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No.1-7628
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE MONTH OF February 2008
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 1-07628
HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
(Name of registrant)
HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
1-1, Minami-Aoyama 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8556, Japan
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
Form 20-F x Form 40-F ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ¨
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ¨
Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ¨ No ¨
If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):82-
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On February 6, 2008, The redesigned 2009 Acura RL luxury sedan made its world debut today at the Chicago Auto Show. Featuring bold, sleek exterior styling, an upgraded interior, advanced technologies and powerful new engine, the RL once again pushes the limits of performance, style, and luxury. The 2009 RL will go on-sale this spring at Acura dealerships nationwide.
On February 11, 2008, Acura announced today it will debut the all-new 2009 Acura TSX sports sedan at the 2008 New York International Auto Show and released an exterior photo of the new model. Scheduled to go on-sale in the spring, the 2009 Acura TSX will be the second generation of Acura's popular entry level sedan and feature numerous advancements in performance, styling, technology and safety.
On February 22, 2008, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., today announced management changes. (Ref.#C08-012)
On February 26, 2008, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., today announced a summary of automobile production, Japan domestic sales, and export results for the month of January 2008. (Ref.#C08-014)
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA (HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.) |
| /s/ Fumihiko Ike |
| Fumihiko Ike |
| Managing Director Chief Operating Officer for Business Management Operation Honda Motor Co., Ltd. |
Date: March 13, 2008
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Redesigned 2009 Acura RL Debuts at Chicago Auto Show
Bold Styling, Larger Engine, and Improved Handling Help RL Raise The Luxury Performance Bar
CHICAGO, U.S.A., February 6, 2008– The redesigned 2009 Acura RL luxury sedan made its world debut today at the Chicago Auto Show. Featuring bold, sleek exterior styling, an upgraded interior, advanced technologies and powerful new engine, the RL once again pushes the limits of performance, style, and luxury. The 2009 RL will go on-sale this spring at Acura dealerships nationwide.
The 2009 RL furthers cutting edge technology with the addition of new high-tech items including AcuraLink® weather, AcuraLink®Traffic Rerouting™, XM® Note, Active Sound Control, and Bluetooth® Audio to an already robust list of features found on the previous RL. To enhance handling, new chassis technology abounds in the drivetrain in the form of an improved Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system, a revised steering system, upgraded coil springs, better performing shock absorbers, larger rear stabilizer bar, and more aggressive wheels and tires. Performance improves with the RL thanks to a new, larger 3.7-liter V-6 that incorporates the first ever SOHC use of VTEC® valvetrain actuation for both the intake and exhaust valves.
“RL represents the very best we have to offer in terms of engineering, technology, performance, luxury and safety”, said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. “It’s designed for a new generation of performance-luxury buyers looking to travel more quickly, more efficiently and more connected to the world around them.”
For 2009, the RL will be offered in three different trim levels including RL, RL with Technology Package and RL with Technology Package Plus CMBS™. All RL’s receive a potent new 3.7-liter V-6 engine, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, a Bose® Surround Sound audio system, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity and a GPS-based solar-sensing climate control system. The Technology Package includes the satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Activation™ with rearview camera, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, AcuraLink® weather, Traffic Rerouting™, a rear view back-up camera, Active Front Lighting System (AFS), ventilated front seats, and a wood/leather steering wheel and shift knob. The top RL package is the Technology Package with CMBS™ which also includes Acura’s acclaimed Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and genuine wood instrument panel trim.
For details, please visit our website
http://world.honda.com/news/2008/c0802062009Acura-RL-Debuts/
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All-New 2009 TSX to Debut at New York International Auto Show
TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A., February 11, 2008– Acura announced today it will debut the all-new 2009 Acura TSX sports sedan at the 2008 New York International Auto Show and released an exterior photo of the new model. Scheduled to go on-sale in the spring, the 2009 Acura TSX will be the second generation of Acura’s popular entry level sedan and feature numerous advancements in performance, styling, technology and safety.
“The new 2009 TSX speaks clearly to the direction we are taking our Acura sedans in the future,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president auto sales, “The TSX is a significant step in the advancement of our sedan lineup and the continued enhancement of the Acura brand.”
Acura unveiled the new 2009 RL at the Chicago Auto Show last week and also announced the company will introduce an-all new TL performance luxury sedan later this year.
The 2009 Acura TSX will be introduced during the New York International Auto Show media days which occur on March 19th and 20th.
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Ref.#C08-012
Honda Announces Management Changes
Tokyo, February 22, 2008 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd., today announced management changes.
Changes in Board Members (Pending approval at this year’s regularly scheduled general shareholders’ meeting in June)
| Name |
New Title |
Current Title | ||
| Shigeru TAKAGI | Senior Managing Director | Managing Director | ||
| Tetsuo IWAMURA | Senior Managing Director | Managing Director | ||
| Akio HAMADA | Senior Managing Director | Managing Officer | ||
| Masaya YAMASHITA | Managing Director | Operating Officer | ||
| Hiroshi SODA | Director | Operating Officer | ||
| Takuji YAMADA | Director | Operating Officer | ||
| Yoichi HOJO | Director | Operating Officer | ||
Retiring Directors (To retire on the same day as this year’s regularly scheduled general shareholders’ meeting in June)
| Minoru HARADA | Current title: Senior Managing Director | |
| Satoshi TOSHIDA | Current title: Senior Managing Director | |
| Koki HIRASHIMA | Current title: Senior Managing Director | |
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Major Changes in responsibilities of board members (Effective as of April 1)
| Name and Title |
New responsibilities |
Current responsibilities | ||
| Koichi KONDO Executive Vice President |
Chief Operating Officer for Regional Sales Operations (Japan) | Chief Operating Officer for Regional Sales Operations (Japan), Chairman and Director of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. | ||
| Minoru HARADA Senior Managing Director |
— |
Chief Operating Officer for Motorcycle Operations | ||
| Satoshi TOSHIDA Senior Managing Director |
— | Chief Operating Officer for Power Product Operations | ||
| Koki HIRASHIMA Senior Managing Director |
— | Chief Operating Officer for Production Operations | ||
| Mikio YOSHIMI Senior Managing Director |
Compliance Officer, General Supervisor for Government and Industrial Affairs |
Chief Operating Officer for Business Support Operations, Chief Officer for Driving Safety Promotion Center, Compliance Officer, General Supervisor for Government and Industrial Affairs, | ||
| Toru ONDA Managing Director |
— | Chief Operating Officer for Purchasing Operations | ||
| Tatsuhiro OYAMA Managing Director |
Chief Operating Officer for Motorcycle Operations | Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Asia and Oceania), President & Director of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | ||
| Fumihiko IKE Managing Director |
Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Asia and Oceania), President & Director of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. |
Chief Operating Officer for Business Management Operations | ||
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Changes in Operating Officers (Effective as of the date of this year’s regularly scheduled general shareholders’ meeting in June)
| Name |
New Title |
Current Title | ||
| Hiroshi OSHIMA | Managing Officer | Operating Officer | ||
| Hidenobu IWATA | Managing Officer | Operating Officer | ||
Major Changes in responsibilities of operating officers (effective as of April 1)
| Name and Title |
New responsibilities |
Current responsibilities | ||
| Akio HAMADA Managing Officer |
Chief Operating Officer for Production Operations | President and Director of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. | ||
| Manabu NISHIMAE Operating Officer |
President and Director of Honda Canada Inc. | Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Regional Sales Operations (Japan) | ||
| Masaya YAMASHITA Operating Officer |
Chief Operating Officer for Purchasing Operations | General Manager of Kumamoto Factory | ||
| Hiroshi KOBAYASHI Operating Officer |
Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Regional Sales Operations (Japan) | President and Director of Honda Canada Inc. | ||
| Hiroshi OSHIMA Operating Officer |
General Supervisor for Corporate Communications and Motor Sports | General Supervisor for Corporate Communications and Motor Sports, General Manager of Corporate Communications Division | ||
| Tsutomu SAKA Operating Officer |
— | General Manager of Hamamatsu Factory | ||
| Hiroshi SODA Operating Officer |
Chief Operating Officer for Business Support Operations, Chief Officer of Driving Safety Promotion Center |
Executive Vice President of Honda North America, Inc., Executive Vice President of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. | ||
| Takuji YAMADA Operating Officer |
Chief Operating Officer for Power Product Operations | President and Director of Honda Motor Europe (North) GmbH | ||
| Yoichi HOJO Operating Officer |
Chief Operating Officer for Business Management Operations | General Manager of Automobile Purchasing Division 2 | ||
| Tsuneo TANAI Operating Officer |
President and Director of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. | Executive Vice President of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. | ||
| Masahiro YOSHIDA Operating Officer | General Manager of Hamamatsu Factory | General Manager of Human Resources Division | ||
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Newly appointed Operating Officers (Effective as of the date of this year’s regularly scheduled general shareholders’ meeting in June)
| Name |
Responsibilities as of April 1 |
Current responsibilities | ||
| Katsushi WATANABE | General Manager of Kumamoto Factory | |||
| Toshiaki MIKOSHIBA | Executive Vice President of Honda Motor Europe Ltd. | General Manager of CS and Auto Sales Development Division of Regional Sales Operations (Japan) | ||
| Yohshi YAMANE | Project Leader of a company project | |||
| Takashi SEKIGUCHI | Executive Vice President of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. | General Manager of Product Planning and Marketing Office | ||
| Takahiro HACHIGO | General Manager of Automobile Purchasing Division 2 | Managing Officer of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. | ||
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Retiring Operating Officer (To retire on the same day as this year’s regularly scheduled general shareholders’ meeting in June)
Tsutomu SAKA
Changes in Corporate Auditor (Pending approval at this year's regularly scheduled general shareholders' meeting in June)
| Name |
New Title |
Current Title | ||
| Toru ONDA | Corporate Auditor | Managing Director |
Retiring Corporate Auditors (To retire on the same day as this year's regularly scheduled general shareholders' meeting in June)
Hiroshi OKUBO
Koji MIYAJIMA
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Ref.#C08-014
Honda Sets All-Time Record for Auto Production in the Month of January
for Regions Outside Japan and Worldwide
February 26, 2008– Honda Motor Co., Ltd., today announced a summary of automobile production, Japan domestic sales, and export results for the month of January 2008.
<Production>
Production in Japan experienced a year-on-year decrease for the fifth consecutive month (since September 2007).
Production in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year increase for the 30th consecutive month (since August 2005), setting an all-time record for the month of January. This includes record production in North America, the U.S., Europe, Asia, and China.
Worldwide production also experienced a year-on-year increase for the 30th consecutive month (since August 2005), setting an all-time record for the month of January.
<Japan Domestic Market Sales>
Total domestic sales for the month of January 2008 experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in 13 months (since December 2006).
Due to strong sales of the all-new Fit, new vehicle registrations in January experienced a year-on-year increase for the third consecutive month (since November 2007).
Sales of mini-vehicles in January experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in 11 months (since February 2007).
<Vehicle registrations - excluding mini-vehicles>
Fit was the industry’s best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the month of January 2008, with sales of 15,083 units.
<Mini-vehicles - under 660cc>
Life was the industry’s sixth best-selling car among mini-vehicles for the month of January 2008, with sales of 5,936 units.
<Exports from Japan>
Due mainly to a decrease in exports to North America and Europe, total exports from Japan in January 2008 experienced a year-on-year decline for the first time in seven months (since June 2007).
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PRODUCTION, SALES and EXPORTS (January 2008)
Worldwide Production
| January | |||||
| Units | vs.07 | ||||
| Japan |
100,330 | -3.7 | % | ||
| Outside of Japan |
240,432 | +13.3 | % | ||
| Worldwide Total |
340,762 | +7.7 | % | ||
Production Outside of Japan
| January | |||||
| Units | vs.07 | ||||
| North America |
134,068 | +5.4 | % | ||
| (USA) |
94,742 | +5.3 | % | ||
| Europe |
23,394 | +28.4 | % | ||
| Asia |
67,954 | +12.5 | % | ||
| (China) |
38,175 | +7.1 | % | ||
| Others |
15,016 | 137.3 | % | ||
| Overseas Total |
240,432 | +13.3 | % | ||
Japan Domestic Market Sales
| January | |||||
| Vehicle type |
Units | vs.07 | |||
| Registrations |
31,859 | +40.6 | % | ||
| Mini-Vehicles |
12,719 | +21.2 | % | ||
| Honda Brand Total |
44,578 | +34.5 | % | ||
Exports from Japan
| January | |||||
| Units | vs.07 | ||||
| North America |
35,488 | -8.0 | % | ||
| (USA) |
33,863 | -8.2 | % | ||
| Europe |
7,379 | -47.5 | % | ||
| Asia |
3,635 | +85.6 | % | ||
| Others |
14,791 | +21.1 | % | ||
| Total |
61,293 | -8.2 | % | ||