Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa founded Honda on 24 September 1948. The company initially focused on motorcycle manufacturing during Japan’s post-war reconstruction period. Its first original motorcycle, the Dream D-Type, was launched in 1949 and quickly established a reputation for innovation and reliability. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Honda expanded internationally, entering markets in the United States and Europe whilst building a significant presence in motorcycle racing.2

In the early 1960s, Honda entered automobile manufacturing with compact vehicles such as the T360 mini truck and the S500 sports car. Over subsequent decades, the company introduced several iconic models, including the Civic, Accord, CR-V, and CRX, establishing itself as a leading global automotive brand.3

Honda operates through several major business divisions.

Motorcycles

Honda is the largest motorcycle manufacturer globally, producing motorcycles and scooters ranging from small commuter bikes to superbikes and touring models. Popular models include:

• Honda Super Cub
• Honda CB Series
• Honda CBR Series
• Honda Africa Twin
• Honda Gold Wing
• Honda Rebel
• Honda PCX
• Honda ADV Series

Motorcycles remain one of Honda’s strongest business segments, particularly in Asia, India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia.4

Automobiles

The company manufactures passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, hybrids, and electric vehicles. Well-known models include:

• Civic
• Accord
• City
• Fit (Jazz)
• CR-V
• HR-V
• Pilot
• Passport
• Ridgeline
• Odyssey
• Prelude (new generation)
• Prologue EV

Honda is recognised for fuel-efficient engines, reliability, safety, and long-term durability.5

Acura

Acura is Honda’s luxury automobile division, which was launched in North America in 1986. Popular Acura models include:

• Integra
• TLX
• MDX
• RDX
• NSX

Power Products

Honda also manufactures a range of power equipment, including:

• Portable generators
• Lawn mowers
• Water pumps
• Snow blowers
• Tillers
• General-purpose engines

Honda engines are widely utilised in commercial and industrial equipment worldwide.6

Marine

The company produces four-stroke outboard marine engines known for fuel efficiency, low emissions, quiet operation, and high reliability.

Aviation

Honda developed the HondaJet, a light business aircraft featuring innovative over-the-wing engine mounts, improved fuel efficiency, and modern avionics.7

Honda invests significantly in research and development, focusing on hybrid powertrains, electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen fuel-cell technology, autonomous driving, artificial intelligence, robotics, connected vehicles, and advanced safety systems. The company’s engineering philosophy emphasises practical innovation, efficiency, and user-focused design.8

Notable Technologies

Honda has introduced numerous notable technologies, including:

• VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
• i-VTEC
• Earth Dreams Technology
• Honda SENSING driver-assistance suite
• SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive)
• e:HEV hybrid system
• Fuel Cell technology
• e:Architecture for future software-defined vehicles

Racing has been central to Honda’s identity since the 1950s. The company has competed in Formula One, MotoGP, IndyCar, Super GT, the World Superbike Championship, and the Dakar Rally. Honda has secured numerous world championships in motorcycle racing and has been a successful Formula One engine supplier and constructor across different eras.9

Honda’s corporate philosophy centres on respect for the individual and “The Three Joys”: the joy of buying, the joy of selling, and the joy of creating. Its long-standing global slogan, The Power of Dreams, reflects the company’s emphasis on innovation, engineering excellence, and creating products that improve people’s lives.10

Honda has established long-term goals to reduce carbon emissions, increase vehicle electrification, develop hydrogen technologies, improve recycling, enhance manufacturing efficiency, promote traffic safety, and achieve carbon neutrality over the coming decades. The company continues to invest in cleaner mobility whilst balancing demand for hybrid, electric, and conventional vehicles.

Honda sells products in more than 150 countries and regions, operating manufacturing plants, research and development centres, engineering facilities, and sales and service networks. Major markets include Japan, the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.11

Motorcycles

• Super Cub
• CB750
• CBR1000RR Fireblade
• Africa Twin
• Gold Wing
• Rebel
• PCX
• ADV160

Cars

• Civic
• Accord
• City
• Fit (Jazz)
• CR-V
• HR-V
• Pilot
• Odyssey
• NSX
• Prelude
• Prologue

Other Products

• HondaJet
• Portable generators
• Marine outboards
• General-purpose engines
• ASIMO (historic humanoid robotics project)

Honda is widely recognised for high reliability, strong resale value, fuel-efficient engineering, durable engines, innovative technology, quality manufacturing, excellent motorcycles, and long vehicle lifespan. These attributes have contributed to Honda becoming one of the strongest automotive and motorcycle brands globally.

• Honda is the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer.
• The company was founded in 1948 in Japan.
• Honda entered Formula One in 1964.
• The Super Cub is one of the best-selling motor vehicles of all time.
• Honda was among the first Japanese automakers to achieve major success in North America.
• Honda’s activities extend beyond automobiles into aviation, marine products, robotics, and power equipment.12

1. Company Overview | Corporate Profile | Honda Global Corporate Website
2. Corporate Profile | Honda Global Corporate Website
3. Honda Motor Company: Our History | Honda
4. Honda Motor Co.,Ltd.｜Honda Global Corporate Website
5. Honda posts first annual loss on $9 billion EV writedown, scraps EV sales goals
6. Honda Motor Co.,Ltd.｜Honda Global Corporate Website
7. 75 Years of Honda History｜Honda’s History｜Honda Global Corporate Website
8. Honda Motor Co.,Ltd.｜Honda Global Corporate Website
9. Company Overview | Corporate Profile | Honda Global Corporate Website
10. Honda History – A Heritage Of Innovation
11. About Us: Honda Services & Quality Cars | Honda
12. The Honda Timeline: A Brief History | Honda