The latest net profit project for the year to
Honda also lifted its sales outlook for the current fiscal year to a record
"We are not boastful (of the record sales forecast) as our global vehicle sales are not record-breaking," Honda Operating Executive
The carmaker revised its assumption for the dollar to
The yen has remained on a downtrend since March, hitting a 32-year low in October on expectations that the interest rate gap between the two countries will widen due to differences in monetary policy between the
Honda also raised its operating profit estimate to
The automaker cut its global vehicle sales plan to 4.10 million vehicles from 4.20 million, reflecting production disruptions from a chip supply crunch and weaker sales in the U.S. market.
The company is cautious about the impact of high inflation in
High raw material prices also remain a concern, adding pressure on its profitability, but the impact could be less hefty, Takeuchi said.
"We are hopeful that material costs will continue to fall on a gentle downward slope," he said. "However, whether something will become suddenly cheaper will depend on supply and demand."
The motorcycle business fared well, led by robust demand in
For the six months ended
Operating profit in the first half edged up 2.5 percent to
==Kyodo
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