these Company-wide activities, we will strive to materialize Honda’s visions of “value creation,” “globalization” and “commitment to the future,” with the aim of sharing the joy with Honda’s customers, thus becoming a company that society wants to exist.

 

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Table of Contents

(4) Financial Results

 

(a) Consolidated Financial Results and Property for the Last Four Fiscal Years

 

          Fiscal year

Item


       

FY2002

From Apr. 1, 2001

to Mar. 31, 2002


  

FY2003

From Apr. 1, 2002

to Mar. 31, 2003


  

FY2004
From Apr. 1, 2003

to Mar. 31, 2004


  

FY2005
From Apr. 1, 2004

to Mar. 31, 2005


Net sales and other operating revenue

   Yen (millions)    7,362,438    7,971,499    8,162,600    8,650,105

Income before income taxes

   Yen (millions)    551,342    609,755    641,927    656,805

Net income

   Yen (millions)    362,707    426,662    464,338    486,197

Basic net income per share

   Yen    372.23    439.43    486.91    520.68

Total assets

   Yen (millions)    6,940,795    7,681,291    8,328,768    9,316,970

Net assets

   Yen (millions)    2,573,941    2,629,720    2,874,400    3,289,294

Net assets per share

   Yen    2,641.55    2,734.69    3,054.90    3,556.49

 

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.
    2.   Information on operations during the fiscal year under review is shown in the section entitled “1. OUTLINE OF BUSINESS, (1) Review of Operations.”
    3.   Basic net income per common share is calculated using the average number of shares outstanding during the fiscal year. Please note that no latent shares were outstanding that would have a dilutive effect.
    4.   Net assets per share is computed based on the number of shares outstanding at the end of the fiscal year.

 

Net Sales and

Other Operating Revenue (reference)

Yen (millions)

 

LOGO

 

Income before Income Taxes

(reference)

Yen (millions)

 

LOGO

 

Net Income

(reference)

Yen (millions)

LOGO

 

 

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Table of Contents

(b) Unconsoldiated Financial Results and Property for the Last Four Fiscal Years

 

          Fiscal year

Item


       

78th

From Apr. 1, 2001

to Mar. 31, 2002


  

79th

From Apr. 1, 2002

to Mar. 31, 2003


  

80th

From Apr. 1, 2003

to Mar. 31, 2004


  

81st

From Apr. 1, 2004

to Mar. 31, 2005


Net sales

   Yen (millions)    3,211,186    3,322,719    3,319,793    3,489,106

Ordinary income

   Yen (millions)    218,987    242,680    311,244    211,249

Net income

   Yen (millions)    134,925    170,035    226,494    144,489

Net income per share

   Yen    138.47    174.63    237.51    154.74

Total assets

   Yen (millions)    1,937,805    2,061,331    2,276,766    2,355,093

Net assets

   Yen (millions)    1,342,648    1,421,254    1,541,100    1,551,538

Net assets per share

   Yen    1,377.92    1,477.49    1,637.87    1,677.57

 

Notes:   1.   The amounts in millions of yen described above disregard and round off amounts of less than ¥1 million.
    2.   Although the increase in sales contributed to profitability, ordinary income and net income for the 81st period were lower than for the 80th period because of the impact of the strong yen against the U.S. dollar; the change in accounting standards for royalty income in the 80th period, which increased revenues; and other factors.
    3.   As from the 79th fiscal year, per share information is calculated using “Accounting Standard for Basic Net Income per Share” (Accounting Standards Board of Japan, Financial Accounting Standards No. 2, September 25, 2002) and “Implementation Guidance on Accounting Standard for Net Income per Share” (Accounting Standards Board of Japan, Financial Accounting Implementation Guidance No. 4, September 25, 2002).

 

Net Sales (reference)

Yen (millions)

 

LOGO

 

Ordinary Income (reference)

Yen (millions)

 

LOGO

 

Net Income (reference)

Yen (millions)

LOGO

 

 

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Table of Contents

2. CORPORATE DATA (as of March 31, 2005)

 

(1) Principal Lines of Business

 

Honda’s principal business segments are Motorcycles, Automobiles, Financial Services and Power Products and Others. The sales classification of these business segments is as follows:

 

Segment


 

Principal products


Motorcycle Business   Motorcycles, All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), Personal watercraft (PWC), Related parts
Automobile Business   Automobiles, Related parts
Financial Services Business   Finance, Insurance
Power Product & Other Business   Power products, Related parts, Other

 

(2) Principal Business Offices and Factories

 

Name


 

Location


Honda Motor Co., Ltd.   Head Office   Minato-ku, Tokyo
  Suzuka Factory   Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture
  Saitama Factory   Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture
  Hamamatsu Factory   Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
  Kumamoto Factory   Ohzu-machi, Kumamoto Prefecture
  Tochigi Factory   Mohka City, Tochigi Prefecture
Honda R&D Co., Ltd.   Wako City, Saitama Prefecture
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.   California, U.S.A.
Honda North America, Inc.   California, U.S.A.
Honda of America Mfg., Inc.   Ohio, U.S.A.
American Honda Finance Corporation   California, U.S.A.
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC   Alabama, U.S.A.
Honda Canada Inc.   Toronto, Canada
Honda Motor Europe Ltd.   Slough, U.K.
Honda of the U.K. Manufacturing Ltd.   Swindon, U.K.
Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.   Bangkok, Thailand
Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd.   Ayutthaya, Thailand
Honda South America Ltda.   Sao Paulo, Brazil
Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda.   Sao Paulo, Brazil

 

Note: The Takanezawa Plant of the Tochigi Factory suspended the production of automobiles in April 2004, and the principal operating equipment was transferred to the Suzuka Factory in May 2004. In addition, the name of the Mohka Plant of the Tochigi Factory was changed to the Tochigi Factory.

 

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Table of Contents

(3) Common Stock

 

(a) Total number of shares authorized to be issued by the Company     3,554,000,000 shares

 

Notes:

  1.   In the event that shares are retired, the Articles of Incorporation provide for a corresponding reduction in the number of shares.
    2.   The total number of shares authorized to be issued by the Company, as specified in the Articles of Incorporation, was 3,600,000,000 on the balance sheet date. The Company implemented the retirement of 46,000,000 shares during the current fiscal year.

 

(b) Total number of shares issued           928,414,215 shares

 

Note: The Company implemented the retirement of 46,000,000 shares during the current fiscal year under review.

 

(c) Number of stockholders                    49,327

 

(d) Principal stockholders

 

Name


   Number of shares
held (thousands)


   Percentage as against
total shares issued
(%)


  

Number of shares

held by Honda


         Number of shares
held (thousands)


   (%)

Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd.

   65,983    7.1    —      —  

The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd.

   52,848    5.7    —      —  

Moxley & Co.

   36,534    3.9    —      —  

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

   36,459    3.9    —      —  

The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd.

   30,565    3.3    —      —  

Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company

   28,444    3.1    —      —  

The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. London

   22,184    2.4    —      —  

Sompo Japan Insurance Inc.

   21,830    2.4    1,000    0.1

State Street Bank and Trust Company 505103

   19,328    2.1    —      —  

Nippon Life Insurance Company

   18,688    2.0    —      —  

 

Notes:

  1.   The number of shares described above disregard and round off figures of less than 1,000 shares.
    2.   The Company holds 2,000 shares of common stock of Millea Holdings, Inc., which is the wholly owning parent company of Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.
    3.   The Company holds 14,000 shares of common stock and 1,000 shares of preferred stock without voting rights of Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group, Inc., which is the wholly owning parent company of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd.
    4.   Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. was formed on October 1, 2004 through the merger of The Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. and The Nichido Fire and Marine Insurance Co., Ltd.
    5.   All stocks held in Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. and The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. are owned in connection with the respective bank’s trust business.
    6.   Moxley & Co. is an official holder of stock of JPMorgan Chase Bank, which is a depositary institution for American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and European Depositary Receipts (EDRs).
    7.   The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. London and State Street Bank and Trust Company 505103 are the custodians and holders of record of stock owned principally by European institutional investors.

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

(4) Acquisition, Disposal and Retention of Company Shares

 

(a) Stock retained at the previous fiscal year-end

 

Common stock:    33,498,264 shares

 

(b) Stock acquired

 

Common stock:      16,048,123 shares
Amount of acquisition:    ¥ 84,160 million

 

The above figure includes treasury stock purchased pursuant to the decision of the Board of Directors under the Articles of Incorporation following the 80th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Common stock:      13,581,000 shares
Amount of acquisition:    ¥ 72,665 million

 

Reason for the acquisition of Company shares: Mainly to improve capital efficiency

 

(c) Stock disposal

 

Common stock:      2,599 shares
Total disposal value:    ¥ 13 million

 

(d) Stock retired

 

Common stock:    46,000,000 shares

 

(e) Stock retained at fiscal year-end

 

Common stock:    3,543,788 shares

 

Note:   Following accounts settlement, from April 1 to 14, 2005, the following acquisition of the Company shares was implemented. Shares acquired pursuant to the resolution at the meeting of the Board of Directors under the Articles of Incorporation:

 

Common stock:      967,600 shares    
Amount of acquisition:    ¥ 5,333 million    

 

(5) Employees of the Group and the Parent Company

 

(a) Honda employees

 

Business segment


   Number of employees

Motorcycle Business

   27,991

Automobile Business

   99,525

Financial Services Business

   1,787

Power Product & Other Businesses

   8,524

Total

   137,827

 

Note: The above refers to full-time employees.

 

(b) Employees of the parent company

 

Number of employees

   27,045  

Change from the previous fiscal year

   (142 )

Average age

   43.7  

Average number of years employed by the Company

   22.9  

 

Note: The above refers to full-time employees.

 

29


Table of Contents

(6) Principal Consolidation

 

(a) Principal subsidiaries

 

Company


   Capital
(millions)


   Percentage of Honda’s
voting right (%)


  

Main lines of business


        

Segment


  

Business


Honda R&D Co., Ltd.

   ¥ 7,400      100.0   

Motorcycle Business

Automobile Business

Power Product &

Other Businesses

   R&D

Honda Engineering Co., Ltd.

   ¥ 3,600      100.0   

Motorcycle Business

Automobile Business

Power Product &

Other Businesses

   Manufacturing and sales of equipment and development of production techology

Honda Finance Co., Ltd.

   ¥ 11,090      100.0    Financial Services Business    Finance

Suzuka Circuitland Co., Ltd.

   ¥ 2,000      86.2    Power Product & Other Businesses    Others (leisure)

Honda Motorcycle Japan Co., Ltd.

   ¥ 496      100.0    Motorcycle Business    Sales

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (U.S.A.)

   US$ 200      100.0   

Motorcycle Business

Automobile Business

Power Product &

Other Businesses

   Sales

Honda North America, Inc. (U.S.A.)

   US$ 1      100.0   

Motorcycle Business

Automobile Business

Financial Services Business Power Product &

Other Businesses

  

Coordination

of operations

Honda of America Mfg., Inc. (U.S.A.)

   US$ 578    * 100.0   

Motorcycle Business

Automobile Business

   Manufacturing

American Honda Finance Corporation (U.S.A.)

   US$ 1,366    * 100.0    Financial Services Business    Finance

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC (U.S.A.)

   US$ 400    * 100.0    Automobile Business    Manufacturing

Honda Transmission Manufacturing of America, Inc. (U.S.A.)

   US$ 42    * 100.0    Automobile Business    Manufacturing

Honda Power Equipment Manufacturing, Inc. (U.S.A.)

   US$ 26    * 100.0   

Automobile Business

Power Product &

Other Businesses

   Manufacturing

Honda Canada Inc. (Canada)

   C$ 226    * 100.0   

Motorcycle Business

Automobile Business

Power Product &

Other Businesses

   Manufacturing and sales

Honda Canada Finance, Inc. (Canada)

   C$ 235    * 100.0    Financial Services Business    Finance

Honda de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
(Mexico)

   MXN 257    * 100.0   

Motorcycle Business

Automobile Business

Power Product &

Other Businesses

   Manufacturing and sales

Honda Europe N.V. (Belgium)

   EUR 31    * 100.0   

Motorcycle Business

Automobile Business

Power Product &

Other Businesses

   Sales

Honda Motor Europe Ltd. (U.K.)

   GBP 367    * 100.0   

Motorcycle Business

Automobile Business

Financial Services Business

Power Product &

Other Businesses

   Coordination of operations and sales

Honda of the U.K. Manufacturing Ltd. (U.K.)

   GBP 670    * 100.0    Automobile Business    Manufacturing

Honda Finance Europe plc. (U.K.)

   GBP 38    * 100.0    Financial Services Business    Finance

Honda Motor Europe (South) S.A. (France)

   EUR 40      100.0   

Motorcycle Business

Automobile Business

   Sales

Honda Motor Europe (North) G.m.b.H. (Germany)

   EUR 70    * 100.0   

Motorcycle Business

Automobile Business

Power Product &

Other Businesses

   Sales

 

30


Table of Contents

Company


  

Capital

(millions)


   Percentage of Honda’s
voting right (%)


  

Main lines of business


        

Segment


  

Business


Honda Italia Industriale S.p.A. (Italy)

   EUR 8      100.0   

Motorcycle Business

Power Product &

Other Businesses

   Manufacturing and sales

Honda Automobile (China) Co., Ltd. (China)

   US$ 52      100.0   

Motorcycle Business Automobile Business

Power Product & Other Businesses

   Holding company

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (Private) Limited (India)

   INR 3,000    * 100.0    Motorcycle Business    Manufacturing and sales

Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. (India)

   INR 3,600      99.9    Automobile Business    Manufacturing and sales

P.T. Honda Precision Parts Manufacturing (Indonesia)

   IDR 541,440      100.0    Automobile Business    Manufacturing

P.T. Honda Prospect Motor (Indonesia)

   US$ 70      51.0    Automobile Business    Manufacturing and sales

Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia)

   MYR 170      51.0    Automobile Business    Manufacturing and sales

Honda Taiwan Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)

   TWD 3,580      100.0    Automobile Business    Manufacturing and sales

Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Thailand)

   THB 442      100.0   

Motorcycle Business

Automobile Business

Financial Services Business Power Product & Other Businesses

   Coordination of operations and sales

Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Thailand)

   THB 5,460    * 91.4    Automobile Business    Manufacturing and sales

Thai Honda Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Thailand)

   THB 150      60.0   

Motorcycle Business

Power Product & Other Business

   Manufacturing

Honda Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Vietnam)

   US$ 45    * 70.0    Motorcycle Business    Manufacturing and sales

Honda South America Ltda. (Brazil)

   BRL 119      100.0   

Motorcycle Business Automobile Business

Financial Services Business

Power Product & Other Businesses

   Coordination of operations and holding company

Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda. (Brazil)

   BRL 882    * 100.0    Automobile Business    Manufacturing and sales

Moto Honda da Amazonia Ltda. (Brazil)

   BRL 358    * 100.0   

Motorcycle Business

Power Product & Other Businesses

   Manufacturing and sales

Honda Turkiye A.S. (Turkey)

   TRY 70      100.0    Motorcycle Business Automobile Business    Manufacturing and sales

Honda Australia Pty., Ltd. (Australia)

   AU$ 22      100.0    Automobile Business    Sales

 

Notes:   1. Capital amounts of less than one million have been disregarded and rounded off.
    2. * includes ownership through subsidiaries.

 

31


Table of Contents

(b) Background of business combinations and results

 

Background of business combinations

 

1. To make way for future investments, Honda Vietnam Co., Ltd. increased its capital by including its earned surplus in its capital account. As a result of this increase in capital, Honda Vietnam became one of the Company’s significant subsidiaries.

 

2. The Company transferred a portion of its investments in Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., Dongfeng Honda Engine Co., Ltd., and Dongfeng Honda Auto Parts Co., Ltd. to Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd. The transfer of this amount increased the capital of Honda Motor (China) Investment and positioned this company to make quick and responsive allocations of management resources within the China area, acting as the holding company for the Company’s business operations in that country.

 

Results of business combinations

 

At the end of the fiscal year under review, the Company had 319 consolidated companies, including 38 subsidiaries that are mentioned in the section of this report entitled “(a) Principal Subsidiaries” and 118 affiliates.

 

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Table of Contents

(7) Directors and Corporate Auditors

 

Title


  

Name


  

Area of Responsibility

or Principal Occupations


President and

Representative Director

   Takeo Fukui     

Executive Vice President and

Representative Director

   Koichi Amemiya    President and Director of Honda North America, Inc.

Senior Managing and

Representative Directors

   Michiyoshi Hagino    General Supervisor, Purchasing Policy
     Minoru Harada    Chief Operating Officer for Motorcycle Operations
     Motoatsu Shiraishi   

Chief Operating Officer for Production Operations

Risk Management Officer

General Supervisor, Production

General Supervisor, Information Systems

     Satoshi Aoki    Chief Operating Officer for Business Management Operations Compliance Officer
     Satoshi Dobashi   

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Sales Operations (Japan)

Chief Officer of Driving Safety Promotion Center in Regional Sales Operations (Japan)

Government & Industrial Affairs

Managing Directors    Atsuyoshi Hyogo   

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (China)

President of Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd.

     Satoshi Toshida    Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Asia & Oceania) President and Director of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
     Koki Hirashima    President and Director of Honda of America Mfg., Inc.
     Koichi Kondo    Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (North America) President and Director of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
     Yasuo Ikenoya    Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (China)
     Toru Onda    Chief Operating Officer for Purchasing Operations
     Akira Takano    Chief Operating Officer for Customer Service Operations
     Takanobu Ito   

General Supervisor, Motor Sports

President and Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.

     Mikio Yoshimi    Chief Operating Officer for Business Support Operations
     Shigeru Takagi   

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Europe)

President and Director of Honda Motor Europe Ltd.

     Hiroshi Kuroda    Chief Operating Officer for Automobile Operations

 

33


Table of Contents

Title


  

Name


  

Area of Responsibility

or Principal Occupations


Director    Satoru Kishi    Advisor of the Board of The Bank of Tokyo- Mitsubishi, Ltd.
Director and Advisor    Hiroyuki Yoshino     
Directors    Masaaki Kato    President and Director of Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC
     Akio Hamada    President and Director of Honda Engineering Co., Ltd.
     Teruo Kowashi    Automobile Production for Production Operations
     Tetsuo Iwamura   

Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Latin America) President and Director of Honda South America Ltda.

President and Director of Moto Honda da Amazonia Ltda.

President and Director of Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda.

     Takashi Yamamoto    Quality, Certification & Regulation Compliance
     Masaru Takabayashi    General Manager of IT Division
     Tatsuhiro Oyama    Chief Operating Officer for Parts Operations
     Suguru Kanazawa   

Senior Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.

President and Director of Honda Racing Corporation

     Manabu Nishimae    Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Regional Sales Operations (Japan) General Manager of Automobile Sales Operations for Regional Sales Operations (Japan)
     Fumihiko Ike    Chief Operating Officer for Power Products Operations
     Masaya Yamashita    General Manager of Automobile Purchasing Division 1 for Purchasing Operations
     Hiroshi Kobayashi    President and Director of Honda Canada Inc.
     Kazuo Sagawa    General Manager of Saitama Factory of Production Operations
     Kazuto Iiyama    Executive Vice President and Director of Honda Motor Europe Ltd. President and Director of Honda of the U.K. Manufacturing Ltd.
     Hiroshi Oshima    Corporate Communications, Motor Sports
          General Manager of Corporate Communications Division in Business Support Operations
     Sho Minekawa    President of Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd.

 

34


Table of Contents

Title


  

Name


  

Area of Responsibility

or Principal Occupations


Corporate Auditors (Full-time)    Hiroshi Okubo     
     Koji Miyajima     
Corporate Auditors    Koukei Higuchi    Advisor of the Board of Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.
     Kuniyasu Yamada    President of MTB Apple Planning Co., Ltd.
     Fumihiko Saito    Partner of Haarmann Hemmelrath Saito Law Office

 

Notes:    1.    Mr. Satoru Kishi is an outside director, as set forth in Article 188, Paragraph 2, Item 7-2 of the Commercial Code.
    

2.

   Corporate Auditors Mr. Koukei Higuchi, Mr. Kuniyasu Yamada and Mr. Fumihiko Saito are outside corporate auditors as provided in Article 18, Section 1, of the Law for Special Exceptions to the Commercial Code Concerning Audits, etc., of Kabushiki Kaisha.
     3.    The Directors who retired during the fiscal year under review are as follows:
         

Mr. Yoshihide Munekuni, on June 23, 2004

Mr. Hiroshi Okubo, on June 23, 2004

Mr. Masahiro Yoshimura, on June 23, 2004

Mr. Seiichi Moriguchi, on June 23, 2004

     4.    The Corporate Auditor who retired during the fiscal year under review is as follows:
          Mr. Kunihiro Chujo, on June 23, 2004

 

(8) Amount of Compensation Paid to the Independent Auditor

 

(1)

   Total amount of compensation paid by the parent company and its subsidiaries to the Independent Auditor:    ¥ 472 million

(2)

   Of the total in (1) above, the amount paid for the Independent Auditors’ Report pursuant to Article 2, Paragraph 1 of the Certified Public Accountants Law:    ¥ 235 million

(3)

   Of the total in (2) above, the amount paid by the parent company:    ¥ 71 million

 

Note:   In its contract with the independent auditing firm, the Company has not divided the above into amounts corresponding to payment under the Law for Special Exceptions to the Commercial Code Concerning Audits and the amount corresponding to compensation to be paid based on the Securities and Exchange Law. Because dividing compensation into these amounts is not possible, the total in (3) above contains both amounts.

 

35


Table of Contents

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     Yen (millions)

As of March 31, 2004 and 2005


   2004

   2005

ASSETS

             

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   ¥ 724,421    ¥ 773,538

Trade accounts and notes receivable

     688,303      791,195

Finance subsidiaries–receivables, net–current

     949,733      1,021,116

Inventories

     765,433      862,370

Deferred income taxes

     222,179      214,059

Other current assets

     303,185      346,464
    

  

Total current assets

     3,653,254      4,008,742
    

  

Finance subsidiaries–receivables, net

     2,265,874      2,623,909

Investments and advances:

             

Investments in and advances to affiliates

     298,242      349,664

Other

     242,824      264,926
    

  

Total investments and advances

     541,066      614,590
    

  

Property, plant and equipment, at cost:

             

Land

     354,762      365,217

Buildings

     968,159      1,030,998

Machinery and equipment

     2,072,347      2,260,826

Construction in progress

     49,208      96,047
    

  

       3,444,476      3,753,088
    

  

Less accumulated depreciation

     2,008,945      2,168,836

Net property, plant and equipment

     1,435,531      1,584,252
    

  

Other assets

     433,043      485,477
    

  

Total assets

   ¥ 8,328,768    ¥ 9,316,970
    

  

 

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Table of Contents
     Yen (millions)

 
     2004

    2005

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

LIABILITIES

                

Current liabilities:

                

Short-term debt

   ¥ 734,271     ¥ 769,314  

Current portion of long-term debt

     487,125       535,105  

Trade payables:

                

Notes

     29,096       26,727  

Accounts

     882,141       987,045  

Accrued expenses

     813,733       913,721  

Income taxes payable

     31,194       65,029  

Other current liabilities

     357,259       451,623  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     3,334,819       3,748,564  
    


 


Long-term debt

     1,394,612       1,559,500  

Other liabilities

     724,937       719,612  
    


 


Total liabilities

     5,454,368       6,027,676  
    


 


STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

Common stock

     86,067       86,067  

Capital surplus

     172,719       172,531  

Legal reserves

     32,418       34,688  

Retained earnings

     3,589,434       3,809,383  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

                

Adjustments from foreign currency translation

     (665,413 )     (624,937 )

Net unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

     36,066       33,744  

Minimum pension liabilities adjustments

     (225,226 )     (202,741 )
    


 


Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (854,573 )     (793,934 )

Treasury stock

     (151,665 )     (19,441 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     2,874,400       3,289,294  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   ¥ 8,328,768     ¥ 9,316,970  
    


 


 

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Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

     Yen (millions)

Years ended March 31, 2004 and 2005


   2004

   2005

Net sales and other operating revenue

   ¥ 8,162,600    ¥ 8,650,105

Operating costs and expenses:

             

Cost of sales

     5,609,806      6,038,172

Selling, general and administrative

     1,503,683      1,513,259

Research and development

     448,967      467,754
    

  

Total operating costs and expenses

     7,562,456      8,019,185
    

  

Operating income

     600,144      630,920

Other income:

             

Interest

     9,299      10,696

Other

     54,909      60,541
    

  

Total other income

     64,208      71,237
    

  

Other expenses:

             

Interest

     10,194      11,655

Other

     12,231      33,697
    

  

Total other expenses

     22,425      45,352
    

  

Income before income taxes and equity in income of affiliates

     641,927      656,805

Income taxes:

             

Current

     139,318      151,146

Deferred

     113,422      115,519
    

  

Total income taxes

     252,740      266,665
    

  

Income before equity in income of affiliates

     389,187      390,140

Equity in income of affiliates

     75,151      96,057
    

  

Net income

   ¥ 464,338    ¥ 486,197
    

  

     Yen

Basic net income per common share

   ¥ 486.91    ¥ 520.68

 

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Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Reference)

 

     Yen (millions)

 

Years ended March 31, 2004 and 2005


   2004

    2005

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Net income

   ¥ 464,338     ¥ 486,197  

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

                

Depreciation

     213,445       225,752  

Deferred income taxes

     113,422       115,519  

Equity in income of affiliates

     (75,151 )     (96,057 )

Provision for credit and lease residual losses on finance subsidiaries–receivables

     45,937       50,638  

Loss (gain) on derivative instruments and related others, net

     (84,783 )     (60,432 )

Decrease (increase) in assets:

                

Trade accounts and notes receivable

     22,829       (70,145 )

Inventories

     (51,836 )     (79,483 )

Other current assets

     (154,320 )     (11,797 )

Other assets

     (33,376 )     (52,198 )

Increase (decrease) in liabilities:

                

Trade accounts and notes payable

     132,541       76,338  

Accrued expenses

     64,830       71,469  

Income taxes payable

     (31,068 )     33,704  

Other current liabilities

     13,763       19,973  

Other liabilities

     43,656       19,826  

Other, net

     (8,739 )     17,320  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     675,488       746,624  
    


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Decrease in investments and advances

     40,598       5,292  

Payment for purchase of available-for-sale securities

     (61 )     (1,608 )

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities

     10,082       13,140  

Capital expenditures

     (287,741 )     (373,980 )

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

     19,157       14,216  

Acquisitions of finance subsidiaries–receivables

     (2,689,554 )     (2,710,520 )

Collections of finance subsidiaries–receivables

     1,156,888       1,561,299  

Proceeds from sales of finance subsidiaries–receivables

     820,650       684,308  
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (929,981 )     (807,853 )
    


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Increase (decrease) in short-term debt

     (7,910 )     20,244  

Proceeds from long-term debt

     885,162       704,433  

Repayment of long-term debt

     (289,107 )     (495,107 )

Cash dividends paid

     (33,541 )     (47,797 )

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

     280       (131 )

Payment for purchase of treasury stock, net

     (95,312 )     (84,147 )
    


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     459,572       97,495  
    


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (28,062 )     12,851  
    


 


Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     177,017       49,117  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     547,404       724,421  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   ¥ 724,421     ¥ 773,538  
    


 


 

39


Table of Contents

Explanatory notes:

 

1. Consolidated subsidiaries

 

  Number of consolidated subsidiaries: 319

 

  Principal subsidiaries:

 

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda of America Mfg., Inc., Honda Canada Inc., Honda R&D Co., Ltd., American Honda Finance Corporation

 

2. Affiliated companies

 

  Number of affiliated companies: 118

 

  Principal affiliated companies:

 

Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd., P.T. Astra Honda Motor

 

3. Changes of consolidated subsidiaries and affiliated companies

 

•        Consolidated subsidiaries:

    

         Newly formed consolidated subsidiaries:

   11 (i.e., Honda Aero, Inc.)

         Reduced through reorganization:

   9

•        Affiliated companies:

    

         Newly formed affiliated companies:

   3 (i.e., GE Honda Aero Engines LLC.)

         Reduced through reorganization:

   9

 

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

 

5. Minority interests in net assets and income are not significant and, accordingly, are not presented separately in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of income. The amount of minority interest recognized in earnings, included in other expenses—other, for each of the years in the two-year period ended March 31, 2005 were ¥11,753 million and ¥11,559 million, respectively.

 

6. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined principally by the first-in, first-out method, or market.

 

7. Honda classifies its debt and equity securities in one of three categories: available-for-sale, trading, or held-to-maturity. Debt securities that are classified as “held-to-maturity” securities are reported at amortized cost. Debt and equity securities classified as “trading” securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Other debt and equity securities are classified as “available-for-sale” securities and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses, net of deferred taxes, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the stockholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets.

 

8. Honda does not amortize goodwill but instead is tested for impairment at least annually.

 

9. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is calculated principally by the declining-balance method based on estimated useful lives of the respective assets.

 

10. Honda does not apply hedge accounting for the foreign exchange agreements and interest rate agreements.

 

11. The allowance for credit losses for finance subsidiaries–receivables is maintained at an amount management deems adequate to cover estimated losses on finance receivables. The allowance is based on management’s evaluation of many factors, including current economic trends, industry experience, inherent risks in the portfolio and the borrower’s ability to pay.

 

12. The allowance for losses on lease residual values is maintained at an amount management deems adequate to cover estimated losses on the uninsured portion of the vehicles’ lease residual values. The allowance is also based on management’s evaluation of many factors, including current economic conditions, industry experience and the finance subsidiaries’ historical experience with residual value losses.

 

40


Table of Contents
13. Provisions for retirement benefits are provided based on the fair value of both projected benefit obligations and plan assets at the end of the fiscal year to cover for employees’ retirement benefits. If the provision for retirement benefits are less than the unfunded accumulated benefit obligations, accrued pension cost is adjusted as an additional minimum pension liability that is at least equal to the unfunded accumulated benefit obligation.

 

Unrecognized net transition obligations have been amortized over approximately 19 years since the fiscal year ended March 31, 1990.

 

Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit) is amortized by using the straight-line method and the estimated average remaining service years of employees.

 

Unrecognized actuarial loss is amortized if the unrecognized net gain or loss exceeds 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets by using the straight-line method and the estimated average remaining service years of employees.

 

14. Our warranty expense accruals are costs for general warranties on products we sell, product recalls and service actions outside the general warranties. Estimated warranty expenses are provided based on historical warranty claim experience with consideration given to the expected level of future warranty costs as well as current information on repair costs.

 

15. In this current year, Honda reclassified its reporting of cash flow related to the finance subsidiaries–receivables which relate to sales of inventory as cash flows from operating activities instead of cash flows from investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows and also reclassified related finance subsidiaries–receivables to trade receivables, including those of the non-current portion to other assets, in the consolidated balance sheets. Reclassifications have been made to prior years’ consolidated financial statements to confirm to the presentation used for the year ended March 31, 2005. More detailed information is provided in the “Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.” As a result, cash flows from operating activities decreased by ¥37,454 million and cash flows from investing activities increased by the same amount in last fiscal year’s consolidated statements of cash flows. Also, in last fiscal year’s consolidated balance sheets, trade accounts and notes receivable increased by ¥314,887 million, and other assets increased by ¥111,464 million. Acquisition of finance subsidiaries–receivables, net–current decreased by ¥314,887 million, and finance subsidiaries–receivables, net decreased by ¥111,464 million.

 

Additional Information

 

As stipulated in the Japanese Welfare Pension Insurance Law, the “Honda Employees’ Pension Fund (Confederated Welfare Pension Fund”, the “Fund”), of which the Company is one of the members, obtained an approval from the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare for exemption from benefits obligations related to future employee service in respect of the substitutional portion on April 1, 2004. The Company is currently in the process of transferring past service liabilities to the government. The Company has not yet determined the effect of the adoption on Honda’s consolidated financial position and results of operations as the fair value of plan assets and the pension benefit obligation to be transferred, determined pursuant to a government formula, will not be determined until the transfer of such assets and obligation is completed.

 

Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

1. The allowance for doubtful trade accounts and notes receivable is ¥10,919 million and ¥9,710 million, and for the allowance for credit losses for finance subsidiaries–receivable is ¥24,411 million and ¥30,926 million as of March 31, 2004 and 2005, respectively.

 

2. Property, plant and equipment with a net book value of ¥11,425 million and ¥12,881 million at March 31, 2004 and 2005, respectively, were subject to specific mortgages securing indebtedness.

 

In addition, for certain losses, a finance subsidiary pledged as collateral finance subsidiaries–receivables of ¥14,313 million and ¥22,597 million at March 31, 2004 and 2005, respectively.

 

3. Comprehensive income consists of net income, change in adjustments from foreign currency translation, change in net unrealized gains on marketable equity securities, and change in minimum pension liabilities adjustment, and is included in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.

 

4. Honda has entered into various guarantee and indemnification agreements. At March 31, 2004 and 2005, Honda guaranteed approximately ¥77,426 million and ¥69,574 million of bank loans of employees for their housing costs, respectively. If an employee defaults on his/her loan payments, Honda is required to perform under the guarantee. The undiscounted maximum amounts of Honda’s obligation to make future payments in the event of defaults were approximately ¥77,426 million and ¥69,574 million, respectively, at March 31, 2004 and 2005. As of March 31, 2005, no amount has been accrued for any estimated losses under the obligations, as it is probable that the employees will be able to make all scheduled payments.

 

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Table of Contents

n Segment Information

 

(a) Business Segment Information

 

For the year ended March 31, 2004    Yen (millions)
     Motorcycle
Business


   Automobile
Business


   Financial
Services
Business


  

Power Prod-

uct & Other
Businesses


   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                   

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   996,290    6,592,024    242,696    331,590    8,162,600    —       8,162,600

Intersegment sales

   0    0    3,138    10,070    13,208    (13,208 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   996,290    6,592,024    245,834    341,660    8,175,808    (13,208 )   8,162,600
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Cost of sales, SG&A and R&D expenses

   953,857    6,153,133    137,396    331,278    7,575,664    (13,208 )   7,562,456

Operating income

   42,433    438,891    108,438    10,382    600,144    0     600,144

Assets

   764,893    3,727,259    3,818,915    247,451    8,558,518    (229,750 )   8,328,768

Depreciation and amortization

   25,156    181,266    359    6,664    213,445    —       213,445

Capital expenditures

   35,041    240,416    430    11,854    287,741    —       287,741

 

For the year ended March 31, 2005    Yen (millions)
     Motorcycle
Business


   Automobile
Business


   Financial
Services
Business


   Power Prod-
uct & Other
Businesses


   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                   

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   1,097,754    6,963,635    255,741    332,975    8,650,105    —       8,650,105

Intersegment sales

   0    0    3,447    9,869    13,316    (13,316 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   1,097,754    6,963,635    259,188    342,844    8,663,421    (13,316 )   8,650,105
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

Cost of sales, SG&A and R&D expenses

   1,028,422    6,511,253    169,287    323,539    8,032,501    (13,316 )   8,019,185

Operating income

   69,332    452,382    89,901    19,305    630,920    0     630,920

Assets

   848,671    4,160,818    4,362,096    261,843    9,633,428    (316,458 )   9,316,970

Depreciation and amortization

   28,606    189,150    419    7,577    225,752    —       225,752

Capital expenditures

   41,845    317,271    1,941    12,923    373,980    —       373,980

 

Notes:

 

1. Business segments are 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. Within assets, corporate assets are included in Eliminations and amounted to ¥482,471 million for the year ended March 31, 2004 and ¥464,504 million for the year ended March 31, 2005, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities held by the parent company.

 

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Table of Contents

(b) Geographic Segment Information

 

For the year ended March 31, 2004    Yen (millions)
     Japan

   North
America


   Europe

   Asia

   Other
Regions


   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                        

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   1,879,141    4,552,941    756,312    637,163    337,043    8,162,600    —       8,162,600

Transfers between geographical segments

   2,051,729    120,069    192,235    67,009    11,222    2,442,264    (2,442,264 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   3,930,870    4,673,010    948,547    704,172    348,265    10,604,864    (2,442,264 )   8,162,600
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Cost of sales, SG&A and R&D expenses

   3,738,419    4,362,860    922,704    659,500    324,466    10,007,949    (2,445,493 )   7,562,456

Operating income

   192,451    310,150    25,843    44,672    23,799    596,915    3,229     600,144

Assets

   2,370,214    4,539,320    571,419    435,815    141,851    8,058,619    270,149     8,328,768

 

For the year ended March 31, 2005    Yen (millions)
     Japan

   North
America


   Europe

   Asia

   Other
Regions


   Total

   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Net sales and other operating revenue:

                                        

Sales to unaffiliated customers

   1,983,182    4,585,650    858,936    773,753    448,584    8,650,105    —       8,650,105

Transfers between geographical segments

   2,155,756    119,904    184,136    86,810    17,373    2,563,979    (2,563,979 )   —  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Total

   4,138,938    4,705,554    1,043,072    860,563    465,957    11,214,084    (2,563,979 )   8,650,105
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Cost of sales, SG&A and R&D expenses

   3,954,039    4,384,400    1,001,829    799,871    432,764    10,572,903    (2,553,718 )   8,019,185

Operating income

   184,899    321,154    41,243    60,692    33,193    641,181    (10,261 )   630,920

Assets

   2,480,052    5,202,980    649,547    541,331    203,605    9,077,515    239,455     9,316,970

 

Notes:

1.

  The geographic segments are based on the location where sales originate.
    Major countries or regions in each geographic segment:
              North America    United States, Canada, Mexico
              Europe    United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium
              Asia    Thailand, Indonesia, China, India
              Other Regions    Brazil, Australia

2.

  Within assets, corporate assets are included in Eliminations and amounted to ¥482,471 million for the year ended March 31, 2004
    and ¥464,504 million for the year ended March 31, 2005, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and marketable
   

securities held by the parent company.

 

(c) Overseas Sales

 

For the year ended March 31, 2004     Yen (millions)  
     North America

    Europe

    Asia

    Other Regions

    Total

 

Overseas sales

   4,542,930     770,110     801,611     419,456     6,534,107  

Consolidated sales

                           8,162,600  

Overseas sales ratio to consolidated sales

   55.7 %   9.4 %   9.8 %   5.1 %   80.0 %
For the year ended March 31, 2005     Yen (millions)  
     North America

    Europe

    Asia

    Other Regions

    Total

 

Overseas sales

   4,575,076     870,795     977,011     528,018     6,950,900  

Consolidated sales

                           8,650,105  

Overseas sales ratio to consolidated sales

   52.9 %   10.1 %   11.3 %   6.1 %   80.4 %

 

Note:

 

The geographic segments are based on the location where sales originate.

Major countries or regions in each geographic segment:

          North America    United States, Canada, Mexico
          Europe    United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium
          Asia    Thailand, Indonesia, China, India
          Other Regions    Brazil, Australia

 

 

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Table of Contents

Unconsolidated Balance Sheets

 

     Yen (millions)

 

As of March 31, 2004 and 2005


   2004

    2005

 

ASSETS

                

1. Current assets:

                

Cash and bank deposits

   ¥ 364,965     ¥ 346,218  

Notes receivable

     2,701       2,308  

Accounts receivable

     303,059       290,079  

Securities

     —         7,484  

Finished goods

     59,697       76,354  

Parts for sale

     29,352       27,062  

Raw materials

     11,638       13,783  

Work in process

     13,849       14,557  

Supplies

     10,155       13,107  

Advance payments

     13,351       14,437  

Prepaid expenses

     6,715       6,719  

Deferred income taxes

     66,481       73,572  

Short-term loans receivable

     96       86  

Short-term loans receivable—subsidiaries and affiliates

     24,726       75,727  

Other receivable

     34,992       30,200  

Others

     27,900       24,830  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (5,093 )     (4,552 )
    


 


Total current assets

     964,590       1,011,979  
    


 


2. Fixed assets

                

Tangible fixed assets:

                

Buildings

     437,746       462,448  

Accumulated depreciation

     (245,345 )     (254,635 )

Buildings, net

     192,400       207,813  

Structures

     98,273       100,866  

Accumulated depreciation

     (57,290 )     (60,045 )

Structures, net

     40,982       40,821  

Machinery and equipment

     495,783       497,174  

Accumulated depreciation

     (414,184 )     (418,431 )

Machinery and equipment, net

     81,598       78,742  

Vehicles

     14,177       15,794  

Accumulated depreciation

     (8,426 )     (9,157 )

Vehicles, net

     5,750       6,637  

Tools, furniture and fixtures

     212,058       212,959  

Accumulated depreciation

     (185,244 )     (186,927 )

Tools, furniture and fixtures, net

     26,814       26,031  

Land

     268,391       272,276  

Construction in progress

     7,358       11,803  
    


 


Total tangible fixed assets

     623,296       644,125  
    


 


Intangible assets:

                

Patents

     114       112  

Leaseholds

     2,112       2,112  

Trademarks

     24       17  

Software

     3,231       2,805  

Others

     493       823  
    


 


Total intangible assets

     5,975       5,872  
    


 


Investments and other assets:

                

Investment securities

     117,405       110,713  

Investment securities—subsidiaries and affiliates

     391,874       403,192  

Investments and other assets

     19       6  

Investments—subsidiaries and affiliates

     89,073       92,309  

Long-term loans receivable—employees

     750       640  

Receivables in bankruptcy

     21,997       19,768  

Long-term prepaid expenses

     1,320       980  

Deferred income taxes

     44,228       52,379  

Deposits

     23,110       23,234  

Others

     10,742       5,350  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (17,620 )     (15,459 )
    


 


Total investments and other assets

     682,903       693,116  
    


 


Total fixed assets

     1,312,176       1,343,114  
    


 


Total assets

   ¥ 2,276,766     ¥ 2,355,093  
    


 


 

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Table of Contents
     Yen (millions)

 
     2004

    2005

 

LIABILITIES

                

1. Current liabilities:

                

Notes payable—trade

   ¥ 1,406     ¥ 1,256  

Accounts payable

     325,621       343,752  

Short-term loans payable

     2,998       21,833  

Current portion of long-term loans payable

     96       83  

Other payable

     37,196       34,247  

Accrued expenses

     86,204       102,559  

Income taxes payable

     38,619       20,242  

Advances received

     470       694  

Deposits received

     1,566       2,681  

Deferred revenue

     176       248  

Current portion of accrued product warranty

     47,531       54,075  

Accrued employees’ bonuses

     42,492       40,517  

Accrued directors’ bonuses

     650       720  

Notes payable—other

     1,327       1,240  

Others

     444       10,073  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     586,800       634,227  
    


 


2. Non-current liabilities:

                

Long-term loans payable

     735       619  

Accrued product warranty

     36,986       35,120  

Accrued employees’ retirement benefits

     101,061       124,122  

Accrued directors’ retirement benefits

     6,407       6,036  

Others

     3,675       3,428  
    


 


Total non-current liabilities

     148,865       169,327  
    


 


Total liabilities

     735,666       803,554  
    


 


STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

1. Common stock

     86,067       86,067  

2. Capital surplus:

                

Capital surplus

     170,313       170,313  

Other capital surplus, realized gain on treasury stock, at cost

     190       2  
    


 


Total capital surplus

     170,504       170,316  
    


 


3. Retained earnings:

                

Legal reserves

     21,516       21,516  

Appropriated retained earnings:

                

Reserve for dividend

     67,300       75,300  

General reserve

     1,049,300       1,049,300  

Reserve for special depreciation

     2,015       2,207  

Reserve for reduction of acquisition cost of fixed assets

     11,416       11,768  

Unappropriated retained earnings

     242,257       114,225  
    


 


Total retained earnings

     1,393,806       1,274,318  
    


 


4. Unrealized gains on securities available for sale, net

     42,387       40,278  

5. Treasury stock

     (151,665 )     (19,441 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     1,541,100       1,551,538  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   ¥ 2,276,766     ¥ 2,355,093  
    


 


 

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Unconsolidated Statements of Income

 

     Yen (millions)

 

Years ended March 31, 2004 and 2005


   2004

    2005

 

Net sales

   ¥ 3,319,793     ¥ 3,489,106  

Cost of sales:

                

Finished goods and parts for sale at beginning of year

     95,231       89,049  

Production cost

     2,027,631       2,211,041  

Others

     186,682       192,372  
    


 


       2,309,545       2,492,463  
    


 


Transfer to other accounts

     3,586       3,973  

Finished goods and parts for sale at end of year

     89,049       103,417  
    


 


       2,216,909       2,385,073  
    


 


Gross profit

     1,102,883       1,104,033  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     918,109       956,478  
    


 


Operating income

     184,773       147,554  

Non-operating income:

                

Interest income

     393       494  

Dividend income

     106,229       79,698  

Rental income

     19,589       20,300  

Foreign exchange gains, net

     14,143       —    

Others

     3,120       4,830  
    


 


       143,476       105,323  
    


 


Non-operating expenses:

                

Interest expenses

     146       172  

Contributions

     818       868  

Depreciation

     11,042       12,065  

Expenses for rental assets

     2,969       3,244  

Loss on disposal of inventories

     311       434  

Foreign exchange losses, net

     —         21,074  

Others

     1,716       3,768  
    


 


       17,005       41,629  
    


 


Ordinary income

     311,244       211,249  

Extraordinary income:

                

Gain on sale of fixed assets

     946       1,124  

Gain on sale of investment securities

     4,559       —    

Reversal of allowance for doubtful receivables

     —         403  

Others

     —         —    
    


 


       5,505       1,528  
    


 


Extraordinary losses:

                

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

     8,391       8,262  

Loss on devaluation of investment securities

     75       16  

Loss on devaluation of investment securities—subsidiaries and affiliates

     5       —    

Others

     4       25  
    


 


       8,476       8,304  
    


 


Income before income taxes

     308,273       204,473  

Income taxes:

                

Current

     102,125       62,026  

Prior year adjustments

     —         11,786  

Deferred

     (20,346 )     (13,829 )
    


 


       81,779       59,983  
    


 


Net income

     226,494       144,489  

Unappropriated retained earnings at beginning of year

     33,918       212,072  

Retirement of treasury stock

     —         216,181  

Interim dividends paid

     18,155       26,155  
    


 


Unappropriated retained earnings at end of year

   ¥ 242,257     ¥ 114,225  
    


 


 

 

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Significant Accounting Policies

 

1. Securities

 

  (a) Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates are stated at cost, which is determined by the moving-average method.

 

  (b) Marketable securities classified as other securities are stated at fair value based on market prices at fiscal year-end and similar. Any changes in unrealized holding gains or losses, net of applicable income taxes, are included directly in stockholders’ equity, and cost of securities sold is determined by the moving-average method.

 

  (c) Non-marketable securities classified as other securities are stated at cost, which is determined by the moving-average method.

 

2. Inventories are stated at the lower of the last purchase cost or market.

 

3. Derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value.

 

4. Depreciation of tangible fixed assets is computed by using the declining-balance method.

 

5. Amortization of intangible assets is computed by using the straight-line method.

 

6. The allowance for doubtful accounts is provided for possible bad debt at an amount determined based on the historical experience of bad debt for normal receivables; in addition, an estimate of uncollectible amounts is made by reference to specific doubtful receivables from customers which are experiencing financial difficulties.

 

7. An accrued product warranty has been provided as a total of the following:

 

  (a) An estimate of warranty costs to be incurred during the remaining warranty periods based on historical warranty claim experiences and an estimate of the probabilities of future warranty cost.

 

  (b) An estimate of future warranty claims mainly associated with reportings to regulatory authorities.

 

8. Accrued employees’ bonuses are provided for payments of bonuses to employees based on the amount of the estimated employees’ bonus payments, which is attributable to the fiscal year.

 

9. As stipulated in Article 43 of the Commercial Code Enforcement Regulations, accrued directors’ bonuses are provided for the payment of bonuses to directors and corporate auditors based on the amount of the estimated directors’ bonus payments.

 

10. Accrued employees’ retirement benefits are provided for payments of retirement benefits at an estimated amount incurred during the fiscal year calculated based on the retirement benefit obligation and the fair value of the pension plan assets at year-end.

 

The net retirement benefit obligation at transition is amortized by the straight-line method over 15 years.

 

Prior service costs are amortized by the straight-line method over the average remaining years of service of the employees. Actuarial gains or losses are amortized in the years following the year in which gains or losses are recognized by the straight-line method over the average remaining years of service of the employees.

 

11. As stipulated in Article 43 of the Commercial Code Enforcement Regulations, accrued directors’ retirement benefits are provided for the payment of retirement benefits to directors and corporate auditors based on the amount payable at the fiscal year-end in accordance with bylaws of the Company.

 

12. Finance lease transactions, except for those under which the ownership of leased assets is transferred to the lessee, are accounted for as operating leases.

 

13. Transactions subject to consumption taxes are recorded at amounts exclusive of consumption taxes. A consumption tax refund receivable is included in “Others” of current assets.

 

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Additional Information

 

As stipulated in the Japanese Welfare Pension Insurance Law, the “Honda Employees’ Pension Fund (Confederated Welfare Pension Fund”, the “Fund”), of which the Company is one of the members, obtained an approval from the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare for exemption from benefits obligations related to future employee service in respect of the substitutional portion on April 1, 2004. The Company is currently in the process of transferring past service liabilities to the government.

 

Amounts to be returned to the government (the minimum reserve for benefit obligation) measured as of March 31, 2005 is approximately ¥148 billion. If the amounts to be returned to the government (the minimum reserve for benefit obligation) had been paid as of March 31, 2005 and the Company had applied “Practical Guidelines on Accounting Standards for Retirement Benefits (Interim Report),” Article 44-2, (The Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants Accounting System Committee Report No. 13), the estimated extraordinary gain to be recognized would have been approximately ¥89 billion.

 

Notes for Balance Sheets (as of March 31, 2005)

 

1.      Amount of reduction of acquisition cost of tangible fixed assets

   ¥ 7 million

2.      The value of credits from and debts to subsidiaries and affiliates is as follows:

      

Short-term credits from subsidiaries and affiliates

   ¥ 296,439 million

Long-term credits from subsidiaries and affiliates

   ¥ 17,742 million

Short-term debts to subsidiaries and affiliates

   ¥ 196,774 million

Long-term debts to subsidiaries and affiliates

   ¥ 1,636 million

3.      Besides the fixed assets shown in the balance sheets, some computer units are in use under lease contracts.

      

4.      Guarantees issued

   ¥ 54,530 million

Similar activities

   ¥ 369,331 million

Similar activities comprise the Keepwell Agreement between the Company and subsidiaries, which was issued for credit enhancement to support the Company’s subsidiaries’ financing.

      

5.      Net assets as defined in Article 124, Item 3 of the Commercial Code Enforcement Regulations

   ¥ 40,278 million

6.      Export bills of exchange (without letters of credit) discounted

   ¥ 5,112 million
Notes for Statements of Income (for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005)       

1.      Transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates are as follows:

      

Sales to subsidiaries and affiliates

   ¥ 2,716,077 million

Purchases from subsidiaries and affiliates

   ¥ 800,323 million

Non-operating transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates

   ¥ 108,554 million

2.      Total research and development expenses

   ¥ 466,866 million

3.      Net income per common share for the year

   ¥ 154.74             

4.      The prior year’s income taxes are due to reassessment of transfer pricing of Honda’s motorcycle operations in Brazil.

      

 

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Proposal for Appropriation of Retained Earnings

 

(Yen)

 

Unappropriated retained earnings at the end of the year

   114,225,651,530

Reversal of reserve for special depreciation

   636,086,424

Reversal of reserve for reduction of acquisition cost of fixed assets

   50,502,725
    

Total

   114,912,240,679

Proposed Appropriation is as follows:

    

Dividends (¥37 per share)

   34,220,205,799

Reserve for dividends

   12,000,000,000

Reserve for special depreciation

   500,346,066

Reserve for reduction of acquisition cost of fixed assets

   610,381,000

Earnings to be carried forward

   67,581,307,814

 

Note: An interim dividend payment totaling ¥26,155,773,728 (¥28 per share) was paid on November 25, 2004.

 

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Independent Auditors’ Report on Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Independent Auditors’ Report

 

To the Board of Directors of

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

        May 6, 2005
     Shin Nihon & Co.     
    

Designated and Engagement Partner (C.P.A.)

   Yoshinobu Shimizu (Seal)
     Designated and Engagement Partner (C.P.A.)    Masahiko Sano (Seal)
     Designated and Engagement Partner (C.P.A.)    Norihiko Inui (Seal)
     Designated and Engagement Partner (C.P.A.)    Toshihiro Yasada (Seal)
     Designated and Engagement Partner (C.P.A.)    Masami Koike (Seal)

 

In accordance with Article 19-2, Paragraph 3 of “The Law for Special Exceptions to the Commercial Code Concerning Audits, etc., of Kabushiki Kaisha”, we have audited the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of income (the consolidated financial statements) of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (the Company) for the 81st fiscal year from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005. The above consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to independently express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards, procedures and practices generally accepted and applied in Japan. Those standards, procedures and practices require that we obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statements presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Our audit included the procedures applied to the accounts of the Company’s subsidiaries as considered necessary.

 

As a result of our audit, it is our opinion that the above consolidated financial statements present properly the financial position and the results of operation of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries in accordance with the related regulations and the Articles of Incorporation.

 

We have no interest in the Company which should be disclosed in compliance with the provisions of the Certified Public Accountant Law.

 

In addition, we continuously provide services under the provision of Article 2-2 of the Certified Public Accountant Law, which is permitted to be simultaneously performed with our audit service, to the Company.

 

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Corporate Auditors’ Report on Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Corporate Auditors’ Report

 

Mr. Takeo Fukui         May 10, 2005
President and Representative Director of          
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.          
     Board of Corporate Auditors         
     Honda Motor Co., Ltd.     
     Corporate Auditor (Full-time)    Hiroshi Okubo (Seal)
     Corporate Auditor (Full-time)    Koji Miyajima (Seal)
     Corporate Auditor    Koukei Higuchi (Seal)
     Corporate Auditor    Kuniyasu Yamada (Seal)
     Corporate Auditor    Fumihiko Saito (Seal)

 

This Board of Corporate Auditors, having received reports from and consulted with each of the Corporate Auditors on the methods and results of their audits concerning the consolidated financial statements (the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of income) during the 81st fiscal year, from April 1, 2004 through March 31, 2005, have prepared this audit report and hereby report as follows:

 

1. Summary of the Corporate Auditors’ Auditing Methods:

 

In accordance with the auditing policies and apportionment of work specified by the Board of Corporate Auditors, each Corporate Auditor received reports and explanations of the consolidated financial statements from Directors, etc. and the statutory accountants, and conducted the audit.

 

2. Results of Audit

 

The auditing methods and results of the statutory accountants, Shin Nihon & Co., are recognized as being proper.

 

Note: Corporate Auditors, Koukei Higuchi, Kuniyasu Yamada and Fumihiko Saito, are the outside Corporate Auditors as provided in Article 18, Paragraph 1 of the Law for Special Exceptions to the Commercial Code Concerning Audits, etc., of Kabushiki Kaisha.

 

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Independent Auditors’ Report

 

Independent Auditors’ Report

 

To the Board of Directors of        May 6, 2005
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.         
    Shin Nihon & Co.     
    Designated and Engagement Partner (C.P.A.)    Yoshinobu Shimizu (Seal)
    Designated and Engagement Partner (C.P.A.)    Masahiko Sano (Seal)
    Designated and Engagement Partner (C.P.A.)    Norihiko Inui (Seal)
    Designated and Engagement Partner (C.P.A.)    Toshihiro Yasada (Seal)
    Designated and Engagement Partner (C.P.A.)    Masami Koike (Seal)

 

In accordance with Article 2, Paragraph 1 of “The Law for Special Exceptions to the Commercial Code Concerning Audits, etc., of Kabushiki Kaisha”, we have audited the balance sheets, the statements of income, the accounting matters stated in the business report, the proposal for appropriation of retained earnings and the accounting matters stated in the supplementary schedules of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (the Company) for the 81st fiscal year from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005. The accounting matters which we have audited in the business report and the supplementary schedules were derived from the accounting books and records of the Company. The above balance sheets, statements of income, business report, proposal for appropriation of retained earnings and supplementary schedules (the legal documents) are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to independently express an opinion on the legal documents based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the auditing standards, procedures and practices generally accepted and applied in Japan. Those standards, procedures and practices require that we obtain reasonable assurance about whether the legal documents are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the legal documents, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall legal document presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Our audit included the procedures applied to the accounts of the Company’s subsidiaries as considered necessary.

 

As a result of our audit, it is our opinion that:

 

(1) the balance sheets and the statements of income present properly the Company’s financial position and the results of its operations in accordance with the related regulations and the Articles of Incorporation,

 

(2) the accounting matters stated in the business report present properly the Company’s affairs in accordance with the related regulations and the Articles of Incorporation,

 

(3) the proposal of appropriation of retained earnings is presented in accordance with the related regulations and the Articles of Incorporation, and

 

(4) there is nothing to point out as to the accounting matters stated in the supplementary schedules in accordance with the provisions of the Commercial Code.

 

We have no interest in the Company which should be disclosed in compliance with the provisions of the Certified Public Accountant Law.

 

In addition, we continuously provide services under the provision of Article 2-2 of the Certified Public Accountant Law, which is permitted to be simultaneously performed with our audit service, to the Company.

 

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Corporate Auditors’ Report

 

Corporate Auditors’ Report

 

Mr. Takeo Fukui         May 10, 2005
President and Representative Director of          
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.          
     Board of Corporate Auditors     
     Honda Motor Co., Ltd.     
     Corporate Auditor (Full-time)    Hiroshi Okubo (Seal)
     Corporate Auditor (Full-time)    Koji Miyajima (Seal)
     Corporate Auditor    Koukei Higuchi (Seal)
     Corporate Auditor    Kuniyasu Yamada (Seal)
     Corporate Auditor    Fumihiko Saito (Seal)

 

This Board of Corporate Auditors, having received reports from and consulted with each of the Corporate Auditors on the methods and results of their audits concerning the performance by the Directors of their duties during the 81st fiscal year, from April 1, 2004 through March 31, 2005, have prepared this audit report and hereby report as follows:

 

1. Summary of the Corporate Auditors’ Auditing Methods:

 

In accordance with the auditing policies and apportionment of work specified by the Board of Corporate Auditors, each Corporate Auditor, in addition to attending meetings of the Board of Directors and other important meetings, has listened to the reports on business from the Directors and the like, has examined documents and so on containing important decisions, has investigated the conditions of business and assets at the head office and other important places of business, has requested the Company’s subsidiaries to report on their operations, has visited significant subsidiaries where necessary and has investigated their conditions of business and assets. In addition, the Corporate Auditors have received reports and explanations from the statutory accountants and have examined the accounting documents and detailed statements auxiliary thereto.

 

In addition to the above methods, where necessary the Corporate Auditors have obtained reports from the Directors and others and have examined in detail the circumstances in connection with competitive dealings by Directors, reciprocally profitable dealings between Directors and the Company, the furnishing of a benefit or profit by the Company gratuitously, out-of-the-ordinary dealings between the Company and subsidiaries or stockholders and the acquisition and disposition by the Company of its own shares.

 

2. Results of Audit:

 

(1) The auditing methods and results of the statutory accountants, Shin Nihon & Co., are recognized as being proper.

 

(2) The business report is recognized as being in accordance with laws and regulations and the Articles of Incorporation and as properly indicating the conditions of the Company.

 

(3) Reviewing the item on the agenda concerning the appropriation of retained earnings in light of the conditions of the Company’s assets and other circumstances, there are no matters that ought to be pointed out.

 

(4) As the auxiliary detailed statements correctly indicate the matters that should be recorded therein, there are no matters that ought to be pointed out.

 

(5) With respect to the performance of their duties by the Directors, no improper acts or material facts that violated laws and regulations or the Articles of Incorporation are recognized.

 

Further, no breach of his duty by a Director was recognized in connection with competitive dealings by Directors, reciprocally profitable dealings between Directors and the Company, the furnishing of benefits or profits by the Company gratuitously, out-of-the-ordinary dealings between the Company and subsidiaries or shareholders, acquisition and disposition by the Company of its own shares and so on.

 

(6) As a result of our investigation of the Company’s subsidiaries, there are no matters that ought to be pointed out in respect of performance of their duties by the Directors.

 

Note:    Corporate Auditors, Koukei Higuchi, Kuniyasu Yamada and Fumihiko Saito, are the outside Corporate Auditors as provided in Article 18, Paragraph 1, of the Law for Special Exceptions to the Commercial Code Concerning Audits, etc., of Kabushiki Kaisha

 

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REFERENCE

 

Forecasts for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2006

 

The global economy, driven primarily by the U.S. and Asian economies, is expected to grow steadily, but the pace of growth is anticipated to slow down. Also, the global management environment still lacks transparency because of global political and economic uncertainty, fluctuations in oil prices and currency movements. In Japan, the economic recovery has become more moderate, and weak consumer spending is anticipated to continue. As a result, competition in the Japanese market is expected to intensify. Under such circumstances, in regard to the forecasts of the financial results for the fiscal half year ending September 30, 2005 and the fiscal year ending March 31, 2006, Honda projects consolidated results to be as shown below:

 

These forecasts are based on the assumption that the average exchange rates for the yen to the U.S. dollar and the euro for the first half of the year ending September 30, 2005 will be ¥105 and ¥135, respectively, and for the full year ending March 31, 2006 ¥105 and ¥135, respectively.

 

l Consolidated

 

Yen (billions)/Changes from FY2005

 

     First half ending
September 30, 2005


    Fiscal year ending
March 31, 2006


 

Net sales and other operating revenue

   4,560    9.4 %   9,300    7.5 %

Operating income

   295    (11.4 )%   650    3.0 %

Income before income taxes

   280    (17.6 )%   615    (6.4 )%

Net income

   205    (15.1 )%   450    (7.4 )%
l Unconsolidated                       
Yen (billions)/Changes from FY2005  
     First half ending
September 30, 2005


    Fiscal year ending
March 31, 2006


 

Net sales

   1,765    6.5 %   3,690    5.8 %

Operating income

   54    (18.2 )%   150    1.7 %

Ordinary income

   104    24.4 %   240    13.6 %

Net income

   81    58.4 %   185    28.0 %

 

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, 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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l Consolidated

 

Net Sales and Other Operating Income

Yen (millions)

 

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         Operating Income    Income before Income Taxes      Net Income
         Yen (millions)        Yen (millions)   

Yen (millions)

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l Unconsolidated

 

    Net Sales

    Yen (millions)

 

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     Operating Income    Ordinary Income      Net Income
     Yen (millions)        Yen (millions)   

Yen (millions)

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Honda Motor Co., Ltd.


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May 31, 2005

 

Notice Concerning Future Policies for Reduction of

the Number of Shares Constituting One Investment Unit

 

Tokyo, May 31, 2005 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) today announced the following with respect to the management policy described in the press release dated April 26, 2005, on its unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

“Future Policies for Reduction of the Number of Shares Constituting One Investment Unit”

 

On August 1, 2001, the Company changed the number of shares that constitute one investment unit from 1,000 shares to 100 shares, aiming at further liquidity of the Company’s shares on the stock market and encouraging more investors to hold such shares.

 

The Company will continuously investigate the possibility of a further reduction of the number of shares constituting one investment unit, taking into consideration the future share price and trading volume of the Company’s shares on the stock market.