ASIMO welcomes Turkish Minister of Trade and Industry at Istanbul International Auto Show 2008

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – October 13, 2008: The New ASIMO travelled to Turkey for the first time this week to attend the 2008 Istanbul International Auto Show.

ASIMO is at the show to demonstrate Honda's latest developments in humanoid robotics and also to raise awareness of Honda's green and environmentally friendly technologies.

The official opening ceremony of the show, as well as Honda's press conference, was attended by Turkish Minister of Trade and Industry, Zafer Caglayan.

The Minister also met ASIMO who, after a demonstration of its latest capabilities, welcomed Mr Caglayan on to the Honda stand with a warm handshake.

The theme for Honda this year is innovative and environmental technologies. However the show also marks the official presentation of the New Honda Jazz and the New Honda City - the first time both cars have been shown in Turkey.

Honda has a strong relationship with Turkey. In 1997 Honda opened an important car factory in the country, which now produces the Civic model and employs more than 1300 associates.

The New ASIMO will make 16 public performances during the show on a vast, purpose-built arena. The biennial show, which is now in its twelfth year, attracted over 600,000 visitors in 2006 and saw 48 motoring brands represented.