Honda says it has seen output in China rise by 44 per cent on last year's figures, as it continues to ramp up production.

The automotive firm has enjoyed rapid growth in the first two months of 2006 in comparison to the same period last year, as production touched 42,471 units.

February saw the company hit a record monthly high for production, as 21,433 vehicles dwarfed the figure for the month the previous year, boosting output by 70.7 per cent.

With Chinese partners including Dongfeng Honda Automobile also reporting dramatic hikes in production, the signs are the dramatic rise in demand for cars in the Far East shows no signs of abating.

Dongfeng has transformed its Wuhan plant, ramping up output fourfold last month.

Now Honda is looking to produce its Civic model in the country, which will launch next month with the firm hoping sales will reach 50,000.

China is the world's fastest growing economy, with the burgeoning consumer market driving up demand for a wide range of goods, including cars.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd