"We don't see anything that would suggest quality has changed," a Honda spokesman said.

"The scheme is still under consideration," a Honda spokesman said.

A Honda spokesman said prices have increased around 1 percent, or just a bit more, depending on model.

A Honda spokesman said the company met its quota last year and would probably import every car it could this fiscal year.

A Honda spokesman cited the general softening of the market.

A Honda spokesman said the company's announcement had nothing to do with the trade talks.

"We hope this will help reduce trade tensions between the two countries and eventually cut down the trade surplus," a Honda spokesman said.

"The percentage approach punishes the one who does the most in fuel efficiency," said a Honda spokesman.

A Honda spokesman, citing confidentiality in dealings with employees, declined to say why any of the executives left.

A Honda spokesman said that most of the employees had been locally recruited.