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RPT-Honda launches 'Jazz' subcompact in Thailand

(Repeat of story sent on Nov 18)

BANGKOK, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co , Japan's number-two auto maker, said on Tuesday it had begun production and sales of its five-door hatchback subcompact "Jazz" in Thailand, hoping to foster demand in the untapped segment.

Honda aims to sell about 16,000 of the cars in Thailand next year, with plans to export it to Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines from early next year, said Satoshi Toshida, chief operating officer of Honda Asia and Oceania.

"We are the first company to try to make this type of vehicle popular in Thailand," Toshida told Reuters, adding that the segment was promising as it accounted for a quarter of the European auto market.

The Jazz will start at 542,000 baht ($13,590) in Thailand.

Honda has sold more than 600,000 of the Jazz, called the "Fit" in Japan, worldwide since its launch in June 2001.

With the all-new Accord sedan and City subcompact, Honda's sales in Thailand are expected to mark a record of over 70,000 units this year, up 30 percent from 2002. ($1=39.88 Baht)