Honda aims to boost Europe ops with China-made small cars

Honda Motor Co aims to reinvigorate its European automobile business, with plans calling for the release of a 1.3-liter upmarket car to be produced in China to help turn the firm's business in the region profitable in fiscal 2003, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported, citing company sources as saying.

The small auto will be based on the Fit subcompact, which has proved successful in Japan. The car, featuring a deluxe interior, will be released in Europe and Japan almost simultaneously.