P.M. BRIEFING : Chrysler Eyes Japanese Market

Honda Motor Co. is considering a request by Chrysler Corp. to market the American manufacturer’s automobiles in Japan, a Honda spokesman said today.

Honda spokesman Hitoshi Dewa said Chrysler suggested the two companies set up a joint venture. All other details, including the Chrysler models, number of sales and distribution channels in Japan have yet to be finalized, Dewa said.

Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Japan’s largest business journal, said Honda will concentrate on selling 5,000-6,000 Chrysler Jeeps and Cherokees a year through one of Honda’s three distribution networks in Japan. The newspaper said an agreement was expected later this year.