Honda’s U.S. Line to Get a Subcompact Car in 2006

Honda Motor Co. plans to expand its U.S. model line in 2006 with a car that’s smaller and cheaper than the company’s Civic compact, part of an effort to lure young buyers.

“American Honda will introduce a new entry-level subcompact, positioned under Civic,” spokesman Andy Boyd said. The car will probably be priced at less than $15,000.

Tokyo-based Honda, whose North American headquarters is in Torrance, declined to say whether the car would be a version of the Japanese Fit model, sold in Europe as the Jazz.

Honda last year filed for at least 10 Fit-related U.S. trademarks, including use of the name for an automobile, according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s website.