Carmaker Honda has announced record production, domestic sales and export results for 2004.

The Japanese motor manufacturer said annual domestic production increased by 6.1 per cent in 2004 to 1,242,528 units.

Meanwhile, annual overseas production reached 1,939,096 units, a 7.9 per cent increase on 2003.

"Continuous production growth in Asia, especially China, led the overall increase in overseas production, while Europe also remained strong," Honda explained.

Total annual domestic sales for 2004 increased 1.1 per cent compared to last year, thanks to strong sales of the Fit, Odyssey and Life models.

The CR-V, Acura TSX, the new Acura RL and the Accord Hybrid were popular in the US, while strong sales in Europe of the Jazz, Accord Diesel and FR-V also helped fuel the increase in annual exports.

Increasing car sales implies an increase in demand for platinum which is used in autocatalysts to reduce harmful emissions.