participant in the American Honda Retirement Plan (the "Plan"). DiAmore currently receives early retirement benefits from the Plan of approximately $1,700 per month. Had he retired on or after January 1, 2000, he would receive approximately an additional $255 a month in early retirement benefits from the Plan.
Since 1987, when Honda implemented a voluntary separation program, DiAmore testified that he had heard "ongoing, pretty consistent" rumors that Honda would be offering some sort of early retirement incentive for Plan participants. Accordingly, in November, 1998, he contacted Natalie Enoki ("Enoki"), Honda's Manager of Compensation, Benefits and Payroll, to ask whether any early retirement enhancement benefits were planned. DiAmore testified that Enoki informed him that nothing was currently planned, but that the Company evaluated such matters routinely.
Also in November, 1998,DiAmore was considering seeking employment outside of Honda because he believed that his career advancement opportunities at Honda had become limited.
DiAmore testified and Enoki has averred that DiAmore called her again in late May or early June, 1998, to inquire as to whether any early retirement incentives were planned. DiAmore testified that Enoki again informed him that nothing *84 was currently planned, but that the Company "evaluated such matters routinely". Enoki never spoke with DiAmore again before his retirement. DiAmore testified that he had called her one more time, but never bothered to leave a message on her voice-mail.
On July 16, 1999, subsequent to his conversation with Enoki, DiAmore alleges that he asked Ira Yawnick ("Yawnick"), a Honda benefits employee who was visiting Honda's Windsor, Connecticut offices, whether