INFOGRAPHIC: History of Honda
When you think of Honda, the first thing that might pop in your head is the Civic. Or, on the other hand, it can be one of its famous motorcycles, or the Asimo humanoid robot, or even Formula One. Regardless of what you think when you hear the word “Honda,” one thing is for sure—this Japanese manufacturer has a rich heritage that's guided by the power of dreams. As such, here is the history of Honda.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is formally established on September 24, 1948 by co-founders Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa. A year later, in August 1949, Honda introduces its first original designed and engineered product dubbed as the Dream D-Type motorcycle.
The Dream D-Type is regarded by Honda as a revolutionary motorcycle since it is designed to eliminate the manual clutch operation. In other words, the Dream D-Type has no manual clutch lever on the handle bar. The rider needs to press down and forward on the change pedal to operate the clutch.
In October 1951, Honda introduces the Dream E-Type, which is the company's first four-stroke motorcycle. The Dream E-Type is well-received in the market and allows Honda to have a positive momentum.
Honda wants to maintain its momentum as the company launches a new motorcycle in 1952, the Cub F-Type. It is a small, lightweight motorcycle that's powered by a 50cc 2-stroke engine. The Cub F-Type is also known as a bike that women as well as men could ride.
In January 1954, Honda debuts the Juno K-Type, which is said to be the most advanced scooter during this time. Four years later, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is established in Los Angeles, California in June 11, 1959.
Honda's first automobiles debut in October 1962 at the 9th Japan National Auto Show. The cars on display are the T360 mini truck, S360 sportscar, and S500 sportscar.
After seven years, the N600 is the first Honda vehicle offered in the United States.
In 1973, Honda introduces the Civic in the United States. This car is received positively since it is more fuel efficient compared to American cars.
In 1979, Honda is the first Japanese automaker to manufacture products in the US using domestic and globally-sourced parts. Honda assembles the CR250M Elsinore motorcycle in Marysville, Ohio.
Then, in 1982, the Accord enters production at Honda's Ohio manufacturing plant.
Four years later, Honda launches the Acura brand, which is the company's luxury car segment. Honda offers the Integra and the Legend under the Acura brand.
In 1990, Honda introduces the Acura NSX, the first Honda car to be equipped with the Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) engine.
After a decade, Honda unveils its first fuel-cell electric vehicle—the FCX-V3.
Honda debuts the ASIMO humanoid robot in November 2000. ASIMO stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility. This robot is used to promote math and science education.
Honda launches the Civic Coupe in 2001. The US National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NTHSA) gives the Civic Coupe a five-star safety rating.
In August 2002, Honda develops the Side Curtain Airbag system. This safety feature helps reduce head or neck injury during a side impact. Honda's Side Curtain Airbag system is first equipped in the Accord.
In April 2005, Honda reaches the milestone of 100,000 hybrid vehicles sold worldwide.
Honda improves the safety of its cars as the company introduces the “Honda Sensing” advanced driver-assistance system.
In December 2016, Honda reaches its 100 million worldwide automobile production milestone.
For more information about brand-new 2018 Honda models, click here.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is formally established on September 24, 1948 by co-founders Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa. A year later, in August 1949, Honda introduces its first original designed and engineered product dubbed as the Dream D-Type motorcycle.
The Dream D-Type is regarded by Honda as a revolutionary motorcycle since it is designed to eliminate the manual clutch operation. In other words, the Dream D-Type has no manual clutch lever on the handle bar. The rider needs to press down and forward on the change pedal to operate the clutch.
In October 1951, Honda introduces the Dream E-Type, which is the company's first four-stroke motorcycle. The Dream E-Type is well-received in the market and allows Honda to have a positive momentum.
Honda wants to maintain its momentum as the company launches a new motorcycle in 1952, the Cub F-Type. It is a small, lightweight motorcycle that's powered by a 50cc 2-stroke engine. The Cub F-Type is also known as a bike that women as well as men could ride.
In January 1954, Honda debuts the Juno K-Type, which is said to be the most advanced scooter during this time. Four years later, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is established in Los Angeles, California in June 11, 1959.
Honda's first automobiles debut in October 1962 at the 9th Japan National Auto Show. The cars on display are the T360 mini truck, S360 sportscar, and S500 sportscar.
After seven years, the N600 is the first Honda vehicle offered in the United States.
In 1973, Honda introduces the Civic in the United States. This car is received positively since it is more fuel efficient compared to American cars.
In 1979, Honda is the first Japanese automaker to manufacture products in the US using domestic and globally-sourced parts. Honda assembles the CR250M Elsinore motorcycle in Marysville, Ohio.
Then, in 1982, the Accord enters production at Honda's Ohio manufacturing plant.
Four years later, Honda launches the Acura brand, which is the company's luxury car segment. Honda offers the Integra and the Legend under the Acura brand.
In 1990, Honda introduces the Acura NSX, the first Honda car to be equipped with the Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) engine.
After a decade, Honda unveils its first fuel-cell electric vehicle—the FCX-V3.
Honda debuts the ASIMO humanoid robot in November 2000. ASIMO stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility. This robot is used to promote math and science education.
Honda launches the Civic Coupe in 2001. The US National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NTHSA) gives the Civic Coupe a five-star safety rating.
In August 2002, Honda develops the Side Curtain Airbag system. This safety feature helps reduce head or neck injury during a side impact. Honda's Side Curtain Airbag system is first equipped in the Accord.
In April 2005, Honda reaches the milestone of 100,000 hybrid vehicles sold worldwide.
Honda improves the safety of its cars as the company introduces the “Honda Sensing” advanced driver-assistance system.
In December 2016, Honda reaches its 100 million worldwide automobile production milestone.
For more information about brand-new 2018 Honda models, click here.Featured Articles
- Latest
- Popular
-
-
2024 PIMS draws 42K attendeesRuben Manahan IV . Nov 04, 2024
-
Hyundai Motor PH, ANC+ Group forge allianceRuben Manahan IV . Nov 04, 2024
-
Inchcape to update Ram 1500 Rebel in PHPaulo Papa . Oct 31, 2024
-
-
-
Toyota presents next-gen Tamaraw to PBBMRuben Manahan IV . Oct 30, 2024
-
Here’s what went down at PIMS 2024Paulo Papa . Oct 29, 2024
-
PEVS 2024: event summaryPaulo Papa . Oct 30, 2024
-
Inchcape to update Ram 1500 Rebel in PHPaulo Papa . Oct 31, 2024
-
-
Recommended Articles For You
-
PEVS 2024: event summaryPaulo Papa . Oct 30, 2024
-
Here’s what went down at PIMS 2024Paulo Papa . Oct 29, 2024
-
-
PH K-drama adaptation to showcase Hyundai nameplatesPaulo Papa . Mar 20, 2024
-
-
Featured Honda Cars
- Latest
- Upcoming
- Popular
Honda Car Articles From Zigwheels
- News
- Article Feature
- Road Test
-
9th PIMS: Honda Cars PH launches new leasing programCesar Miguel . Nov 04, 2024
-
9th PIMS: Honda Civic RS e:HEV, Mugen Type R Group A share spotlight at opening dayCesar Miguel . Oct 24, 2024
-
Honda Cars PH rolls out promo for BR-V, City, CR-VPaulo Papa . Oct 10, 2024
-
Honda Cars PH rolls out promo for BR-V, City, CR-VPaulo Papa . Oct 10, 2024
-
Honda Cars PH rolls out promo for BR-V, City, CR-VPaulo Papa . Oct 10, 2024
-
Compact crossover joust: Lynk & Co 06 vs. Honda HR-VCesar Miguel . Sep 17, 2024
-
Electrified crossover battle: Lynk & Co 01 vs. Honda CR-V RS e:HEVCesar Miguel . Sep 13, 2024
-
Hybrid crossover shoot-out: BYD Sealion 6 DM-i vs. Honda CR-V RS e:HEVCesar Miguel . Aug 07, 2024
-
BYD Sealion 6 DM-i vs. the competitionPaulo Papa . Aug 02, 2024
-
Honda e:HEV technology explainedRuben Manahan IV . Jul 11, 2024
-
2022 Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT Honda SENSING: one of sedan segment's major thrustersRuben Manahan IV . Sep 25, 2024
-
Safer than ever: Honda City HatchbackPaulo Papa . Jul 23, 2024
-
Sensational 7-seater: Honda BR-V VPaulo Papa . May 20, 2024
-
More than modest: Honda Brio V CVTPaulo Papa . Feb 21, 2024
-
Big and beguilling: Honda CR-V RS E:HEVRuben Manahan IV . Jan 23, 2024
