Honda Considering New High-end Sports Car

TOKYO -February 7, 2011: Japan Today reported that Honda Motor Co would like to release a high-end sports car as there is not currently one in its product lineup, President and Chief Executive Officer Takanobu Ito said. ‘‘We are thinking that we should meet (customer demand for a full-fledged sports car) one way or another in the future,’’ Ito told reporters as he released Honda’s 2011 motor sports program.

Ito also said Honda wants to launch commercial production of sports cars ranging from high-performance to entry-level models.

In December, a Honda executive said the automaker was contemplating developing a high-performance, environment-friendly sports car that will be its flagship model.

With regard to Friday’s industry report that the Honda Fit subcompact topped the rankings of new car sales in Japan in January for the first time since December 2007, Ito said, ‘‘We don’t care much’’ about the rankings.

‘‘Solid sales of all products are more important,’’ he added.