About the Honda brand

General Information

Honda is an international industrial company. It is best known for its automobiles, but it also produces airplanes, motorcycles, scooters, electric generators, robots, marine engines, and lawn mowers. The company's plans include the production of biofuel (ethanol) and photovoltaic cells.

Currently, Honda owns 119 plants in 33 countries. The company ranks first in the world in motorcycle sales and is among the top ten global leaders in automobile sales. Honda remains one of the few independent automakers, having rejected the common practice of mergers.

The main office is located in Tokyo, Japan.

Company History

The company was founded by Japanese inventor, engineer, and racing driver Soichiro Honda in 1946. Initially, it was called Honda Technical Research Institute. In 1948, it was re-registered under the name Honda Motor Company. Initially, the company was engaged in the design and production of motorcycles: in 1947, the first motorcycle under the brand Dream Type A with a two-stroke engine of 50 cc appeared.

In subsequent years, Honda produced new motorcycles, improving the engine and increasing its power and maximum speed. Models Dream Type D, Dream Type E, and Cub Type F were released.

In 1953, two new factories opened, where production of the Benly J-type motorcycle began. In 1954, Honda Motor Company shares appeared on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and later that year, sales of the Juno K-type scooter and its export to the USA began. Then models Benly JB, Dream SA, Dream SB-type were released.

By 1955, Honda had become the leading motorcycle manufacturer in Japan, and in 1959 it achieved the status of world leader in their production.

In 1955, the company participated in the first Japanese Motorcycle Endurance Road Race and won in the 350 and 500 cc classes, also receiving a prize for design. In subsequent years, Honda consistently won motorcycle races. In 1964, the company first announced its intention to participate in Formula 1 races. That same year, its team competed in the 1500 cc class in Germany.

In 1956, the basic principles of the corporation were developed, which the company still adheres to. A service department was opened, and a one-year warranty on products was introduced.

From the late 1950s, the company began opening branches in Western countries and the USA. In 1959, a branch was established in the USA — American Honda Motor; in 1961, a branch opened in Germany — Honda Deutschland GmbH; motorcycle production began in Taiwan; in 1962, a branch in Belgium; in 1964, in France (Honda France S. A.). In the late 1960s, branches opened in England, Canada, Australia, and the USA. In 1968, Honda motorcycles began selling in Mexico and Spain, and from 1969, Honda cars were exported to Italy.

In 1962, as part of strategic development, the company decided to create a plant for producing its own manufacturing equipment. This plant, Honda Engineering Co., Ltd, later became one of the main parts of the company.

In 1962, Honda entered the global market as a passenger car manufacturer, releasing the small sports car S500. The Japanese government was categorically opposed to this, believing that competition in the global market with Japanese manufacturers Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi would harm the country's interests. However, Soichiro Honda ignored these statements and also released a small truck, the T360.

The company gained worldwide recognition in 1972 after the release of the Civic car.

With the release of the Honda Civic, the company gained a reputation as a manufacturer of inexpensive, compact, and high-quality cars. In the first four years, sales of this model exceeded one million vehicles. Over time, several generations of the Civic were released.

In 1976, the company released the Accord model, in 1980 — Ballade, in 1981 — Vigor and City. In 1985, the Integra and Legend models were presented. Additionally, new motorcycle models were produced.

Acura — Extra-Class "Honda"

After a decade of research and development, in March 1986, Honda began selling extra-class cars in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong, introducing the Acura brand for this purpose. Since 2006, the brand appeared on the Chinese market, and in 2008, on the domestic Japanese market. The Acura brand is credited with being the first to sell high-class Japanese cars outside Japan.

Production of Environmentally Friendly Cars

Now Honda is increasingly focusing on environmentally friendly automotive manufacturing. The company produces cars running on gas and electricity, improves engine properties to reduce harmful emissions.

Thus, in 1996, the electric car Honda EV PLUS was released. Additionally, hybrid cars with the IMA system are being developed, and ZLEV engines with zero emission levels are produced.

Humanoid Robots from Honda

In 2000, the company introduced the Asimo robot, 1.3 meters tall and weighing 54 kg. It was created to provide functional assistance in household chores in the near future.

Honda in Ukraine

In June 1992, the company Dnipro Motor Invest signed a distribution agreement with Honda Motor Co., Ltd. In the fall of that year, the first distribution center in Ukraine was opened.

Today, ten Honda dealerships operate in Ukraine, providing sales of cars, spare parts, accessories, and full service.