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Honda Motor Company

Japanese multinational conglomerate manufacturer

Honda Motor Company

Honda is a leading manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment. It is the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer and a major producer of internal combustion engines. Honda also has ventures in luxury vehicles, robotics, aerospace, and joint ventures in China.

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Timeline

Birth of Soichiro Honda

Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda Motor Company, was born in a small village near Mount Fuji. He developed a fascination for machines at a young age and assisted in his father's bicycle repair shop.

Introduction of A-Type Engine

In 1947, Honda completed the A-Type engine, which was the first engine to bear Honda's name. This marked a significant milestone in the company's history.

Honda Motor Co. brand launched

In 1948, Soichiri Honda launched the Honda Motor Co. brand, marking the ambitious beginnings of the company.

Introduction of the first new Honda motorcycle

In 1949, Honda introduced its first motorcycle fully designed and developed by the company, named the 'Dream' D-type.

Honda's Juno K-Type entered into Isle of Man TT Race

In 1953, Honda's Juno K-Type was entered into the Isle of Man TT Race, marking the debut of Japanese motorcycles and riders in the international motor race arena.

Honda becomes the biggest motorcycle brand in Japan

By 1955, Honda had become the largest motorcycle brand in Japan, marking a significant milestone in its growth and success.

Adoption of 'Think global, act local' strategy

In 1956, Honda adopted the strategy of 'Think global, act local', emphasizing the importance of global presence while catering to local markets.

Honda becomes top motorcycle manufacturer

By 1958, Honda achieved the milestone of becoming the leading motorcycle manufacturer globally, reaching a goal they had set just ten years prior.

Opening of the first Honda Motor Co., Ltd. overseas subsidiary storefront in Los Angeles

On June 11, 1959, Honda opened its first overseas subsidiary storefront in Los Angeles. This marked the beginning of Honda's international presence and sales of popular motorcycle models like the Benley, Honda Dream, and Super Cub in the United States.

Debut of Honda Sports S360

In 1962, Honda ventured into the automotive industry by producing mini sportscars and trucks, unveiling the Honda Sports S360 which was personally driven by Soichiro Honda, the company's founder.

Honda enters Formula One

Honda entered Formula One in 1964, just one year after starting the production of road cars. They were involved in both engine and chassis production.

Debut of Honda Accord

The Honda Accord made its debut in 1968, becoming one of the most successful and popular models in the Honda lineup, known for its reliability and performance.

Introduction of Honda CB750 'superbike'

In 1969, Honda introduced the popular CB750, the first 'superbike' with innovative features like a 750-cc engine, disc brakes, and an electric starter.

Introduction of Honda Civic

The year 1972 marked the introduction of the Honda Civic, a small passenger vehicle that quickly gained popularity among customers.

Introduction of fuel-efficient 4-stroke outboard marine motors and Civic Hatchback

In 1973, Honda introduced the world's first quieter and fuel-efficient 4-stroke outboard marine motors. Additionally, in response to the energy crisis, Honda debuted the fuel-efficient Civic Hatchback, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Launch of Honda Civic with CVCC motor and without catalytic converter

In 1974, Honda introduced the Honda Civic equipped with a CVCC motor and without a catalytic converter. This pioneering technology allowed the Civic to meet stringent U.S. Clean Air Act regulations, setting a new standard in emissions control.

Launch of CVCC Engine in North America

Honda introduced the CVCC engine in North America, known for its efficient combustion cycle that surpassed clean-air regulations without requiring an exhaust catalyzer.

Debut of Honda Accord and start of U.S. manufacturing

In 1979, Honda debuted the Honda Accord and became the first Japanese automaker to manufacture products in the United States. The production of CR250M Elsinore motorcycles at the Marysville, Ohio plant marked a significant milestone in Honda's global expansion.

Commencement of Accord production at Honda of America Mfg., Inc. factory

In 1982, Honda began production of the Accord at its Honda of America Mfg., Inc. factory, making it the first Japanese automaker to manufacture cars in the U.S. This marked a significant step in Honda's localization strategy and commitment to the American market.

Honda's Popularity in America

In the 1980s, Honda solidified its position as a beloved brand in America, with a strong following and a reputation for quality and performance.

Launch of Acura

Honda launched its first luxury car, along with the introduction of a new brand called Acura in the USA. This move made Honda the first Japanese car company to establish a standalone premium division.

Introduction of Japanese Airbag System in Honda Legend

In 1987, Honda introduced the first Japanese airbag system in the Honda Legend, which was rigorously tested for its dependability.

Export of Honda Accord Coupe to Japan

In 1988, the Honda Accord Coupe became the first U.S.-manufactured automobile to be exported to Japan. This achievement highlighted Honda's quality standards and global competitiveness in the automotive industry.

Introduction of VTEC System

Honda introduced the VTEC system in 1989, showcasing how to make engines more powerful and economical. The Acura Legend Coupe from the 1988 model year featured a 24-valve 2.7-litre V6 engine, contributing to the success of the premium Acura brand in the United States.

Birth of Honda NSX

The Honda NSX was created in 1990 as a result of the team's enthusiasm for designing sleek and high-performance sports cars.

Opening of Honda Factories in Europe

In 1992, Honda opened two new factories in Europe - one in the UK, building the Accord, and another in Turkey producing the Civic. The UK factory in Swindon has since become the global hub for the Civic hatchback.

Launch of Honda CR-V

The iconic Honda CR-V, or Compact Recreational Vehicle, was launched in 1995, gaining immediate popularity and becoming the world's best-selling SUV. This marked a significant milestone for Honda in the SUV market.

Honda Begins Light Truck Production in North America

In 1998, Honda started producing light trucks in North America for the first time with the opening of a new plant at Honda of Canada Mfg. The production included the 1999 Odyssey minivan.

Honda Insight Hybrid Launch in North America

In December 1999, Honda Insight became the first hybrid vehicle available in North America, setting a milestone. It maintained its position as the most fuel-efficient non-plugin vehicle in its category for the following 17 years.

10,000,000th Honda vehicle made in North America

The 10,000,000th Honda vehicle was produced in North America at the assembly line in Marysville, Ohio. Honda, known for being a top motorcycle producer, shifted its focus to automobiles in 1963, with popular models like the Civic and Accord.

Honda Introduces Fuel-Efficient 4-Stroke Outboard Marine Engines

In 2002, Honda introduced the world's first fuel-efficient 4-stroke outboard marine engines, which were cleaner, quieter, and more economical than traditional 2-stroke engines. This innovation marked a significant shift in marine engine technology.

Honda's victory at the Indianapolis 500

In 2004, Honda won the Indianapolis 500 for the first time and claimed both the Drivers' and Manufacturers' Championships.

Production of Honda FCX Clarity

Honda Motors produced the first assembly-line FCX Clarity, a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, in Takanezawa, Japan. The FCX Clarity is more efficient than a gas-electric hybrid vehicle, emitting only heat and water as by-products.

Introduction of Clarity Fuel Cell Sedan

In 2016, Honda launched the Clarity Fuel Cell sedan, which was based on the FCX model and marked the company's entry into the fuel-cell car market.

Honda celebrates 70 years

In 2018, Honda marked its 70th anniversary, reflecting on its journey so far and looking ahead to the future.

Honda's World Drivers' Championship win

In 2021, Honda won the World Drivers' Championship with Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing in Formula One.

Honda and Nissan collaboration on electric vehicles and intelligent technology

Honda and Nissan have agreed to collaborate in the development of electric vehicles and intelligent technology.

Honda and Nissan collaboration on electric vehicles and intelligent technology

Honda and Nissan have agreed to collaborate in the development of electric vehicles and intelligent technology.

Honda's Electrification Goal

By 2030, Honda aims to have three-quarters of all the cars it sells globally to be electrified vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric, or fuel cell vehicles.

Honda's Goal to Reduce CO2 Emissions

By 2050, Honda aims to reduce CO2 emissions from its products and business operations by half to combat global climate change.

Imagining the Future of Mobility

Honda associates are envisioning the transportation landscape in 2088, striving to develop a more advanced and efficient world of mobility.

End of the Timeline
Honda Motor Company

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