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"TOKYO, Japan -- Honda Motor Co. will boost motorcycle production in the world's two most populous countries, China and India, according to a report.

Japan's No. 2 automaker will ramp up motorbike production by more than 50 percent this year, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun stated Friday, to 1.5 million bikes.

China ranks as the world's biggest motorbike market, with India the second largest in the world, matching their population rankings.

The Nikkei says Honda will increase motorbike output by 24 percent in India, to 2.3 million bikes.

It is striving to corner a market share of at least 50 percent within three years in India, where its joint venture is already the market leader.

Honda aims to take 30 percent of the China market within five years, from less than 10 percent now.

It is increasing production of its smaller motorbikes to appeal to consumers in both China and India as a result, focusing on its 50 cc and 100 cc scooters.

Around 10 percent of the bikes it makes at three plants in China are exported to Japan, while a little of the Indian production goes to Europe.

Hero Honda is the biggest motorbike maker in India, ahead of local rivals Bajaj Auto Ltd. and TVS Motor Co.

It is a joint venture between Honda and India's Hero Group. "

source- http://edition.cnn.com/2003/BUSINESS...0/china.honda/

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