Honda Seeks to Double Sales in Five Years

Honda Motor Co. aims to sell more than 6 million vehicles worldwide by the fiscal year ending in March 2017 compared with 3.11 million in the 12 months ended March 31.

Honda's all-time sales high was 3.92 million vehicles in the year ended in March 2008.

The company has recovered from natural disasters in Asia last year, President Takanobu Ito tells reporters. "Today we are ready to counterattack," he adds.

Honda will rely on small cars, led by new lines based on the low-cost Brio and next-generation Fit (known as the Jazz in some markets) subcompacts. Ito says the other key is emerging markets, where the company aims to generate half its sales in five years compared with 38% now.