PARIS, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Japan's second-largest automaker, Honda Motor Co Ltd , expects its European operations to return to profit by the end of the year ending March 2004, the firm's president said in an interview published on Saturday.
Hiroyuki Yoshino told the daily Le Figaro he did not have exact European sales targets for 2003, but hopes were riding on the new Honda Accord due to be introduced late next year.
"We think we will be able to turn a profit in Europe by the end of the year ending March 2004," Yoshino was quoted as saying.
He said production at Honda's plant in Britain rose 63 percent in volume terms between January and August and should be close to full capacity next year, allowing the firm to expand its sales in Europe.
Carmakers unveiled their new models at the Paris auto show this week.