AUTOSHOW-Honda US exec says will meet 2007 sales target

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CHIBA, Japan, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co (7267.T) will easily achieve its US sales target of 1.36 million cars this year, excluding the Acura premium brand, and probably increase its market share in 2008, a top executive at the Japanese automaker's U.S. operations said on Wednesday.

"We are on track to easily achieve the target," Honda U.S. operations senior vice president John Mendel told Reuters in an interview.

He added that "if you do the math," Honda's market share would rise next year, fuelled by the new Accord sedan as well as the revamped Fit subcompact and Pilot SUV, and other models.

Mendel forecast continued weakness in demand in the United States in 2008, projecting total industry volumes of around 16 million vehicles.

"I think it could be until 2009 before we see any kind of reversal of fortune," in U.S. consumer sentiment, which he said has been hurt by the problems in the subprime mortgage market.