Honda Motor Co. , Japan's second-largest automaker, said its global auto production fell for a 13th straight month in November as exports declined. Honda's output decreased 7.6 percent to 301,257 vehicles from a year earlier, the company said in a statement. The carmaker's production in Japan dropped 25 percent. The U.S. market, where Honda has traditionally earned its biggest operating profit, grew 0.1 percent last month.
Toyota, Honda to show concept cars in New Delhi
At least 10 new vehicles will be unveiled at the New Delhi auto show next month as the world's biggest companies seek to tap Asia's fourth-largest market. Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. also will showcase their concept cars at the expo that starts on Jan. 5, steering committee Chairman Rajive Kaul told reporters in New Delhi. Honda said it will exhibit a new compact model designed for emerging markets at the show, while Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. said it will unveil a new car, the Eeco, which is a 1,200cc gasoline engine passenger vehicle.
India's car sales are forecast to increase in the next year, analysts predict. at least 10 percent in the year to March, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers said.
Seat belt, air bag supplier plans to close four plants
Autoliv Inc. , a maker of seat belts and air bags, said it will close four plants in France, Germany, Mexico and Tunisia because of lower demand and as the company reorganizes operations. More than 800 employees will be affected.
Volkswagen will end distribution with Toyota
Volkswagen AG , Europe's biggest carmaker, will end its distribution agreement with Toyota Motor Corp. in Japan at the end of next year in favor of working directly with local dealers. Volkswagen made the decision after it reviewed how to improve its sales network in light of last year's financial crisis, the companies said in a joint statement.
