Everyone knows that Japan was the first country producing Honda. However, with the growth of popularity and the development of production, the company expanded production capacity and built factories in Southeast Asia.
general information
Famous car brand Honda is owned by the international company, which also specializes in the production of aircraft, motorcycles, mopeds, power generators, marine engines, domestic lawn mowers and various robots. In the near future, the company will launch its own plant for the production of biofuels and photovoltaic components for cars.
Honda's manufacturing country is one of 33 countries where 119 of the company's enterprises are located. The main capacities are based in the USA, India, Brazil and Japan, and the largest volumes of products are produced in China, Indonesia and Thailand. This trademark is the world market leader in motorcycles and is in the top ten in the automotive industry. Honda is still one of the few independent automakers in the world that have managed to avoid a merger with other giants. The company's headquarters is located in the Japanese city of Tokyo.
History of creation
The brand was founded in 1946 by a talented racing driver, engineer and inventor named and in 1948 was officially registered Honda motor Company, which later became famous all over the world. The first product that Soirtiro specialized in was motorcycles, and already in 1959 the company was recognized as a world leader in this field.
In 1962 the first sports car was produced. Honda car manufacturing plants were based in the USA, Germany, Taiwan, Belgium, and France. did not welcome new brand auto, because it did not want to create competition for existing Toyota brands, Nissan and Mitsubishi. It was believed that such competition harms the interests of the state, but Soichiro Honda ignored the ban and, in addition to a sports car, also launched a small truck on the market.
In 1972, the company received worldwide recognition, thanks to the triumphal model Civic car which is incredibly popular to this day. Since then, Honda has gained a reputation for making inexpensive, compact cars exceptionally high quality.
How to determine the country of assembly
The largest production is concentrated in three countries: China, Indonesia, Thailand. The country of origin of Honda (Honda) varies depending on the brand of car:
- Accord and Civic are released in Thailand and Japan.
- CR-V - in Thailand and Indonesia.
- Jazz - also in Thailand and Indonesia.
Regardless of who is the country of origin of Honda, the cars of this brand are characterized by the highest build quality. Even at those factories that are built in not too developed countries, total control of all stages of production is carried out. The corporation built its own workshops, installed equipment, and engineers and all other personnel were trained. The actions of employees are repeatedly checked by automated systems, so the quality of the finished product is always impeccable.
Honda is a manufacturer of automotive and motorcycle equipment that has won worldwide recognition. The company was founded in Japan and has been able to achieve incredible success throughout its history.
The range of motorcycles produced by Honda includes a variety of motorcycles and ATVs. The corporation produces both street-models of motorcycles, and sports, and heavy motorcycles. The volume of engines varies from 50 to 1900 sq. cm. The main consumer is Asian countries, and the average annual revenue is growing by 12-15% every year.
The model range of motor vehicles includes the following product classes:
- classic models of lightweight control;
- cross motorcycles;
- cruiser models of motor vehicles;
- small-capacity motorcycles;
- models of the “super sport” class;
- tourist motorcycles;
- motorcycles of a universal type.
The corporation is constantly modernizing its production, equipping it with the latest technicians and improving the skills of specialists. This approach to work provided the company with a resounding success among consumers and brought products far beyond the borders of the state.
History of Honda
Honda was founded in 1948 in Japan. The first founder was Soitro Honda, after whom the corporation is named. In 1948, Honda employed no more than 20 people.
By 1950, the company began developing motorcycles that were powered by four-stroke engines. These models brought the first wave of popularity of the company.
Until the early 60s, motorcycles manufactured by the company actively participated in races, in which they won only first positions. Also during this period, the total sales turnover and profit of the company increased significantly, which amounted to more than 60 million dollars.
The advantage of Honda motorcycles was that they were much lower in price than other manufacturers, but had high rate total power. such marketing ploy allowed the company to quickly take a large share of the motorcycle market.
After such success, the company began to invest even more in product and technology research, creating motors with even higher volume indicators. Current Honda motorcycles - best models of its kind, which have no analogues in the whole world.
In 1946, the Japanese car company Honda. Its founder, Soichiro Honda, did not have the necessary engineering education, but he compensated for all the gaps with risk and accurate instinct. So, in 1947, the first Honda moped was introduced, which was a modernized bicycle with a single-stroke power unit. At first, Soichiro's customers were his friends, who liked a reliable and compact scooter that can work in any conditions. However, after the release of the moped version with two-stroke motor success was not long in coming.
The first motorcycle was introduced in 1949 Honda Dream, which was equipped with a 0.1-liter engine with a capacity of 1/2 horsepower. In the same year, Takeo Fujisawa joins Honda and quickly takes the position of head of sales, while Honda focuses on the technological side of the brand.
By 1952, Honda is firmly established in Tokyo, and also expands its production by opening a factory for the production of Shirako engines. In the same year, a new update of the Dream motorcycle was released, which received power unit with a capacity of 1.2 Horse power s.
By 1959, the company expanded its range of motorcycles to 6 models. different classes, all local motorcycle racing competitions have been won, and the share price of the brand is constantly growing, ranking tenth in value among all public companies Japan. The turnover of motorcycles is so extensive that in 1959 the company was officially considered the largest motorcycle manufacturer on the planet, and at the end of 1959 a branch of the brand was opened in the United States of America.
Thanks to a well-thought-out development strategy of the company, all Honda plants responsible for the production of various components stand out in individual companies, and the head office in Tokyo becomes the base for the Honda conglomerate. In the first half of the 60s of the 20th century, the company consistently entered the markets of Germany, Taiwan and Belgium, bringing the total number of motorcycles produced to 10 thousand copies per day.
However, Soichiro Honda has a new dream, which, it would seem, is not destined to come true - he submitted the project of the company's first car for discussion at the registration chamber of Japan, which was refused in a strict form. Since the government of the country was not interested in creating another car brand that could hinder the development of other automobile firms creating internal competition.
However, in 1963, a compact sports car was released. Honda coupe S500, and in 1964 the small delivery truck T360 saw the light. In the same year, the company made a surprise debut in Formula 1 racing, trying to use the elite motorsport competitions as an opportunity to improve the technology to create new cars. So, the team takes part in the Grand Prix of France and Germany, and also participates in the Grand Prix of the United States of America as a special guest on the occasion of the release of the millionth Honda motorcycle in the United States. However, Honda cemented its place in the championship with its first victory at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix. In 1968, the team leaves the Formula 1 racing championship due to the death of one of its drivers, Frenchman Jo Schlesser.
In 1969, thanks to the right strategic decision, the company entered the motorcycle markets of Mexico, Argentina and Brazil, and sales of Honda cars began in Italy.
In 1972, Honda released compact hatchback Honda Civic, which many experts called too simple, and sales were not successful at first. However, a year later the company updates the Civic power unit, reducing fuel consumption by 45%, and in 1974 the world fuel crisis, which negatively affects most automakers around the world, especially in Japan, where Toyota and Nissan have been forced to reduce their production volumes. At that time, retired Soichiro offers the widow to increase the production of Civic, while reducing the cost of the car, in the hope of profiting from high sales, and his decision is bearing fruit. It was sold almost twice more cars brand "Honda", than for all previous years combined. The company's cars were in particular demand in the United States of America, where buyers turned their attention to small and economical cars. At the peak of its success, in 1975, the company began to offer the opportunity to borrow your car, thus bypassing the need to cooperate with banks, where lending rates were too high and few buyers resorted to their services.
And in 1976, Honda releases the Accord, which is positioned as an inexpensive family car. The second generation Accord began to be produced already at Honda's factories in the USA in 1982, providing the most attractive price in the class.
In 1981, the concern sets another record by producing more than 5 million power units, as well as entering into agreements on the transfer of its technologies for the production of economical engines with brands such as Chrysler, Ford and Suzuki.
After 2 years, Honda returns to Formula 1 racing as an engine partner of the McLaren team, resulting in 6 wins in the individual competition and the same number of victories in the Constructors' Championship. The production of motorcycles for participation in the Paris-Dakar races, where Honda has been the sole leader for more than 20 years, also begins.
In 1986, Honda's subsidiary Akura entered the American automobile market, which specializes in the production of luxury versions of Honda cars, thus pushing brands such as Cadillac and Lincoln into the background in terms of sales. Further, the example of Honda was followed by Nissan and Toyota, founding Infiniti and Lexus, respectively.
By 1990, Honda becomes the fourth largest automaker in the United States and Canada in sales, and also ranks second in Japan and Europe, significantly ahead of all other competitors. In the same year, completely new supercar NSX, which was supposed to compete with cars legendary brand"Ferrari".
By 1995, the company has in its model range cars of all existing classes, and also begins development in the field alternative energy, introducing a new generation of gas and hydrogen engines, as well as opening two research centers and state-of-the-art factories in the US and China.
By 2000, the company is the third largest sales of civilian cars and motorcycles in the world, continuously investing in new technologies. Thus, in 2003, the world's first cars on the market of the United States of America were presented. hybrid engine, and in 2005 the first generation of ecocars was released, which used only hydrogen engines and solar panels.
In 2006, the company returns to Formula 1 again, putting up its own team with the support of the tobacco giant BAT, but apart from the only victory won in the debut year, nothing grandiose is celebrated. In 2009, the company, having already created a new car for the next Formula 1 season, unexpectedly announces its retirement from the competition, due to the fact that the consequences of the global economic crisis have affected the company's well-being much more seriously than previously thought. And the Japanese government has promised to impose additional taxes on the brand if it continues to invest in other countries. Thus, the company left its team, selling it for $1 to Ross Brawn, who has been building the car since 2009. The team under his name wins both championships, and CEO Takeo Fukui resigns from Honda over misguided sports strategy.
In 2010, the renewal of everything begins model range company, which gradually increases the demand for Honda cars, returning it to its leading position. A year later, the company announces the start of work on second-generation electric motors, which, as promised by the Honda management in the person of the new manager Takanobu Ito, will go on sale in 2015 and will be installed on all actual models stamps. In 2012, the company opens another representative office in China, separating into a separate structure the factories for the production of its products for automotive market Central Asia.
In 2013, one of the largest insurance companies in the UK, Warranty Direct, together with the Whatcar portal, conducted a study in which 38 representatives of the global automotive industry took part. According to its results, Honda cars were recognized as the most reliable. It is worth noting that such high results the company showed the eighth year in a row. In the same study, powertrain failure probability ratios were calculated for each vehicle, and here Honda again won its honorable first place with a score of 0.29%.
In the same year, Honda cars, according to the results of the institute's road safety US crash tests made it to the list of the country's safest vehicles. The essence of the test was that for each participant it was modeled head-on collision with a half-meter concrete curb. As a result, among the most safe cars included: Honda Civic 4D and 2D, Honda Odyssey, Honda Accord 2D and 4D, Acura MDX, Acura RLX and Acura TL.
In 2015, the agency J.D. power. The study involved 100 representatives of each brand. Honda with a score of 116 took the fifth position in the ranking, thus once again confirming high quality and the safety of their vehicles.
At the beginning of the same year, the premiere took place in Chicago. Honda crossover Pilot 3rd generation in a new body. In early 2016, the car will appear on Russian market in three sets. And in 2017 it is planned to enter the European market updated hatchback tenth Generation Civic c one and a half liter turbo engine with a capacity of 175 horsepower, which is paired with a variator. It is possible that with a successful start, the car will appear in Russia.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment. The headquarters is located in Tokyo.
The brand is known as one of the largest car manufacturers in the world. Honda in 1986 first among Japanese manufacturers introduced premium brand Acura, later followed by Toyota and Nissan.
Soichiro Honda, the founder of the company, has been interested in cars since childhood. His father ran a forge and often took jobs repairing bicycles and other mobile equipment. Therefore, Soichiro, who helped him, was well versed in mechanics. Later, he went to work in a car repair shop, where he established himself as a talented inventor and racer. Over time, he opened his own repair shop.
In 1946, Soichiro Honda founded the "Honda Technical Research Institute", which produced small motors and mopeds. Honda was born in 1948 motor company that made motorcycles. Around the same time, Honda hires experienced engineer Kihachiro Kawashima and meets Takeo Fujisawa, who is considered the second founding father of the company. Together they created a world-famous automaker, with Honda focusing on the technical side and Takeo Fujisawa handling marketing and commerce.
The brand started assembling cars in the 60s, quite late compared to the rest of the "monsters" of the automotive industry. The Japanese government resisted the company's entry into competition with Nissan, Toyota and Mitsubishi, believing that this would negatively affect the interests of the country. However, Honda's debut was stubborn and ambitious. When in May 1955 the Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Japan announced the launch of the " people's car", the company said it would be in business. The program provided for the creation of a four-seater car with a maximum speed of up to 100 km / h at a price of 150,000 yen.
To develop the car, Honda hired nearly 50 engineers in 1957 and set up a new research and development center. Contrary to expectations, the prototypes were tested for a long time and all did not find their production implementation. Honda was a perfectionist and spent a lot of time making sure the quality of his debut car.
On October 25, 1962, during the Japan National Auto Show, Honda presents three new models: the S360 and S500 sports cars, and the T360 small truck. Despite a warm reception, the S360 never made it to market. The main reason is that the S500 model was more relevant at that time.
The S500 used a high-tech engine with maximum torque at 9500 rpm. With a volume of 531 cubic meters. cm he gave out 44 hp at 8000 rpm. A car weighing 680 kg accelerated to 129 km / h.
Honda S500 (1963-1964)
In 1964, Honda announces plans to take part in Formula 1, opens a representative office in France, and the S500 becomes the winner in the 600-kilometer race at the Nürburgring. In 1965, the brand wins Formula 1 in its class.
In 1966, the elegant N360 appears. A small two-door received front-wheel drive and a four-stroke two-cylinder 354 cc engine with air-cooled, which developed 31 hp. N600 model variant with big engine was developed with the aim of entering the US and European markets. He became the first car of the brand, which was officially exported to the United States.
In 1970, the company opens two new research centers: one dedicated to security issues traffic, the second is to reduce pollution environment. A year later, presented new motor Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion (CVCC), which complied with the performance and emission levels of the Clean Air Act, which appeared only in 1975.
In 1971, a representative office in Brazil also opens and the Life model appears. Compared to other small cars, this car offered a different level of passenger comfort. The 356 cc power unit was equipped with a water cooling system and produced 30 hp. at 8000 rpm. Max speed was 105 km/h. The motor was quiet and smooth running, the gearbox was separated from it.
Honda Life (1971-1974)
1972 is the year of the appearance of the legendary Civic models, which conquered the whole world with its reliability, quality and inexpensive price. Initially, it was produced as a small car. The car has gone through several generations, getting bigger and bigger.
The first generation was equipped with a four-cylinder water-cooled engine with a volume of 1169 cubic meters. see and system front wheel drive. Despite its small size, it offered impressive inner space and was quite comfortable for the passengers. The Civic also received disc front brakes trimmed in wood dashboard, air conditioning and radio.
The success of the model was largely facilitated by the fuel crisis, which forced buyers to choose economical cars. Compared to competitors, Civic allowed the driver to switch from one type of fuel to another, which gave him a significant competitive advantage.
Honda Civic (1972)
In 1974, the oil crisis broke out in Japan and all companies significantly reduced production volumes. All except Honda, which, on the contrary, doubled them, reducing the price to a reasonable one. This helped increase sales by 76%.
To stimulate growth in sales, the brand launched the Honda Credit System program, which allows you to buy cars on credit. Another step towards increasing sales volumes was quite successful.
In 1976 appears compact honda Accord, which has become very popular around the world. The model was presented in the body of a three-door hatchback. The sale of the sedan started next year. In 1978, a 1.8-liter power unit was added to the base 1.6-liter engine. Since 1979, the model received an optional three-stage automatic transmission. Already in 1980, Honda Accord sales reached 1 million units.
Honda Accord (1976)
In 1979, the automaker opens the Tochigi test site to test new models. A year later, the company is named one of the largest manufacturers cars in Japan.
In 1981, two new models were released: Vigor and City. In the same year, the five millionth car rolls off the assembly line, and Honda shares begin to be listed on the London Stock Exchange. In 1986, the 4WS four-wheel steering system appears, and the brand's factory begins to operate in Canada. In 1990, the Dream model was introduced, powered by solar panels.
In 1991, Soichiro Honda, the founder of the company, dies at the age of 85. In 1996, the Automatic Torque Distribution System (ATTS) was introduced, the Logo and Stepwgn models appeared. In the same year, the EV PLUS electric car was released, the first electric vehicle using lead acid rechargeable batteries. Its engine developed 66 hp. The driving range on one charge was 160 km. In 1999, the model was discontinued, announcing the release of the first Honda Insight hybrid car.
In 1999, the Honda Insight was introduced, hybrid car in the form of a three-door hatchback. The car received an aerodynamically optimized body, lightweight aluminum construction and a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with 67 hp, which is complemented by a 13-horsepower electric motor.
In 2001 comes out Honda Fit, which is called Jazz in some markets. This model later received hybrid and electric modifications. The first generation was equipped with a 1.3-liter engine with a CVT, as well as an all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive system. The model was very warmly received by experts and named "Car of the Year" in Japan.
Honda Fit (2001)
June 16, 2008 year Honda Motors has released the first hydrogen-powered car fuel cells FCX Clarity, which does not emit any harmful substances. The result of fuel combustion is only heat and water vapor. The car is equipped with a regenerative braking system and a 134-horsepower electric motor. A full tank of hydrogen is enough to overcome about 386 km. In 2009, the model received the title of "Global Green Car of the Year".
Coming out in 2010 sport car with hybrid petrol-electric transmission Honda CR-Z, whose name means Compact Renaissance Zero. This inexpensive and efficient car in 2010 was named "Car of the Year" in Japan.
The model received a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine internal combustion and electric motor. Total power power plant amounted to 122 hp The fuel consumption level is 4 liters per 100 kilometers.
Honda CR-Z (2010)
official sales Honda cars in Russia began in 2004, when a representative office of the brand was opened in our country - Honda Motor RUS LLC. by the most popular models at Russian buyers are Civic, Accord and CR-V. In 2006, the company launched the Driving Safety Program in Russia.
Today, Honda Motor has factories in China, USA, Canada, UK, Pakistan, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, Taiwan, Peru and Argentina. The brand is known not only for its advanced views on cars of the future, but also for large-scale experiments in the field of creating humanoid robots.
