(More hints that THIS could appear in more than just your dreams? Perhaps.)
This just in from Dudel. In a 2007 Mid-Year Honda CEO speech, we are being made aware of a HUGE production capacity increase for 2008, driving from 860,000 units to 1.5 million! Here’s what Dudel sent:
2007 Mid-Year CEO SpeechMotorcycle Business – Vietnam: In May 2007, annual production capacity of the Honda plant in Vietnam was expanded from the previous 860,000 units to 1 million units. In order to respond to the rapidly growing demand, Honda decided to invest US$65 million to build a second motorcycle plant which is scheduled to become operational in the latter half of 2008, with annual production capacity of 500,000 units. High-value added models such as automatic transmission models will be produced at this new plant.
NOTE: I assume “high-value added models” doesn’t mean sub-250cc scooters.
So, what are you insinuating Dudel? Perhaps the introduction of new and exciting models?
PS> Where are YOUR Amerivespa photos?
18. July 2007 at 10:33 pm
walking home from lunch I thought, “wouldn’t it be great if we got some funky Japanese scooters from Honda instead of decent but boring Taiwanese bikes calling themselves “Lambrettas.”
18. July 2007 at 10:36 pm
High gas prices == good news for Honda.
18. July 2007 at 11:31 pm
I would be happy with a zippy 150.
19. July 2007 at 12:28 am
This is from the Honda Vietnam web site:
(I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for those plants to ship motorcycles or scooters off shore, the last line says it all)
HANOI, Vietnam, July 18, 2007 – Honda Vietnam Co., Ltd. (HVN), a Honda subsidiary in Vietnam, today announced it has begun construction of its second motorcycle plant in order to continue responding to the diversifying needs of customers and increasing overall demand for motorcycles in Vietnam.
19. July 2007 at 12:09 pm
It’s Vietnam. “High value units” means something above the Cub.
19. July 2007 at 4:06 pm
I don’t want to wait another year. I want my new scooters now!
20. July 2007 at 8:22 pm
Initially, the plant will produce existing models such as the Click and Air Blade, though industry insiders suspect Honda Viet Nam may shift some of its operation to luxury scooters already in the market such as the SH and PS.