Honda to consolidate SE Asian plants

Honda to consolidate SE Asian plants

TOKYO : Honda Motor Co. will combine operations in Southeast Asia in anticipation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' plan to reduce import tariffs on cars for member countries, the Nikkei reported.

Honda will combine production of its City model in Thailand, ceasing similar operations in Indonesia and the Philippines, Nikkei said. Honda is considering consolidating the operations of three to four other models, including the Accord and Civic, Nikkei said.

Honda, which is projected to produce 100,000 cars in 2002, is trying to streamline operations, Nikkei said. All City cars sold in Indonesia and the Philippines will be imported from Thailand, the news service said.

The changes mean that four instead of five models will be produced in Indonesia and three instead of four models will be made in the Philippines, Nikkei said. --Bloomberg