Based on Honda’s basic approach with local operations to "start small and grow big" the new company, Honda Motorcycle Kenya Limited, will focus primarily on production and wholesale business. The company will establish a system and capability for global parts sourcing as well as efficient production to deliver high quality products at affordable prices. The new plant, which will have an initial production capacity of 25,000 units, is scheduled to become operational in September 2013.

The new company in Kenya is the third Honda subsidiary in Africa, following South Africa and Nigeria, and the new plant will become the second Honda plant in Africa, after only the plant in Nigeria. Combining the two plants together, Honda’s annual motorcycle production capacity in Africa will be 175,000 units.

Source : http://world.honda.com/news/2013/c130327Motorcycle-Subsidiary-Kenya/index.html

Roy has been importing industrial equipment from Japan for many years already and he is now trying to expand his vehicle import activity as well. Even if Indonesia is limiting importation of vehicles in order to build a powerful manufacturing base on its own territory, some specific large trucks are still allowed for import. Our sales representative, Mr Lionel, has explained to Roy how to search specific models of trucks from anywhere in Japan through the Japanese professional vehicle auctions network.

RamaDBK team is committed to doing its best to provide Roy and Indonesian customers with the highest quality second hand trucks from Japan.

Source: http://www.ramadbk.com/news/?p= 1876

Last week, Denis has crossed the sea that separates Russia from Japan in order to purchase some tyres. Before arriving in Japan, he has contacted our Russian speaking sales representative, Mrs Osawa, who has organized for him some visits of tyre yards in the Tokyo area. After visiting a large yard in the north of Tokyo, Denis has decided to purchase a full container for tyres to bring back to Russia.

RamaDBK can provide customers from any country with second hand Japanese tyres for any kind of vehicle. Customers who need tyres have just to contact a sales representative or our spare parts specialists, Mr Kodama and Mr Yano.

Source: http://www.ramadbk.com/news/?p=1872

Consolidated operating income for the fiscal third quarter (October 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012) amounted to 131.9 billion yen, which is approximately triple the total from the same period last year representing an increase of 197.8%, due to the recovery from the impact of the major flooding in Thailand as well as an increase in automobile sales mainly in North America as a result of the positive effects of new model introductions. Consolidated operating income for the fiscal nine months (April 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012) amounted to 408.8 billion yen, an increase of 242.4% compared to the same period last year.

Consolidated net income*1 for the fiscal nine months (April 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012) amounted to 291.3 billion yen, an increase of 108.3% compared to the same period last year.

Honda has maintained the forecast for operating income for the current fiscal year (ending March 31, 2013) at 520 billion yen, factoring in a decline in automobile sales in Europe and China due to severe economic conditions which offset the positive impact of the recent depreciation of the yen. The market valuation losses on foreign exchange contracts due to rapid depreciation of the yen since the end of 2012 was factored into the downward revision of the forecast for consolidated net income*1 for the current fiscal year from 375.0 billion yen to 370.0 billion yen.

The dividend forecast will remain unchanged from the previous announcement. The quarterly dividend for the current fiscal third quarter will be 19 yen per share, a 4 yen increase compared to the quarterly dividend for the same period last year. The total cash dividends to be paid for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 are planned to be 76 yen per share, an increase of 16 yen per share from the previous fiscal year.

Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2013/c130131Financial-Summary/index.html

Since its release in May 2012 the NC700SA has been receiving rave reviews from riders and critics alike with most commenting on its outstanding value for money – it has a MLP of just $8,550 – and its practicality as a commuter.

At the heart of the NC700SA is a purpose-built, liquid-cooled, 670cc engine which offers usable power delivery with excellent torque at low to medium engine rpm. While being lightweight and compact and with a low centre of gravity, the engine also combines low exhaust gas emissions and a truly outstanding level of fuel efficiency.

Ease of use and excellent control at all speeds are enhanced by the low seat height and accessible handlebar width. Feeling balanced and manageable, the NC700SA also ensures pillion passengers are comfortable thanks to twin grab handles for comfort and security.

Adding to the machine’s versatility, Honda’s NC700SA boasts an internal storage space large enough to hold a full-face helmet. This feature, found where the fuel tank is usually located, is not commonly found on many tradition motorcycles.

To ensure powerful braking performance in all conditions, the NC700SA comes standard with a Combined Antilock Braking System (C-ABS). Combining the practicality of a commuter together with the distinct style of a naked motorcycle, the NC700SA will arrive in Graphite Black and Metallic Silver in May 2013.

See your local Honda Dealer for more information or to place an order.

Source: http://motorcycles.honda.com.au/Latest_News/20130201/Striking_New_Colours_For_Hondas_Fun_Yet_Practical_NC700SA

Outlander Sport sales were 1,350 for the month, an increase of almost 21 percent compared to January 2012. Sales of the fuel-efficient CUV, now manufactured in Normal, Illinois, showed an increase versus the prior year for the fifth consecutive month.

“Outlander Sport continues to resonate with consumers looking for fuel efficiency in a CUV that does not sacrifice style or performance,” said MMNA President & CEO Yoichi Yokozawa. “We’ll launch a special edition Outlander Sport in March to commemorate 30 years of Mitsubishi sales in the U.S. and 25 years of production in Normal.”

Overall Mitsubishi sales were down 1 percent compared to January 2012 due to discontinued models. However, total sales of models currently in production, were up more than 59 percent compared to January last year. Mitsubishi i-MiEV sales improved to 257.

Source: http://media.mitsubishicars.com/releases/9d60137c-0ec2-49d7-b31e-5ab0bfb42d24

Sales of the all-new 2013 Honda Accord were up more than 75 percent from last year – with 10,000 more Accords sold this January than in January 2012. The totally revised Accord has already become one of the most decorated vehicles in Honda history, garnering a host of awards that include being named for a record 27th time to Car and Driver magazine’s 10Best Cars list, as well as winning key comparison tests against its mid-size rivals in comparisons from Car and Driver and Cars.com/USA Today/”MotorWeek”.

Honda
- Sales of the all-new Accord are up 75.2 percent from last January with sales of 23,924 units
- Reflecting key changes, the new 2013 Crosstour sees sales jump 38.2 percent from last January
- Pilot sales are up 16.3 percent compared with last January, with sales of 7,405 units

“The all-new Accord has the Honda brand right where we left off in 2012 – powering significant sales gains in the new year,” said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of Sales. “With our strongest vehicle lineup ever and continued sales momentum, we’re optimistic 2013 will be a great year for the Honda brand.”

Acura
- RDX sets its ninth-consecutive monthly sales record, up over 181.6 percent from last January with sales of 2,489 units
- MDX was the top selling Acura model in January, with sales of 2,575 units
- ILX was again the top selling Acura sedan in January with sales of 1,558 units

“Acura’s newest products continue to drive our sales momentum as we begin a new year,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura Sales. “With the positive reception of the all-new Acura MDX Prototype in Detroit, and the upcoming launch of our new flagship RLX sedan, Acura is poised for even greater success in 2013.”

Source: http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id= 7072-en

Suzuki launched the Swift as a world strategic car eight years ago, and it quickly became the most successful passenger car model ever marketed by the brand in New Zealand. Production reached one million in June 2008 as numbers ramped up. Launched in late 2004, the Swift was soon the best selling supermini in New Zealand, a position it has held for the past eight years. It was also the highest selling car to private buyers and second overall best selling new passenger car last year.

More than 21,000 new Swifts have been sold in New Zealand since November 2004, and the compact Suzuki has continued to grow in popularity. It has been the fourth highest selling new car in New Zealand for the past eight years. First built in Japan, the Swift is now made in seven countries and sold in 125 nations. In addition to Japan, the car is also built in Hungary, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Almost one quarter of Swift sales are in Europe where the car attracts a large following. More than 80,000 Swifts have been sold in Britain since May 2005. The Indian market has accounted for 45 per cent of sales, and Japan 13 per cent of volume. “Swift reflects Suzuki’s expertise in the compact or small car sector and is both stylish and fun to drive,” said Tom Peck, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand.

He said the car’s strong safety factor had been another significant driver in expanding sales. The latest Swift achieved a 5 Star Euro NCAP safety rating, the highest possible level. The Swift also scored 94 points for adult occupancy protection in 2010 – the highest for vehicles in the class tested at the time.

Swift’s safety package includes seven airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability programme and child and pedestrian protection, putting the car tops in the small car class. The car makes extensive use of high-strength steel for exceptional occupant protection and fuel-saving lightness.

It has won 67 awards in 26 countries and was named Japan Car of the Year in 2005/06. The latest generation Swift continues gaining international acclaim winning the 2012 small car award in the Automobile Association/New Zealand Motoring Writers Car of the Year contest while the Swift Sport won the 2012 Ami / Autocar small car of the year.

The lineup of Swift models offered locally includes petrol and diesel engine options and a high performance flagship Sport version with uprated power and torque.

Source: http://www.suzuki.co.nz/News/Automotive/2013/02/04/Swift+Tops+Three+Million+Milestone/

Forester and Outback sales for January 2013 increased 28 and 16 percent respectively, over January 2012. Outback and Legacy models were recently named Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. XV Crosstrek, the new small SUV also added 2,764 sales to the month’s total.

“We are excited to see strong sales across our entire model line,” said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. America. “It is a positive start for the year and we expect strong demand for the all-new 2014 Forester when it arrives in showrooms this spring.”

Source: http://www.subaru-global.com/news2013n001292.html

As with all previous Forester models, the 2014 version comes standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a distinction from competitive models that come with front-wheel drive as standard and offer all-wheel drive as an extra-cost option. The 2014 Forester will lead the segment in all-wheel drive fuel economy, with the 2.5i model achieving manufacturer’s fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined. Those figures also compare well with competitors that feature front-wheel drive.

The all-new 2014 Forester is available with Subaru Eyesight driver assistance system and all-new STARLINK cabin technology. High-line 2014 Forester models equipped with the CVT also feature new Hill Descent Control and a new X-Mode control feature, which provides extra control in certain driving conditions. Other new amenities and conveniences include rear vision camera, color multi-function display, power rear gate with automatic close and Keyless Access and Start. The available navigation system features smartphone integration with the driver-friendly Aha® audio application. The top-line Touring models come standard with a navigation system and 440-watt harman/kardon® audio system.

The new Subaru Forester will build on the sales success of the previous generation, which helped the Subaru brand to achieve four consecutive annual sales records. The 2014 Forester is expected to sell in even greater numbers than the outgoing model.

Source: http://www.subaru.com/company/news/index.html

Q3: Oct-Dec (2012-13 Vs 2011-12)
The Company registered Net Sales (net of excise) of Rs. 109,570 million, an increase of 45.6 per cent over the same period in the previous year.

The growth in Net Sales was on account of higher volumes, favourable model mix and enhanced export realisation.

Net Profit during the quarter stood at Rs. 5,013 million, a growth of 143.8 per cent.

The growth in Net Profit was primarily due to higher sales and good response to new models like Ertiga and Swift DZire. The Company’s continued cost reduction efforts helped to drive profit in the quarter.

During the quarter, the Company sold 268,957 units in the domestic market, compared to 211,803 units, reflecting a growth of 27 per cent. The Company exported 32,496 units during the quarter, up 17.2 per cent.

9 Months: Apr-Dec (2012-13 Vs 2011-12)
In nine months of 2012-13, the Company’s Net Sales (net of excise) stood at Rs. 295,563 million, an increase of 27.3 per cent over same period in the previous year.

Net Profit during nine months (2012-13) stood at Rs. 11,525 million, a growth of 15.8 per cent.

During the nine month period, the Company sold 742,175 units in the domestic market, reflecting a growth of 8.4 per cent. Exports during April-Dec 2012 stood at 85,550 units against 88,469 units in April-Dec 2011.

Source: http://www.marutisuzuki.com/maruti-q3-2012-2013.aspx

The sales figures for January 2013 are given below:

* Ertiga launched in April 2012.

Source: http://www.marutisuzuki.com/sales-jan-2013.aspx

Unit (thousands)