A phenomenon, the very symbol of open competition. Born in 1946, the company first became known for its motorcycles, not entering the car field until 1963. It had only two trump cards - its experience of small engines and a good knowledge of international markets- butit played them effectively by concentrating on low pollution, fuel economy, and the sporting appeal of its models.
The first attack was in the field of small capacity vehicles, with the S360, S500, S600, and later the S800. In 1970 the company moved up the field with the S1000, but hit problems and their production figures slipped down in 1970, 1972, and 1973. The problems were soon overcome, however, with the introduction of the low-pollution CVCC engine and the Civic, and sales rose from 257,000 in 1973 to 707,000 in 1979. All the company's efforts were concentrated at first on the United States, and that market now absorbs three-quarters of the company's production.
Origins:
Honda Motor founded in 1948. First motorcycle
prototype in 1949. Launch of Dream-E motorcycle with four-stroke engine in 1951. Launch of light sports car (8360/ 8500) and light van (T 360) in 1962.
Milestones:
First mass-production model: 8 360/8 500 (1962).
First model exported to Europe: Honda N360 (1968).
First model exported to the USA: Honda Civic (1973).
Model most sold abroad: Honda Accord - 251,435 units exported in 1979.
Number of employees (as at 1979): 21,000.
Position among Japanese Manufacturers (as at 1979): 3rd (11.4 per cent of Japanese market).
Position among exporters (as at 1979): 3rd.
Car assembly plants abroad (as at 1979): Portugal, Formosa.
Group products: Motorcycles, cars, light commercial vehicles, portable generutors, out-board marine engines, powered cultivating equipment, lawn mowers, amusement park and Suzuka motor racing circuit, locks for cars and motorcycles, carburetters (Keihin), dampers (Showa}.
Range (as at 1979): Honda Civic (three models), Honda Accord (two models), Honda Prelude.
Honda Car Production 1963 - 1979 |
Year |
Production |
Exportation |
|
136 |
- |
|
5,210 |
- |
|
8,779 |
2,162 |
|
3,209 |
1,938 |
|
87,169 |
5,861 |
|
186,560 |
26,307 |
|
232,704 |
12,595 |
|
276,884 |
19,297 |
|
215,256 |
30,037 |
|
235,248 |
33,567 |
|
256,962 |
69,466 |
|
316,012 |
113,453 |
|
328,107 |
184,309 |
|
473,597 |
293,270 |
|
576,631 |
434,660 |
|
652,920 |
487,662 |
|
706,375 |
539,231 |
