Honda Canada reports February sales

    TORONTO, March 3 /CNW/ - Honda Canada Inc. reported combined February
sales of 7,041 units by its Honda and Acura divisions, a 42% decrease
year-over-year. The Honda Automobile Division reported February sales of 6,051
units, down 43% from last year. The Acura Division reported February sales of
990 units, down 31% over last year.
    "Our February results reflect our expectations," said Jerry Chenkin,
executive vice president, Honda Canada Inc. "Our February results of 12,022
last year, which were nearly twice than the previous four-year monthly average
of 6,452 units, were an anomaly and reflected initiatives designed to counter
the strong Canadian dollar at that time. When we look at the previous four
years of sales results - 2004 to 2007 - February sales this year were down 13
per cent, which is a better reflection of our sales situation than the 31 per
cent decline would suggest."
    Best-ever February sales were reported for the Acura MDX with 434 units,
up over its previous best February last year with 429 units.

    Honda Canada manufactures the Honda Civic sedan and coupe, and the Acura
CSX and MDX at its two plants in Alliston, Ontario, and produces
fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines at its new engine plant adjacent to its
manufacturing facilities. Approximately 92 per cent of all Honda and Acura
vehicles sold in Canada last month were produced in North America, with about
half of those vehicles made here in Canada.

For further information: Richard Jacobs, [phone]