Honda Plans Luxury Sedan for U.S. Manufacture

09/12/96

Comline has reported that Honda Motor will make a new four-door luxury sedan in the United States starting in the spring of 1998. Japan's auto makers have generally exported luxury cars to overseas markets because of their low production and sales volumes. Honda has decided to produce the cars in the U.S. because of the fluctuating exchange rate and to quell trade friction. Honda's decision may induce other Japanese carmakers to follow suit.

Honda's new sedan will be based on its Accord, and a 3000 cc V6 engine will power it. The car will be one step down from the RL, or Regent, and will be sold through the same channels as the Acura. The price has not been decided, but is seen to be about $40,000.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel