Honda

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A Japanese multinational manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, power products, engines, and mobility technologies.

Last updated November 3, 2026

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Overview

Honda is the global brand of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., a Japanese mobility and engineering group headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. Its principal businesses are automobiles, motorcycles, and power products, supported by extensive research, manufacturing, distribution, motorsport, and technology activities. Honda also has interests in marine engines and personal watercraft, robotics, aerospace, fuel-cell systems, and emerging electric and connected mobility. The brand is commonly associated with practical engineering, manufacturing discipline, reliability, fuel efficiency, and products designed for broad everyday use. The company’s origins date to Soichiro Honda’s postwar engineering enterprise. In October 1946, Honda established the Honda Technical Research Institute, initially using surplus small engines to motorize bicycles. The business was incorporated as Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in 1948, with businessman and marketer Takeo Fujisawa becoming a crucial partner. Honda’s early growth came from motorcycles, including the 1949 Dream D-Type and later the Super Cub, which became one of the most widely produced motor vehicles in history. Honda became the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer during the 1960s and has retained a major global position in two-wheelers. Honda entered automobile production in 1963 with the T360 mini truck and S500 sports car. It subsequently developed passenger cars, light vehicles, minivans, sport utility vehicles, hybrids, fuel-cell vehicles, and battery-electric concepts. In the United States, it introduced Acura in 1986 as a separate luxury marque. Honda’s automotive identity has been shaped by models such as the Civic, Accord, CR-V, Odyssey, and NSX, although product availability varies by market and period. The company’s power-products business extends its compact-engine expertise to generators, lawn and garden equipment, engines, marine products, and related machinery. Honda has also pursued non-automotive technologies: it began robotics research in the 1980s, presented the ASIMO humanoid robot in 2000, established Honda Aircraft Company in 2006, and developed the HondaJet. Motorsport, particularly motorcycle racing and Formula One engineering, has been an important channel for technical development and brand visibility. Honda has increasingly addressed emissions reduction and the transition to electrified mobility through hybrid systems, fuel cells, battery-electric vehicles, hydrogen technologies, and partnerships. In 2022 it formed Sony Honda Mobility with Sony to develop electric vehicles under the Afeela brand. Honda also announced a hydrogen-system collaboration with General Motors in 2023. Its strategy has continued to evolve in response to market demand, costs, regulation, supply-chain conditions, and competition from established automakers and newer electric-vehicle manufacturers. Honda remains an internationally active, publicly listed manufacturer whose core brand spans transportation, engines, and power equipment.

History

Soichiro Honda developed mechanical expertise through automobile repair, racing, and precision manufacturing before the Second World War. His piston-ring company, Tokai Seiki, eventually supplied Toyota after improving its production methods, but wartime destruction and industrial controls disrupted the enterprise. After the war, Honda sold the surviving assets and used the proceeds to establish the Honda Technical Research Institute in October 1946. The new business began in a small facility with a limited staff, fitting surplus two-stroke engines to bicycles. When those engines ran out, Honda produced its own compact engine. The resulting products created demand for inexpensive personal transportation in postwar Japan. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1948, and Takeo Fujisawa joined Soichiro Honda, contributing financing, commercial judgment, dealer development, and export strategy. Their partnership helped turn a technically focused workshop into a scalable manufacturer. Honda’s first complete motorcycle, the 1949 Dream D-Type, established the company’s own frame and engine capabilities. The company expanded rapidly through commuter motorcycles and exports, while competition success increased its visibility. The Super Cub, introduced in 1958, became a defining product because it combined approachable operation, utility, and mass-market manufacturing. Honda reached the leading position in worldwide motorcycle production during the 1960s. The company entered automobiles in 1963 with the T360 mini truck and S500 sports car. It later expanded into passenger cars and exports, with the Civic and Accord becoming important international products. The 1970s oil crises strengthened demand for efficient small cars and reinforced Honda’s engineering emphasis. Honda also built overseas manufacturing capacity, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia, reducing dependence on exports from Japan. In 1986 Honda introduced Acura in the United States, becoming the first Japanese automaker to establish a dedicated luxury marque. The company continued to use racing and research to develop high-performance and low-emission technologies. The 1990–1991 NSX demonstrated advanced aluminum construction and mid-engine performance, while Honda’s work on emissions, variable-valve technology, and hybrid systems supported its broader engineering reputation. During the 1990s Honda faced pressure from changing customer preferences, particularly growing demand for trucks, minivans, and sport utility vehicles. Under Nobuhiko Kawamoto, the company accelerated market-oriented development, producing vehicles such as the Odyssey and CR-V and reducing reliance on some sedan and coupe programs. Honda also ended its works Formula One participation after the 1992 season, citing cost and strategic considerations. Honda diversified beyond cars and motorcycles. It developed general-purpose engines, generators, lawn and garden equipment, marine products, and personal watercraft. Robotics research began in the 1980s and led to ASIMO, publicly introduced in 2000. Honda Aircraft Company was established in 2006, and the HondaJet entered customer service in the 2010s. These activities extended the company’s engineering capabilities while retaining a connection to mobility and power systems. The company has continued to adapt to electrification, connectivity, automation, and emissions regulation. It developed hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles and announced battery-electric collaborations with Sony and General Motors. The Sony Honda Mobility venture was formally created in 2022, with Afeela positioned as its electric-vehicle brand. Honda’s later decisions have reflected the difficulty of balancing established internal-combustion and hybrid businesses with the costs and competitive requirements of battery-electric vehicles. Its global operations remain organized around automobiles, motorcycles, power products, and related technology businesses.

2024
Honda and Nissan announce merger memorandum
Honda and Nissan announced a memorandum concerning possible business integration, with Mitsubishi Motors participating in discussions.
2023
Hydrogen-system agreement with General Motors
[8]Hydrogen-system agreement with General Motorsglobal.honda
Honda and General Motors announced cooperation to develop and scale hydrogen fuel-cell systems.
2022
Sony Honda Mobility is established
[5]Sony Honda Mobility establishment announcementsony.com
Honda and Sony formed a joint venture for electric vehicles and mobility services.
2020
Honda and General Motors announce an alliance
[7]Honda and General Motors announce an allianceglobal.honda
The companies announced planned North American cooperation in vehicles, purchasing, development, and connected services.
2015
HondaJet customer deliveries begin
[2]Honda corporate historyglobal.honda
The first HondaJet customer deliveries took place in December 2015.
2006
Honda Aircraft Company is established
[2]Honda corporate historyglobal.honda
Honda created a wholly owned aircraft subsidiary to manufacture and sell the HondaJet family.
2000
ASIMO is presented
[2]Honda corporate historyglobal.honda
Honda presented ASIMO, a humanoid robot developed through its robotics research program.
1991
Honda NSX is introduced
[2]Honda corporate historyglobal.honda
The NSX showcased aluminum construction, a mid-mounted V6, and Honda’s performance-engineering capabilities.
1986
Acura luxury brand launches in the United States
[2]Honda corporate historyglobal.honda
Honda introduced Acura as a dedicated luxury marque in the American market.
1963
Honda enters automobile production
[2]Honda corporate historyglobal.honda
Honda launched the T360 mini truck and S500 sports car, marking its entry into automobile manufacturing.
1958
Super Cub is introduced
[2]Honda corporate historyglobal.honda
The Super Cub became a foundational Honda motorcycle and one of the most widely produced motor vehicles.
1949
Dream D-Type motorcycle begins Honda’s complete-motorcycle production
[2]Honda corporate historyglobal.honda
The Dream D-Type was Honda’s first motorcycle using a Honda-developed frame and engine.
1948
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is incorporated
[2]Honda corporate historyglobal.honda
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. was incorporated, with Takeo Fujisawa becoming a key business partner to Soichiro Honda.
1946
Honda Technical Research Institute is established
[2]Honda corporate historyglobal.honda
Soichiro Honda established the postwar research and manufacturing enterprise that preceded Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Products and positioning

A globally scaled engineering and manufacturing brand positioned around practical mobility, reliability, efficient powertrains, product breadth, and accessible performance.

Automobiles · 1963
Honda automobiles
Honda automobiles comprise passenger cars, light vehicles, minivans, sport utility vehicles, hybrids, and electrified models sold under the Honda marque. Major nameplates have included Civic, Accord, CR-V, Odyssey, Fit, and Insight, with availability differing by market. The range has traditionally emphasized practical packaging, efficient engines, durability, and accessible ownership, while newer products add hybrid, battery-electric, connected, and driver-assistance technologies.
Motorcycles · 1949
Honda motorcycles
Honda motorcycles are the company’s foundational global product category. The range includes underbone and commuter motorcycles, scooters, off-road models, sport bikes, touring motorcycles, and large-displacement products. The Super Cub is especially significant for its utility and mass adoption. Honda’s motorcycle operations combine manufacturing scale with racing-derived development in engines, chassis, reliability, and emissions performance.
Power equipment · 1953
Honda power products
Honda power products include general-purpose engines, portable and standby generators, lawn and garden equipment, pumps, and other engine-powered machinery. The category extends Honda’s early expertise in compact engines into residential, commercial, agricultural, and outdoor applications. Product portfolios and sales channels vary across regions, and the company has also pursued lower-emission and electrified equipment.
Marine equipment
Honda marine products
Honda’s marine activities include outboard engines, marine power systems, and personal watercraft-related products in selected markets. These products apply the company’s engine engineering to recreational and working-water applications, with an emphasis on fuel efficiency, durability, and emissions compliance.
Aircraft · 2015
HondaJet
HondaJet is the light-business-aircraft family developed and marketed by Honda Aircraft Company. The program uses Honda’s aerospace engineering and distinctive over-the-wing engine-mount configuration. Customer deliveries began in 2015, and the aircraft business operates separately from Honda’s main automobile and motorcycle product ranges.
Electric vehicles
Afeela
Afeela is the electric-vehicle brand associated with Sony Honda Mobility, the joint venture formed by Honda and Sony. The venture combines Honda’s vehicle development and manufacturing capabilities with Sony’s expertise in sensing, imaging, software, and digital services. The brand is intended to represent a software-connected mobility proposition rather than a conventional Honda model line.

Controversies

2021
Honda recalls about 1,400 off-highway vehicles over steering hazard
Honda recalled about 1,400 recreational off-highway vehicles in the United States because they could lose steering function, posing crash and injury hazards. Honda reported one loss-of-steering report and no injuries, and asked customers to stop using the affected vehicles and arrange a free inspection and repair.
Source
2021
Honda recalls about 725,000 vehicles over hood defect
Honda announced a recall of about 725,000 SUVs and pickup trucks because faulty hoods could open while the vehicles were moving, potentially obstructing drivers' view and increasing crash risk. Dealers would repair the hood latch or replace the hood for free if required.
Source
2021
Honda settles California emissions violations for $6.9 million
The California Air Resources Board reached a $6.9 million settlement with American Honda Motor Corporation over alleged violations of air-quality regulations for small off-road engines. Honda agreed to a $3.9 million civil penalty, environmental projects totaling $3 million, forfeiture of about 80,000 emissions credits, and a corporate compliance plan.
Source
2021
Honda recalls 1,676 imported motorcycles in China
Honda Motor (China) Investment Co. filed a recall plan for 1,676 imported 2021-model ADV750, NSS750 and NC750 motorcycles because an engine-control issue could cause the engine to stall at very low speed. The company said it would upgrade the transmission and fuel-injection control software free of charge.
Source
2021
Intellectual Ventures sues automakers over patents
Intellectual Ventures filed a lawsuit in a federal court in southern Texas against Toyota, Honda and other automakers, alleging that connected cars infringed patents and seeking compensation. The report names Toyota, Honda and General Motors among the defendants.
Source
2021
Honda Vietnam announces recall of 27,640 vehicles over faulty fuel pumps
Honda Vietnam announced a recall of 27,640 vehicles due to faulty fuel pumps, with the recall scheduled to begin May 5. The company said the fault could cause engines to stall or fail to start; replacements would be free of charge.
Source
2021
Honda recalls 628,124 vehicles over fuel-pump defect
Honda issued a recall covering 628,124 vehicles equipped with fuel pumps that may have low-density impellers. The reported defect may cause cracking, fuel absorption, impeller deformation and pump malfunction. The recall was expected to begin on May 18.
Source
2021
Honda Atlas offers free fuel-pump component replacements
Honda Atlas Cars advertised a special service campaign offering free propeller-motor replacements for the fuel pumps in specified 2018 Honda Accord, 2018–19 Honda Civic, and 2018 Honda BR-V vehicles in Pakistan.
Source
2020
Honda and Other Automakers Announce Another Round of Takata Airbag Recalls
In January 2020, a new round of Takata airbag recalls was announced covering about 10 million vehicles, including US-market vehicles from BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Honda and Subaru. According to the source, the affected vehicles had previously been recalled and repaired with replacement inflators of the same design and chemistry. The announcement concerned vehicles already subject to earlier recall and repair, with the replacement inflators sharing the same design and chemical composition as before.
Source
2020
Honda among four automakers in Vietnam vehicle recall
In June 2020, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi and VinFast recalled a total of 35,025 vehicles in Vietnam. The recalls were carried out to address faults involving fuel pumps, airbags, transmission and seat-belt tensioners. Honda was one of the four automakers involved in the recall action, which covered the stated number of vehicles across the brands.
Source

Brand decisions

2024
Explore integration with NissanM&A
Background
Honda and Nissan faced pressure to achieve scale in electrification, software, and advanced vehicle development.
Action taken
The companies announced a memorandum to examine a possible business integration, with Mitsubishi Motors involved in related discussions.
Aftermath
Honda and Nissan ended the merger discussions in February 2025 after failing to agree on the proposed structure.
Source
2023
Expand hydrogen fuel-cell collaboration with General MotorsStrategy
Background
Honda sought to increase the scale and reduce the cost of hydrogen fuel-cell systems for mobility and stationary applications.
Action taken
Honda and General Motors announced cooperation covering fuel-cell systems for vehicles and other equipment.
Aftermath
The agreement broadened the companies’ existing technology relationship beyond conventional vehicle cooperation.
Source
2022
Form Sony Honda MobilityM&A
Background
Honda and Sony sought to combine vehicle manufacturing and mobility expertise with electronics, sensing, software, and digital-service capabilities.
Action taken
The companies established Sony Honda Mobility as a joint venture for electric vehicles and mobility services.
Aftermath
The venture developed the Afeela brand and announced plans for electric vehicles and related services.
Source

Recent events

2026-10-30
HRC announces performance-parts line[49]HRC宣布推出性能零件系列topspeed.com
Reported: 2026-10-30
HRC US announced its first line of performance parts for street and off-road use, developed for the Civic Type R, Integra Type S and Passport TrailSport. The parts are planned to reach Honda and Acura dealerships and the Honda DreamShop starting in March 2027.
2026-10-27
Honda Cars Shaw opens in the Philippines[50]Honda Cars Shaw 在菲律宾开业gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
Reported: 2026-10-27
Honda inaugurated Honda Cars Shaw in Mandaluyong City, the first dealership operated by its subsidiary Honda Cars Retail Philippines and the first in the Philippines to use Honda’s New Global Visual Identity store design.
Unconfirmed
Honda reportedly plans Mitsubishi Triton-based ladder-frame pickup for Southeast Asia[51]Honda传与Mitsubishi合作以Triton为基础推出梯形大梁皮卡，前进东南亚cars.tvbs.com.tw
Reported: 2026-10-14
Japanese media reported that Honda plans to procure the Mitsubishi Triton pickup, apply Honda branding and partial design changes, and sell it as Honda's first conventional ladder-frame midsize pickup in Southeast Asia, with launch expected as early as 2028. The vehicle would be produced at Mitsubishi's Laem Chabang plant in Thailand and sold through Honda's existing dealer network, with possible expansion to other overseas markets under evaluation. Neither Honda nor Mitsubishi has officially confirmed the cooperation, and timing, specifications, and sales markets remain to be confirmed.
Unconfirmed
Honda confirms location as it lays out hybrid strategy[52]本田确认选址并公布混合动力战略news.google.com
Reported: 2026-10-10
Honda confirmed a location and laid out its hybrid strategy, according to a report by Marysville Matters. The available source text is headline-level only and does not specify the site or further strategy details.
Unconfirmed
Honda unveils facelifted Elevate SUV[53]本田发布小改款Elevate SUVauto.ifeng.com
Reported: 2026-10-07
Honda recently brought a facelift of its Elevate compact SUV, with the most visible changes at the front end (honeycomb grille with three horizontal LED light bars), upgraded interior comfort equipment including front and rear ventilated seats on higher trims, and a new blacked-out ZX+ variant. The facelift keeps the 1.5-litre i-VTEC naturally aspirated engine with CVT or 6-speed manual transmission and does not add e:HEV hybrid power; prices are quoted in Indian rupees at Rs 1,180,000–1,690,000 for manual and Rs 1,379,000–1,840,000 for automatic variants.
Unconfirmed
Honda reworks India strategy amid cost pressures and deadlock[54]本田因成本压力与僵局调整印度战略news.google.com
Reported: 2026-10-05
Reuters reports, citing sources, that cost pressures and a deadlock have forced Honda to rework its India strategy.
2026-10
Honda announces next-generation hybrid system named "Honda Hybrid", with new Vezel planned for 2028[55]本田宣布次世代混动系统命名为“Honda Hybrid”，计划2028年推出新一代缤智auto.cnfol.com
Honda announced in October 2026 that its next-generation hybrid system is officially named "Honda Hybrid", planned for global rollout from 2027 and application to 15 models by fiscal 2029. The system includes a newly developed 1.5-liter direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine and a planned new electric AWD system, and is planned to power the next-generation Vezel, which Honda plans to launch in 2028.
Unconfirmed
Honda creates otherworldly adventure for TrailSport[56]本田为TrailSport打造异世界冒险体验news.google.com
Reported: 2026-09-29
Honda has created an otherworldly adventure experience for its TrailSport line, as reported by Brand Innovators.
Unconfirmed
Honda launches "Base to Captain" brand campaign starring Passport TrailSport SUV[57]本田启动以Passport TrailSport SUV为主角的“Base to Captain”品牌营销活动news.google.com
Reported: 2026-09-28
Honda announced a brand campaign titled "Base to Captain" starring the Passport TrailSport SUV, built around an adventure theme.
Unconfirmed
Honda plans to close a fuel-vehicle plant[58]本田计划关闭一座燃油车厂k.sina.com.cn
Honda reportedly plans to close a fuel-vehicle plant and is considering further capacity reductions.

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