Honda's new president and chief executive is to be Takeo Fukui, the carmaker's managing and representative director. He will take over in June.

The 58-year-old Fukui will succeed Hiroyuki Yoshino. Yoshino, 63, will assume the post of director and adviser to Honda Motor Co.

"This management succession will occur following the final decision of the Honda Motor board of directors after the company's annual shareholders meeting in late June 2003," said a company spokesman.