Japan – After 65 years of manufacturing, the OEM produced its 300 millionth motorcycle, a Honda Gold Wing, at its Kumamoto Factory. Honda will celebrate the 40th anniversary of this model next year.
Honda began mass production of motorcycles in Japan in 1949, with the Honda 98cc Dream Type-D. The launch of the Honda 50 or ‘Super Cub’ in 1958 paved the way for the OEM’s expansion into the US in 1959 and Canada in 1969. To date, almost 90m Super Clubs have been sold worldwide.
In the 1960s, rising sales led to the establishment of Honda of America Manufacturing and the company’s first US production facility, the Marysville Motorcycle Plant in Ohio. The factory opened in 1979 and made both motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) until 2009. ATV production has now transferred to Honda of South Carolina Manufacturing (HSC) in Timmonsville.
Since the production launch in 1979, Honda has manufactured over 5m power sports products in North America using both globally and locally sourced parts. HSC now makes FourTrax ATVs and Pioneer side-by-sides and engines. Honda’s plant in El Salto, Mexico, produces motorcycles. The OEM manufactures motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-sides at 32 plants in 22 countries.
In 1982, auto production began at Marysville Auto Plant. Today, Honda operates 17 major manufacturing facilities in North America, turning out a wide range of Honda and Acura vehicles, engines and transmissions, ATVs and side-by-sides, as well as power equipment products and the HondaJet light aircraft.