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OSHKOSH, Wis., EAA AirVenture, July 25, 2006 – Piper Aircraft, Inc. today announced that it will form a business alliance with Honda to
collaborate on sales and service, and to explore opportunities in engineering and other areas within general and business aviation.
"Honda is a company with a rich heritage of bringing high quality, innovative products to market,” said James K. Bass, President and CEO,
Piper Aircraft, Inc. “This business alliance is a perfect fit given the commitment both Piper and Honda have to providing our
respective customers with world-class products and services. Piper is very excited about this alliance and the way it complements
our vision for the future.”
Making the announcement at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture 2006, the world’s largest annual aviation gathering, Piper
and Honda executives said they would provide a new level of sales and service with the goal of setting a higher standard for the quality of
the ownership experience to meet the needs of jet customers. No additional details about the alliance were announced.
“In Piper we believe we have a partner we can collaborate with in our effort to bring new value to customers in the very light jet market,”
said Satoshi Toshida, senior managing director of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Regarding Piper’s future product plans, Bass reiterated the company’s commitment to finalizing its jet strategy with a product announcement
at NBAA in October.
Piper is also preparing for next year’s celebration of the company’s 70th anniversary as Piper Aircraft. “To that end,” Bass said, “we
have launched a new campaign that evokes our history and heritage. Over the course of the next several months, you will
see us focus on the accomplishments that have made Piper an innovative force in aviation – accomplishments such as the production of some of
the most significant aircraft in the history of aviation, and a reputation for quality and utility that spans generations. As a
result, we have changed our corporate name to Piper Aircraft, Inc. to reflect our heritage and vision for the future.”
Honda is one of the world's leading producers of mobility products including its diverse line-up of automobiles, motorcycles and ATVs,
power products, marine engines and personal watercraft. Honda is the world's preeminent engine-maker, with annual worldwide production of
more than 20 million engines. On a global basis, Honda has more than 130 manufacturing facilities in 29 nations.
Piper Aircraft, Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., is the only general aviation manufacturer to offer a complete line of aircraft for
every general aviation mission, from trainers and high-performance aircraft for personal and business use to turbine-powered business
aircraft. In its 70-year history, Piper has produced more than 144,000 aircraft, and has developed more than 180 models. Piper
covers the global marketplace with 80 sales and service centers worldwide.
For further information, contact:
Mark S. Miller
Piper Aircraft, Inc.
(772) 299-2900
Jeffrey Smith
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
(310) 781-5542
Shigeki Endo
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
(Japan): +81 3-5412-1512
Original Release
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