Honda to boost RI output

Honda to boost RI output

TOKYO (AFP): Japan's Honda Motor Co. Ltd. said Wednesday it
planned to boost production in Indonesia owing to stronger demand
as the Southeast Asian giant emerges from crisis.

Honda would add its popular CR-V compact sports utility
vehicle to its product line-up in Jakarta, with sales set to
start next month, said spokesman Yuzuru Matsuno.

"The automobile market is expanding in Indonesia, and we
wanted to meet the needs of our Indonesian customers," Matsuno
said.

Indonesia's "political turmoil had resulted in an economic
slump. But as political stability appears to be returning, an
economic recovery seems to be following," he added.

Honda has set its initial CR-V sales target in Indonesia at
about 5,000 vehicles a year, the spokesman said.

Honda currently makes Accord, Civic and City sedans in
Indonesia, Matsuno said.

Honda sold 1,200 units of the three passenger cars in
Indonesia last year, up four percent from 1998.

The spokesman could not confirm the additional investment or
job hires involved in the CR-V production.