(Exchange rate: JPY 109 = U.S. dollar 1   JPY 130 = Euro 1)

Depreciation of the dollar and a decline in domestic automobile sales were offset by strong overseas sales of automobiles, motorcycles and power products in the North American market as well as other regions . Honda's Net sales and other operating revenue as well as Operating income set new records for the 3rd QTR. In addition, Income before income taxes and Net income were all-time records for any QTR.

• Unit sales for motorcycles, automobiles and power products all set all-time records
  Motorcycles: 2.367 million (+10.3%) This was led by growth in Asia and North America.
  Automobiles: 747 thousand (+6.4%) Sales were down by 25 thousand units domestically, however sales were up by 19 thousand units in North America due to strong sales of the Element, new Acura TL, Acura TSX among others as well as a 5 thousand unit increase in Europe led by Jazz and CR-V sales. In Asia, mainly China, Malaysia and Taiwan contributed to an increase of 32 thousand units.
  Power Products: 1.064 million (+23.4%) This was mostly led by brisk sales in North America.
  
  
• Currency translation effects had a negative impact on Net sales and other operating revenue, however, sales increases in all business areas resulted in a (+0.2%) gain to JPY1,992.2 billion. (If the exchange rate from the same period during 2002 was applied, Honda estimates that an increase in revenue of approximately 6.3% would have been realized.)
  
  
• Operating income was influenced by currency effects, but despite stiff competition, an increase in profits coming from higher revenue and cost cutting measures resulted in a (1.4%) gain to JPY161.1 billion.
  
  
• Expansion of Asian joint venture operations and profit increases led to a great increase in Equity in income of affiliates added after tax deductions to JPY25 billion (+62.5%) resulting in an increase in net income to JPY151.0 billion (+31.2%).