| **9823600    B254552**

**UNITED STATES OF AMERICA    FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION**

*In the Matter of*

AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR COMPANY, INC., a corporation

DOCKET NO. C-3864

**COMPLAINT**

The Federal Trade Commission, having reason to believe that American Honda Motor    Company, Inc. ("respondent") has violated the provisions of the Federal Trade    Commission Act, and it appearing to the Commission that this proceeding is in the public    interest, alleges:

1. Respondent American Honda Motor Company, Inc. is a California corporation with its    principal office or place of business at 1919 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, California    90501.

2. Respondent has manufactured, advertised, labeled, offered for sale, sold, and    distributed products to the public, including lawn mowers.

3. The acts and practices of respondent alleged in this complaint have been in or    affecting commerce, as "commerce" is defined in Section 4 of the Federal Trade    Commission Act.

4. Respondent has disseminated or has caused to be disseminated    advertisements for its Honda Masters, Honda Harmony II 3-in-1 and Honda Harmony II lawn    mowers, including but not necessarily limited to the attached Exhibits A through C. These    advertisements contain the following statements:

A. **Exhibit A, advertisement for Honda Masters**

"MADE IN AMERICA BY HONDA"

B. **Exhibit B, advertisement for Honda Harmony II 3-in-1**

"MADE IN AMERICA BY HONDA"

C. **Exhibit C, advertisement for Honda Harmony II**

"MADE IN AMERICA BY HONDA"

5. Through the means described in Paragraph 4, respondent has represented, expressly or    by implication, that its Honda Masters, Honda Harmony II 3-in-1, and Honda Harmony II lawn    mowers are made in the United States, *i.e.*, that all, or virtually all, of the    component parts of the lawn mowers are made in the United States, and that all, or    virtually all, of the labor in manufacturing the lawn mowers is performed in the United    States.

6. In truth and in fact, a substantial portion of the components of the Honda Masters,    Honda Harmony II 3-in-1 and Honda Harmony II lawn mowers is, or has been, of foreign    origin. Therefore, the representations set forth in paragraph 5 were, and are, false or    misleading.

7. The acts and practices of respondent as alleged in this complaint constitute unfair    or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce in violation of Section 5(a) of    the Federal Trade Commission Act.

THEREFORE, the Federal Trade Commission this sixth day of April, 1999, has issued this    complaint against respondent.

By the Commission.

Donald S. Clark    Secretary

SEAL: |
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