From United Press International

DETROIT -- Honda Motor Co. plans to start exporting Acura TL cars made in Marysville, OH, to China within months.

The Japanese carmaker expects shipments to begin in July, Automotive News reported Friday.

Specifically, Honda aims to sell 3,000 total Acura imports in China next year and by 2009 intends to sell up to 15,000 units a year, said Masaya Nagai, spokesman for Honda Motor (China) Investment Co.

The Acura TL, which is less expensive than the Acura RL, will compete against other vehicles in the $49,900 price range, the domestically assembled Toyota Crown, the imported Nissan Fuga and the domestically produced Buick Royaum.

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