Honda Executive Denies That Japan Move To Weaken Yen Will Help Automakers

A Honda executive rejected suggestions that Japanese automakers have gained an edge on U.S. companies as Japan moves to weaken the yen to spur economic growth.

John Mendel, executive vice president of automotive sales for American Honda Motor Co., said the Japanese policies are “certainly not” an advantage for Honda.

“I don’t think the current level of 90-plus yen to the dollar is cause for alarm,” he said at the J.D. Power & Associates International Automotive Roundtable.

A weaker yen makes Japanese production cheaper and boosts profitability for vehicles exported to the U.S.