TOKYO (Nikkei)--In preparation for the introduction of the new Civic this fall, Honda Motor Co. has expanded production at its Suzuka factory, its main domestic manufacturing base.

The plant, located in Mie Prefecture, produces mainly passenger cars with engine capacities of 2 liters or less, such as the Civic, StepWGN and Logo. It has hired 50 seasonal workers -- the first in 12 months -- to gear up for the new Civic.

The Sayama plant in Saitama Prefecture is already in full operation, with brisk sales of the new Odyssey and the CR-V, a sport utility vehicle for the North American market.

Honda, which has set a sales target of 5,000 Civics a month, hopes to also exceed that mark with the minivans it will introduce in the second half. With domestic vehicle sales expected to grow 60,000 units on the year to 760,000 this year, Honda hopes to have both plants in full operation, possibly hiring more seasonal workers.

(The Nikkei Industrial Daily Thursday edition)