Bangkok  - Honda expects total exports from its Thailand factories this year to reach 70 billion baht (2.1 billion dollars), down 32 per cent compared with 2008, executives said Tuesday.

Exports of Honda-brand automobiles, motorcycles, power products, parts and components reached 51.5 billion baht (1.5 billion dollars) during the first nine months of 2009, down 37 per cent compared with the same period last year, Asian Honda Motor Company's president Fumihiko Ike said.

Ike said third-quarter exports had improved over the first two quarters, but he still forecast a 32-per-cent drop in shipments for the entire year compared with 2008.

Honda's third-quarter exports reached 20.1 billion baht, 21 per cent down from the same period last year.

"When compared with results for the first quarter and second quarter, which fell 40 per cent and 46 per cent respectively, our third-quarter performance represents a significant improvement as the global economic situation started to recover," Ike said.

In the first nine months, the total value of Honda's Thai-manufactured automobile exports reached 31.8 billion baht, motorcycles 11.2 billion, power products 5.7 billion and spare parts 1.7 billion. (dpa)