Editing Honda

{{short description|Japanese multinational manufacturing company}}
{{about|the multinational corporation}}
{{pp-move}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
| native_name = 本田技研工業株式会社
| native_name_lang = ja
| romanized_name = ''Honda Giken Kōgyō Kabushiki-gaisha''
| logo = Honda logo.svg
| logo_size = 250px
| logo_alt = A red slab-serif wide word "HONDA" in all caps
| logo_caption = Logo used since 2000
| image = Honda hq.jpg
| image_size = 230px
| image_caption = Headquarters in [[Minato, Tokyo]]
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{plainlist|
*{{TYO|7267}}
*{{NYSE|HMC}}
*[[Nikkei 225]] component (7267)
*[[TOPIX]] Core30 component (7267)}}
| foundation = [[Hamamatsu]], Japan ({{Start date and age|df=yes|1946|10}}, incorporated {{Start date and age|df=yes|1948|09|24}})
| founder = [[Soichiro Honda]]
| location = [[Minami-Aoyama]]
| location_city = [[Minato, Tokyo]]
| location_country = Japan
| key_people = {{ubl|Toshihiro Mibe ([[chairman]], [[President (corporate title)|president]] & [[Chief Executive Officer|CEO]])}}
| area_served = Worldwide
| industry = [[Manufacturing]]
| products = {{flatlist|
* [[Automobile]]s
* [[Commercial vehicle]]s
* [[Luxury car]]s
* [[Motorcycle]]s
* [[Scooter (motorcycle)|Scooter]]s
* [[Electric generator]]s
* [[Pump|Water pump]]s
* [[Landscape maintenance|Lawn and garden equipment]]
* [[Cultivator|Rotary tiller]]s
* [[Outboard motor]]s
* [[Robotics]]
* [[Jet aircraft]]
* [[Jet engine]]s
* [[Thin-film solar cell]]s
* [[Internavi]] ([[telematics]])}}
| divisions = {{plainlist|
* [[List of Honda automobiles|Honda Automobiles]]
* [[List of Honda motorcycles|Honda Motorcycles]]
* [[Acura]]
}}
| owners = {{plainlist|
* [[Custody Bank of Japan|CBJ]] [[investment trusts]] (3.23%)
* [[The Master Trust Bank of Japan|TMTBJ]] investment trusts (4.71%)
* [[Chase Bank]] [[American depositary receipt|ADRs]] nominated by Moxley & Co. (3.09%)
* [[Meiji Yasuda Life]] (2.83%)
* [[Tokio Marine]] (2.35%)
* (As of July 2020)
}}
| subsid = {{Collapsible list|title=List|
'''Transportation'''
* [[American Honda Motor Company]]
** [[Acura]]
** [[Honda Marine]]
** [[Honda Racing Corporation USA]]
** [[Honda Ye]]
* [[GAC Honda]] 
**[[Everus]]
* [[Dongfeng Honda]] 
* [[Honda Prospect Motor]]
* [[Astra Honda Motor]]
* [[Honda Atlas]]
* [[Honda Canada Inc.|Honda Canada]]
* [[Honda Taiwan]]
* [[Montesa Honda]]
* [[Sony Honda Mobility]] 
* [[Honda Aircraft Company]]
* [[Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India]]
* [[Honda Cars India]]
'''Engines'''
* [[Honda Aero]]
** [[GE Honda Aero Engines]] 
'''Motorsport'''
* [[Honda Racing Corporation]]
* [[Honda Mobilityland]]
}}
| production = 
| revenue = {{gain}} {{yen|14.95 trillion|link=yes}} (2022)<ref name="FY22">{{cite web |url=https://global.honda/content/dam/site/global/investors/cq_img/library/financialresult/FY202203_4Q_financial_result_e_1.pdf |title=2022 Fiscal Year Consolidated Financial Results |date=May 13, 2022 |access-date=September 5, 2022 |orig-date= |publisher= |website=Honda IR |page= |pages= |language=en |format= |url-status=dead |url-access= |archive-date=6 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906030834/https://global.honda/content/dam/site/global/investors/cq_img/library/financialresult/FY202203_4Q_financial_result_e_1.pdf }}</ref>
| operating_income = {{gain}} {{yen|871.2 billion}} (2022)<ref name="FY22"/>
| net_income = {{gain}} {{yen|707.0 billion}} (2022)<ref name="FY22"/>
| assets = {{gain}} {{yen|23.97 trillion}} (2022)<ref name="FY22"/>
| equity = {{gain}} {{yen|10.77 trillion}} (2022)<ref name="FY22"/>
| num_employees = {{Collapsible list |title=204,035 (2022)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://global.honda/content/dam/site/global/investors/cq_img/library/form_20-f/FY202203_form20f_e.pdf |title=2022 Financial Results (Form 20-F) |date=June 22, 2022 |access-date=September 5, 2022 |orig-date= |publisher= |website=Honda IR |page= |pages= |language=en |format= |url-status=dead |url-access= |archive-date=22 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722195329/https://global.honda/content/dam/site/global/investors/cq_img/library/form_20-f/FY202203_form20f_e.pdf }}</ref>|[[United States]]: 18,322|[[Brazil]]: 7,593|[[Thailand]]: 7,556|[[India]]: 7,350|[[Vietnam]]: 5,461|[[Mexico]]: 4,891|[[Canada]]: 4,522|[[Indonesia]]: 2,818|[[Malaysia]]: 2,031|[[Philippines]]: 1,300|[[Argentina]]: 484}}
| homepage = {{url|https://global.honda/en/|global.honda}}
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''Honda Motor Co., Ltd.''',|本田技研工業株式会社|Honda Giken Kōgyō [[Kabushiki gaisha]]|lead=yes|{{IPA|ja|honda ɡikẽŋ koːɡʲoː|IPA|honda_giken_kougyou.ogg}}; {{IPAc-en|ˈ|h|ɒ|n|d|ə}}}} commonly known as just '''Honda''', is a Japanese [[multinational corporation|multinational]] [[Conglomerate (company)|conglomerate]] automotive manufacturer headquartered in [[Minato, Tokyo]], Japan.

Founded in October 1946 by [[Soichiro Honda]], Honda has been the world's largest [[motorcycle]] manufacturer since 1959,<ref>{{Cite book |title=Cases in contemporary strategy analysis |first1= Robert M. |last1= Grant |first2= Kent E. |edition= 3rd |publisher=[[Wiley-Blackwell]] |year= 2003 |isbn= 1-4051-1180-1 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=XF7V9w8ByrcC&pg=PA172|last2= Neupert }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title= Six men who built the modern auto industry |first= Richard Alan |last= Johnson |publisher=[[MotorBooks International]] |year= 2005 |isbn= 0-7603-1958-8 |url= https://archive.org/details/sixmenwhobuiltmo00rich|url-access= registration |page= [https://archive.org/details/sixmenwhobuiltmo00rich/page/52 52] }}</ref> reaching a production of 400 million by 19 December 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hondanews.eu/eu/no/motorcycles/media/pressreleases/199277/honda-is-celebrating-the-production-of-400-million-motorcycles|title=Honda is celebrating the production of 400 million motorcycles|website=hondanews.eu|access-date=29 May 2020}}</ref> It is also the world's largest manufacturer of [[internal combustion engine]]s measured by number of units, producing more than 14 million internal combustion engines each year.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ohio.honda.com/pressroom/View_Release.cfm?articleid=174 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090308025434/http://www.ohio.honda.com/pressroom/View_Release.cfm?articleid=174 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 March 2009 |title=First Motorcycle Airbag Earns Takata and Honda 2008 Automotive News Pace Innovation Partnership Award |last=Miller |first=Edward |date=18 April 2008 |publisher=Honda.com |access-date=28 July 2009  }}</ref> Honda became the second-largest Japanese automobile manufacturer in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mobiliohonda.com|title=Harga Honda Mobilio|publisher=Mobilio|access-date=22 November 2009|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910195931/http://www.mobiliohonda.com/|archive-date=10 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cars-directory.net/history/honda/ |title=The History of Honda |publisher=Cars-directory.net |access-date=22 November 2009}}</ref> In 2015, Honda was the eighth largest automobile manufacturer in the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oica.net/wp-content/uploads//ranking2015.pdf|title=World motor vehicle production OICA correspondents survey without double counts world ranking of manufacturers year 2011|access-date=29 May 2020}}</ref> The company has also built and sold the most produced motor vehicle in history, the [[Honda Super Cub]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honda Sells Its 60 Millionth - Yes, Millionth - Super Cub {{!}} Autopia from Wired.com |url=http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/05/honda-sells-its.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090404112122/http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/05/honda-sells-its.html |archive-date=4 April 2009 |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=blog.wired.com |url-status=live }}</ref>

Honda was the first Japanese automobile manufacturer to release a dedicated luxury brand, [[Acura]], on 27 March 1986. Aside from their core automobile and motorcycle businesses, Honda also manufactures garden equipment, marine engines, [[personal watercraft]], power generators, and other products. Since 1986, Honda has been involved with artificial intelligence/robotics research and released their [[ASIMO]] robot in 2000. They have also ventured into aerospace with the establishment of [[GE Honda Aero Engines]] in 2004 and the [[Honda HA-420 HondaJet]], which began production in 2012. Honda has two joint-ventures in China: [[Dongfeng Honda]] and [[GAC Honda]].

In 2013, Honda invested about 5.7% (US$6.8 billion) of its revenues into research and development.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060334/http://www.challenges.fr/galeries-photos/galeries-photos/20111028.CHA6249/facebook-entre-dans-le-classement-des-10-entreprises-les-plus-innovantes.html Le top 20 des entreprises les plus innovantes du monde], Challenges, 22 October 2013</ref> Also in 2013, Honda became the first Japanese automaker to be a net exporter from the United States, exporting 108,705 Honda and Acura models, while importing only 88,357.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.autoblog.com/2014/01/29/honda-first-japanese-carmaker-net-exporter-from-us/?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000588 |title=Honda is first Japanese carmaker to be a net-exporter from US |first=Jeffrey N. |last=Ross |date=29 January 2014 |publisher=autoblog |access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Honda T360 1963 in Honda Collection Hall.jpg|thumb|Honda's foray into four-wheelers started with the [[Honda T360]] in 1963.]]

Throughout his life, Honda's founder, [[Soichiro Honda]] (1906–1991), had an interest in automobiles. He worked as a mechanic at the Art Shokai garage, where he tuned cars and entered them in races. In 1937, with financing from his acquaintance [[Kato Shichirō]], Honda founded [[Tōkai region|Tōkai]] Seiki (Eastern Sea Precision Machine Company) to make [[piston ring]]s working out of the Art Shokai garage.<ref name=Alexander2008/> After initial failures, Tōkai Seiki won a contract to supply piston rings to [[Toyota]], but lost the contract due to the poor quality of their products.<ref name=Alexander2008/> After attending engineering school without graduating, and visiting factories around Japan to better understand Toyota's quality control processes known as "[[five whys]]", by 1941 Honda was able to mass-produce piston rings acceptable to Toyota, using an automated process that could employ even unskilled wartime laborers.<ref name=Alexander2008/><ref name=Frank2003/>{{rp|16–19}}

[[Tōkai Seiki]] was placed under the control of the [[Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Japan)|Ministry of Commerce and Industry]] (called the Ministry of Munitions after 1943) at the start of World War II, and Soichiro Honda was demoted from president to senior managing director after Toyota took a 40% stake in the company.<ref name=Alexander2008/> Honda also aided the war effort by assisting other companies in automating the production of military aircraft propellers.<ref name=Alexander2008/> The relationships Honda cultivated with personnel at Toyota, [[Nakajima Aircraft Company]] and the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] would be instrumental in the postwar period.<ref name=Alexander2008/> A US [[B-29]] bomber attack destroyed Tōkai Seiki's Yamashita plant in 1944, and the Itawa plant collapsed on 13 January [[1945 Mikawa earthquake]]. Soichiro Honda sold the salvageable remains of the company to Toyota after the war for ¥450,000 and used the proceeds to found the Honda Technical Research Institute in October 1946.<ref name=Alexander2008/><ref name=Falloon2005/>

With a staff of 12 men working in a {{convert|16|m2|abbr=on}} shack, they built and sold improvised [[motorized bicycles]], using a supply of 500 [[two-stroke]] ''50&nbsp;cc'' [[Tohatsu]] [[war surplus]] radio [[Engine-generator|generator engines]].<ref name=Alexander2008/><ref name=Frank2003/>{{rp|19}}<ref name=Sakiya1982/> When the engines ran out, Honda began building their own copy of the Tohatsu engine, and supplying these to customers to attach to their bicycles.<ref name=Alexander2008/><ref name=Sakiya1982/> This was the Honda A-Type, nicknamed the Bata Bata for the sound the engine made.<ref name=Alexander2008/> In 1949, the Honda Technical Research Institute was liquidated for {{JPY}}1,000,000, or about {{USD}}5,000 today; these funds were used to incorporate Honda Motor Co., Ltd.<ref name=Frank2003/>{{rp|21}} At about the same time Honda hired engineer Kihachiro Kawashima, and [[Takeo Fujisawa]] who provided indispensable business and marketing expertise to complement Soichiro Honda's technical bent.<ref name=Frank2003/>{{rp|21}} The close partnership between Soichiro Honda and Fujisawa lasted until they stepped down together in October 1973.<ref name=Frank2003/>{{rp|21}}

The first complete motorcycle with both the frame and engine made by Honda was the 1949 [[Honda D-Type|D-Type]], the first Honda to go by the name Dream.<ref name=Falloon2005/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/hof/Classic-Bikes/1951-honda-dream-type-d |title=1951 Honda Dream Type D |work=americanmotorcyclist.com |access-date=17 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042110/http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/hof/Classic-Bikes/1951-honda-dream-type-d |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1961, Honda achieved its first Grand Prix victories and World Championships in the 125&nbsp;cc and 250&nbsp;cc categories.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-09|title=HONDA'S FIRST GOLDEN DECADE AT THE GRAND PRIX • Total Motorcycle|url=https://www.totalmotorcycle.com/hondas-first-golden-decade-at-the-grand-prix/|access-date=2020-08-05|website=Total Motorcycle|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-08-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813144323/https://www.totalmotorcycle.com/hondas-first-golden-decade-at-the-grand-prix/|url-status=live}}</ref> Honda Motor Company grew in a short time to become the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles by 1964.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://global.honda/en/about/history.html |title=History |publisher=Honda Global |access-date=2024-11-22 |language=en |archive-date=2024-11-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122175443/https://global.honda/en/about/history.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
The first production automobile from Honda was the [[Honda T360|T360]] mini pick-up truck, which went on sale in August 1963.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://world.honda.com/history/challenge/1962autoproduction/text/05.html |title=Honda Worldwide, History |publisher=World.honda.com |access-date=1 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051128213921/http://world.honda.com/history/challenge/1962autoproduction/text/05.html |archive-date=28 November 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Powered by a small 356&nbsp;cc straight-4 gasoline engine, it was classified under the cheaper [[Kei car]] tax bracket.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/03/hondas-wild-9000-rpm-mid-engine-rwd-t360-pickup-of-1963/ |title=Honda's Wild 9000 RPM Mid-Engine T360 Pickup Of 1963 |date=30 March 2010 |first=Paul |last=Niedermeyer |publisher=The Truth about Cars |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101026045701/http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/03/hondas-wild-9000-rpm-mid-engine-rwd-t360-pickup-of-1963/ |archive-date=26 October 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> The second production car from Honda was the [[Honda S500|S500]] sports car, which followed the T360 into production in October 1963. Its chain-driven rear wheels pointed to Honda's motorcycle origins.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.classiccar.co.nz/articles/sporting-hondas-classic-buyers-guide-226 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111143543/http://www.classiccar.co.nz/articles/sporting-hondas-classic-buyers-guide-226 |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 November 2011 |title=Sporting Hondas – Classic Buyer's Guide |date=21 September 2010 |publisher=New Zealand Classic Car magazine }}</ref>

Over the next few decades, Honda worked to expand its product line, operations and exports to numerous countries around the world. In 1986, Honda introduced the successful [[Acura]] brand to the American market in an attempt to gain ground in the [[luxury vehicle]] market. The year 1991 saw the introduction of the [[Honda NSX]] supercar, the first all-aluminum monocoque vehicle that incorporated a [[Mid-engine design|mid-engine]] V6 with [[Variable valve timing|variable-valve timing]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://world.honda.com/history/challenge/1990thensx/text01/index.html|title=Let's Build a Sportscar!|publisher=Honda|access-date=1 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050407125907/http://world.honda.com/history/challenge/1990thensx/text01/index.html |archive-date=7 April 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1990, CEO [[Tadashi Kume]] was succeeded by [[Nobuhiko Kawamoto]]. Kawamoto was selected over [[Shoichiro Irimajiri]], who oversaw the successful establishment of Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc. in [[Marysville, Ohio]]. Irimajiri and Kawamoto shared a friendly rivalry within Honda; owing to health issues, Irimajiri would resign in 1992.

Following the death of [[Soichiro Honda]] and the departure of Irimajiri, Honda found itself quickly being outpaced in product development by other Japanese automakers and was caught off-guard by the truck and [[sport utility vehicle]] boom of the 1990s, all which took a toll on the profitability of the company. Japanese media reported in 1992 and 1993 that Honda was at serious risk of an unwanted and hostile takeover by [[Mitsubishi Motors]], which at the time was a larger automaker by volume and was flush with profits from its successful [[Mitsubishi Pajero|Pajero]] and [[Mitsubishi Diamante|Diamante]] models.<ref>{{cite news|title=The trouble with excellence|url=http://www.economist.com/node/140416|access-date=5 April 2013 | newspaper=The Economist|date=4 July 1998|archive-date=27 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127054001/http://www.economist.com/node/140416|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kawamoto acted quickly to change Honda's corporate culture, rushing through market-driven product development that resulted in recreational vehicles such as the first-generation [[Honda Odyssey (international)#First generation (RA1-RA5; 1994)|Odyssey]] and the [[Honda CR-V|CR-V]], and a refocusing away from some of the numerous sedans and coupes that were popular with the company's engineers but not with the buying public. The most shocking change to Honda came when Kawamoto ended [[Honda in Formula One|the company's successful participation in Formula One]] after the 1992 season, citing costs in light of the takeover threat from Mitsubishi as well as the desire to create a more environmentally friendly company image.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3012/is_n2_v178/ai_20301571/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530052932/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3012/is_n2_v178/ai_20301571/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 May 2012 |work=Automotive Industries |title=1998 executive of the year – Honda Motor Co. president Nobuhiko Kawamoto |first=Marjorie |last=Sorge |year=1998 |access-date=20 May 2013 }}</ref>

The [[Honda Aircraft Company]] as established in 2006 as a wholly owned subsidiary to manufacture and sell the [[HondaJet]] family of aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gearheads.org/history-of-honda-motor-company/|title=The History of Honda Motor Company|date=18 May 2012|publisher=GearHeads|access-date=1 July 2012|archive-date=30 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530023227/http://gearheads.org/history-of-honda-motor-company/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Honda Enters the Aviation Market|first=Micheline |last=Maynard|date=July 25, 2006|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/25/business/25cnd-honda.html|work=[[The New York Times]]|archive-date=2024-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127105047/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/25/business/25cnd-honda.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The first deliveries to customers began in December 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=Honda Aircraft Begins HondaJet Deliveries|first=Charles |last=Alcock|date=December 23, 2015|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-12-23/honda-aircraft-begins-hondajet-deliveries|publisher=Aviation International News Online|archive-date=26 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226011049/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-12-23/honda-aircraft-begins-hondajet-deliveries|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 23 February 2015, Honda announced that CEO and President [[Takanobu Ito]] would step down and be replaced by Takahiro Hachigo in June of that year; additional retirements by senior managers and directors were expected.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/honda-names-takahiro-hachigo-new-president-1424674084|title=Honda Names Takahiro Hachigo New President; Replaces Takanobu Ito, who took over as chief executive in 2009|date=23 February 2015|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|archive-date=23 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223140459/https://www.wsj.com/articles/honda-names-takahiro-hachigo-new-president-1424674084|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2019, Honda was reported to be in talks with [[Hitachi]] to merge the two companies' car parts businesses, creating a components supplier with almost $17 billion in annual sales.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-29/honda-hitachi-to-merge-four-car-parts-makers-yomiuri-says|title=Honda and Hitachi to Merge Four Car Parts Makers, Yomiuri Says |work=Bloomberg News|date=29 October 2019|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227214240/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-29/honda-hitachi-to-merge-four-car-parts-makers-yomiuri-says|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2020, Honda announced that it would be withdrawing employees working in the city of [[Wuhan]], [[Hubei]], [[China]] due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/27/coronavirus-prompts-automakers-to-evacuate-workers-from-china-weigh-factory-delays.html|title=Coronavirus prompts automakers to evacuate workers, weigh production delays at Chinese factories|last=Wayland|first=Michael|date=2020-01-27|website=CNBC|language=en|access-date=2020-01-27|archive-date=2020-01-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127225500/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/27/coronavirus-prompts-automakers-to-evacuate-workers-from-china-weigh-factory-delays.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 March 2020 due to the global spread of the virus, Honda became the first major automaker with operations in the US to suspend production in its factories. It resumed automobile, engine and transmission production at its US plants on 11 May 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=DePompei |first1=Elizabeth |title=Honda to start resuming production at U.S. plants Monday |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/money/2020/05/08/coronavirus-reopening-honda-resume-production-u-s-plants-monday/3099480001/ |website=IndyStar.com |access-date=3 June 2020|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513130840/https://www.indystar.com/story/money/2020/05/08/coronavirus-reopening-honda-resume-production-u-s-plants-monday/3099480001/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Honda and General Motors announced in September 2020 a North American alliance to begin in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Whiston|first=David|date=September 3, 2020|title=GM-Honda North American Alliance May Free Up Capital|url=https://www.morningstar.com/articles/1000617/gm-honda-north-american-alliance-may-free-up-capital|access-date=2020-09-04|website=Morningstar.com|language=en|archive-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904020702/https://www.morningstar.com/articles/1000617/gm-honda-north-american-alliance-may-free-up-capital|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to The Detroit Free Press, "The proposed alliance will include sharing a range of vehicles, to be sold under each company's distinct brands, as well as cooperation in purchasing, research and development, and connected services."<ref>{{Cite web|last=LaReau|first=Jamie L.|title=GM forms alliance with Honda to develop future products in North America|url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/general-motors/2020/09/03/general-motors-honda-partnership-north-america/5701104002/|access-date=2020-09-04|website=Detroit Free Press|archive-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904000525/https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/general-motors/2020/09/03/general-motors-honda-partnership-north-america/5701104002/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2021, Honda announced its intention to become the world's first carmaker to sell a vehicle with level 3 self-driving technology.<ref>{{Cite web|last= Takenaka|first= Kiyoshi|title=Sony and Honda reveal plans to jointly make and sell electric vehicles|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/honda-develop-advanced-level-3-self-driving-technology-by-2029-2022-11-30/|date=30 November 2022|website=Reuters|archive-date=30 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130153015/https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/honda-develop-advanced-level-3-self-driving-technology-by-2029-2022-11-30/|url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2022, Honda announced it would develop and build electric vehicles in a joint venture with electronics giant [[Sony]]. The latter is set to provide its imaging, sensing, network and other technologies while Honda would be responsible for the car manufacturing processes.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Etherington|first=Darrell|title=Sony and Honda reveal plans to jointly make and sell electric vehicles|url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/04/sony-and-honda-reveal-plans-to-jointly-make-and-sell-electric-vehicles/|date=4 March 2022|access-date=4 March 2022|website=Tech Crunch|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304125042/https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/04/sony-and-honda-reveal-plans-to-jointly-make-and-sell-electric-vehicles/ |archive-date=4 March 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Sony Honda Mobility]] company was officially announced on 13 October 2022<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sony Honda Mobility Inc. Established. – Move people, through the pursuit of innovation with diverse inspirations. – |url=https://shm-afeela.com/en/news/2022-10-13/ |access-date=2023-01-05 |website=shm-afeela.com |archive-date=2024-06-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619003716/https://shm-afeela.com/en/news/2022-10-13/|url-status=live}}</ref> with pre-orders said to open in 2025 and the release of the first EVs scheduled for 2026 in the US under the "Afeela" brand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hawkins |first=Andrew J. |date=2023-01-05 |title=Sony and Honda just announced their new electric car brand, Afeela |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/4/23539863/sony-honda-electric-vehicle-afeela-ces-reveal-photos |access-date=2023-01-05 |website=The Verge |archive-date=2023-01-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105015217/https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/4/23539863/sony-honda-electric-vehicle-afeela-ces-reveal-photos |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 2 February 2023, Honda announced a deal with American car company [[General Motors]] to produce cars using a new hydrogen fuel system. The aim is to ramp up the hydrogen powered cells in their Electric vehicles as well as trucks, construction machinery, and power stations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-02-02 |title=Honda to start producing new hydrogen fuel cell system co-developed with GM |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/honda-start-producing-new-hydrogen-fuel-cell-system-co-developed-with-gm-2023-02-02/ |access-date=2023-02-02|archive-date=2023-02-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202040023/https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/honda-start-producing-new-hydrogen-fuel-cell-system-co-developed-with-gm-2023-02-02/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 15 March 2023, Honda recalled 500,000 vehicles in the United States and Canada due to an issue with seat belts in the car not latching correctly. Among the models recalled were the 2017-2020 CR-V, the 2018 and 2019 Accord, the 2018-2020 Odyssey, the 2019 Insight, and the Acura RDX from 2019 and 2020. According to the recall, the seat belts in the front seats would break open on impact increasing the risk of injury in a crash.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-03-15 |title=Honda recalling 500,000 vehicles to fix seat belt problem |language=en |work=AP|url=https://apnews.com/article/honda-seat-belt-buckle-latch-recall-3357e28f886e33d4dd68883106841a6c |access-date=2023-03-15 |archive-date=2023-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315120728/https://apnews.com/article/honda-seat-belt-buckle-latch-recall-3357e28f886e33d4dd68883106841a6c|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 21 December 2023, Honda announced a global recall of about 4.5 million vehicles, including 2.54 million in the US, over fuel pump failures, following earlier recalls in 2021 and 2020 for the same issue.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-21 |title=Honda recalls 2.5 million cars because of stalling risk. See if your car is one of them. - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/honda-recall-acura-accord-civic-crv-odyssey-2-5-million-cars/ |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221130933/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/honda-recall-acura-accord-civic-crv-odyssey-2-5-million-cars/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Attempted merger with Nissan===
On 23 December 2024, Honda officially announced an MOU had been entered to merge with fellow automaker [[Nissan]] to become the 3rd largest auto company by sales. [[Mitsubishi Motors]], in which Nissan has 24% ownership, also agreed to join the talks of integration.<ref>{{Cite web | date=2024-12-23 |title=Honda and Nissan officially begin merger talks to create world's third-largest automaker |work=CNBC |language=en |url=https://cnbc.com/2024/12/23/honda-and-nissan-merger-talks.html |access-date=2024-12-23 |archive-date=2024-12-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223105115/https://cnbc.com/2024/12/23/honda-and-nissan-merger-talks.html/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The merger was officially set with a deadline of 2026.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Komiya |first=Kantaro |date=December 23, 2024 |title=Honda, Nissan aim to merge by 2026 in historic pivot |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/honda-nissan-set-announce-launch-integration-talks-media-reports-say-2024-12-22/ |website=Reuters}}</ref>  Mitsubishi announced it would make a decision on merging with the new company by the end of January 2025.<ref name=":0" /> 

In February 2025, Honda and Nissan announced that their boards had voted to end talks to merge. Nissan reportedly backed out of the talks with larger rival Honda after negotiations were complicated by growing differences, including Honda’s proposal that Nissan become a subsidiary.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honda, Nissan end merger talks, scuttling $60bn deal |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/13/honda-nissan-end-merger-talks-scuttling-60bn-deal |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>

== Senior leadership ==

* ''Chairman:'' Toshiaki Mikoshiba (since April 2019)<ref name="hondanews.com">{{Cite web|url=http://hondanews.com/en-US/pages/executives|title=Executives|website=Honda Newsroom}}</ref>
* ''President and Chief Executive'': Toshihiro Mibe (since April 2021)<ref name="hondanews.com" />

==Corporate profile and divisions==
{| class="wikitable floatright"
|+Sales by business (2024)<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Honda Motor Co., Ltd.: Business Segments and Geographical Breakdown of Revenue |url=https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/HONDA-MOTOR-CO-LTD-6492457/finances-segments/#geography |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=www.marketscreener.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
!Business
!share
|-
|Automobile
|66.4%
|-
|Financial services
|15.9%
|-
|Motorcycle
|15.8%
|-
|Power products and others
|1.9%
|}

Honda is headquartered in [[Minato, Tokyo]], Japan. Their shares trade on the [[Tokyo Stock Exchange]] and the [[New York Stock Exchange]], as well as exchanges in [[Osaka]], [[Nagoya]], [[Sapporo]], [[Kyoto]], [[Fukuoka]], [[London Stock Exchange|London]], [[Euronext Paris|Paris]], and Switzerland.

The company has assembly plants around the globe. These plants are located in China, the United States, Pakistan, Canada, England, Japan, Belgium, Brazil, México, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, Taiwan, Perú and Argentina. As of July 2010, 89% of Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the United States were built in North American plants, up from 82.2% a year earlier. This shields profits from the yen's advance to a 15-year high against the dollar.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ohnsman |first=Alan |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-19/honda-founder-s-dream-of-u-s-production-protects-earnings-as-yen-surges.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822061637/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-19/honda-founder-s-dream-of-u-s-production-protects-earnings-as-yen-surges.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 August 2010 |title=Honda's Dream of U.S. Production Protects Profits as Yen Surges |publisher=Bloomberg |access-date=1 January 2011 |date=20 August 2010  }}</ref>

[[American Honda Motor Company]] is based in [[Torrance, California]]. [[Honda Racing Corporation]] (HRC) is Honda's motorsport division. [[Honda Canada Inc.]] is headquartered in [[Markham, Ontario]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Mangion |first=Patrick |date=27 August 2007 |title=Markham saves Honda deal |url=https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/1434870-markham-saves-honda-deal/ |work=York Region News |page=1 |access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> it was originally planned to be located in [[Richmond Hill, Ontario]], but delays led them to look elsewhere. Their manufacturing division, [[Honda of Canada Manufacturing]], is based in [[Alliston, Ontario]]. Honda has also created joint ventures around the world, such as [[Honda Siel Cars India|Honda Siel Cars]] and [[Hero Honda|Hero Honda Motorcycles]] in India,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sharemanthan.in/index.php/indian-companies/49-auto/2150-hero-honda |title=हीरो होंडा |access-date=11 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429013427/http://www.sharemanthan.in/index.php/indian-companies/49-auto/2150-hero-honda |archive-date=29 April 2010}}</ref> [[Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group|Guangzhou Honda]] and [[Dongfeng Honda]] in China, Boon Siew Honda in Malaysia and [[Honda Atlas]] in Pakistan. The company also runs a business innovation initiative called '''Honda Xcelerator''', in order to build relationships with innovators, partner with Silicon Valley startups and entrepreneurs, and help other companies work on prototypes. Xcelerator had worked with reportedly 40 companies as of January 2019. Xcelerator and a developer studio are part of the '''Honda Innovations''' group, formed in Spring 2017 and based in [[Mountain View, California]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.greenbiz.com/article/honda-looking-your-energy-or-mobility-startup |title=Honda is looking for your energy or mobility startup |website=GrenBiz |date=2019-01-29 |access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref> Through [[Honda Mobilityland]], Honda also operate the [[Suzuka International Racing Course|Suzuka Circuit]] and [[Twin Ring Motegi]] racing tracks.

Following the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami]] in Japan, Honda announced plans to halve production at its UK plants.<ref>{{cite web|title=Honda to cut UK car production after Japan quake leaves parts shortfall|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/apr/06/honda-cuts-uk-car-production-japan-disaster|website=The Guardian|access-date=10 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002160155/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/apr/06/honda-cuts-uk-car-production-japan-disaster|archive-date=2 October 2015|date=6 April 2011}}</ref> The decision was made to put staff at the Swindon plant on a 2-day week until the end of May as the manufacturer struggled to source supplies from Japan. It's thought around 22,500 cars were produced during this period.

=== Finances ===
For the fiscal year 2018, Honda reported earnings of US$9.534 billion, with an annual revenue of US$138.250 billion, an increase of 6.2% over the previous fiscal cycle. Honda's shares traded at over $32 per share, and its market capitalization was valued at US$50.4 billion in October 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/HMC/honda/revenue|title=Honda Revenue 2006–2018 {{!}} HMC|website=www.macrotrends.net|access-date=1 November 2018}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable float-left" style="text-align: right;"
!Year
!Revenue<br />in million US$
!Net income<br />in million US$
!Total assets<br />in million US$
!Employees
|-
|2005
|77,851
|4,376
|83,853
|{{N/A}}
|-
|2006
|89,172
|5,373
|95,145
|{{N/A}}
|-
|2007
|99,784
|5,331
|108,329
|167,231
|-
|2008
|108,026
|5,400
|113,540
|178,960
|-
|2009
|100,112
| 1,370
|118,189
|181,876
|-
|2010
|92,655
| 3,052
|125,594
|176,815
|-
|2011
|107,242
|6,762
|138,851
|179,060
|-
|2012
|100,941
|2,820
|149,616
|187,094
|-
|2013
|119,523
|4,443
|164,988
|190,338
|-
|2014
|118,425
|5,741
|156,220
|198,368
|-
|2015
|121,286
| 4,636
|167,675
|204,730
|-
|2016
|121,190
|2,860
|151,303
|208,399
|-
|2017
|130,193
|5,734
|176,311
|211,915
|-
|2018
|138,250
|9,534
|174,143
|215,638
|-
|2019
|142,998
|5,493
|183,772
|219,722
|-
|2020
|137,365
|4,193
|188,246
|218,674
|-
|2021
|123,803
|6,180
|206,058
|211,374
|-
|2022
|129,519
|6,293
|213,361
|218,674
|-
|2023
|125,117
|4,820
|182,559
|197,039
|-
|2024
|140,959
|7,640
|205,442
|194,993
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Honda's Net Sales and Other Operating Revenue by Geographical Regions in 2024<ref name=":1" />
|-
! Geographic Region
! Total revenue (in millions of [[Japanese yen|¥]])
!in %
|-
| North America || 10,470,000
|51.23%
|-
| Asia || 4,290,000
|21.02%
|-
| Japan || 1,960,000
|9.59%
|-
| Europe || 943,000
|4.62%
|-
| Others || 1,150,000
|5.63%
|}

==Products==
===Automobiles===
{{Main|List of Honda automobiles}}
{{more citations needed|section|date=September 2017}}<!--several paragraphs without references-->
[[File:2023 Honda Accord EX in Canyon River Blue Metallic, Front Left, 04-07-2023.jpg|thumb|Eleventh-generation [[Honda Accord]]]]
[[File:2022 Honda Civic LX, Front Right, 06-20-2021.jpg|thumb|right|Eleventh-generation [[Honda Civic]]]]
[[File:2023 Honda CR-V EX-L in Urban Grey Pearl, Front Left, 10-27-2022.jpg|thumb|right|Sixth-generation [[Honda CR-V]]]]

Honda's automotive manufacturing ambitions can be traced back to 1963, with the [[Honda T360]], a [[Kei truck]] built for the Japanese market.<ref>{{cite journal | editor-first = Jonathan | editor-last = Barr | title = 1965 Honda T500F Flat Bed Utility | journal = The Japanese Restorer in Australia |date=July–September 2003 | issue = 4 | location = Bald Hills, Queensland, Australia | page = 15 }}</ref> This was followed by the two-door [[Roadster (automobile)|roadster]], the [[Honda S500]] also introduced in 1963. In 1965, Honda built a two-door commercial delivery van, named the [[Honda L700]]. Honda's first four-door sedan was not the [[Honda Accord]], but the air-cooled, four-cylinder, gasoline-powered [[Honda 1300]] which was introduced in 1969. The Civic was a hatchback that gained wide popularity internationally, but it wasn't the first two-door hatchback built by Honda. That was the [[Honda N360]], a [[Kei car]] that was adapted for international sale as the N600. The Civic, which appeared in 1972 and replaced the N600 also had a smaller sibling that replaced the air-cooled N360, called the [[Honda Life]], which was water-cooled.

The Honda Life represented Honda's efforts in competing in the ''kei'' car segment, offering sedan, delivery van and small pick-up platforms on a shared chassis. The [[Honda Life#Life Step Van|Life Step Van]] had a novel approach that, while not initially a commercial success, appeared to be an influence to vehicles with the front passengers sitting behind the engine, a large cargo area with a flat roof and a liftgate installed in back, and utilizing a transversely installed engine with a front-wheel-drive powertrain.

As Honda entered into automobile manufacturing in the late 1960s where Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota and Nissan had been making cars since before WWII, Honda instilled a sense of doing things a little differently than its Japanese competitors. Its mainstay products like the Accord and Civic (with the exception of its USA-market 1993–97 Passport which was part of a vehicle exchange program with Isuzu (part of the Subaru-Isuzu joint venture)) have always employed [[Front-wheel drive]] powertrain implementation, which is currently a long-held Honda tradition. Honda also installed new technologies into their products, first as optional equipment, then later standard, like [[anti-lock brakes]], [[Power steering|speed-sensitive power steering]], and [[multi-port fuel injection]] in the early 1980s. This desire to be the first to try new approaches is evident with the creation of the first Japanese luxury chain [[Acura]], and was also evident with the all-aluminum, mid-engined sports car, the [[Honda NSX]], which also introduced [[variable valve timing]] technology, which Honda calls [[VTEC]].

The Civic family is a line of [[compact car]]s developed and manufactured by Honda. In North America, the Civic is the second-longest continuously running nameplate from a Japanese manufacturer; only its perennial rival, the [[Toyota Corolla]], introduced in 1966, has been in production longer.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.toyota.com/about/our_business/our_history/product_history/pdf/corolla.pdf |title=Toyota Corolla History |publisher=Toyota  |location=US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602081910/http://www.toyota.com/about/our_business/our_history/product_history/pdf/corolla.pdf |archive-date=2010-06-02 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Civic, along with the Accord and [[Honda Prelude|Prelude]], comprised Honda's vehicles sold in North America until the 1990s, when the model lineup was expanded. Having gone through several generational changes, the Civic has become larger and more [[upmarket]], and it currently slots between the [[Honda Fit|Fit]] and Accord.

Honda's first [[hybrid electric vehicle]] was the 1999 [[Honda Insight|Insight]]. The Civic was first offered as a hybrid in 2001, and the Accord followed in 2004. In 2008, the company launched the [[Honda Clarity|Clarity]], a [[fuel cell car]].

In 2008, Honda increased global production to meet the demand for small cars and [[hybrid vehicle|hybrids]] in the US and emerging markets. The company shuffled US production to keep factories busy and boost car output while building fewer [[minivan]]s and [[sport utility vehicle]]s as [[light-truck|light truck]] sales fell.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/business/20auto.html?_r=1|title=The Smaller the Better, Automakers Are Finding|last1=Vlasic|first1=Bill|last2=Bunkley |first2=Nick|date=20 June 2008|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=1 July 2012}}</ref>

Its first entrance into the pickup segment, the light-duty Ridgeline, won Truck of the Year from ''[[Motor Trend]]'' magazine in 2006. Also in 2006, the redesigned Civic won [[Motor Trend Car of the Year|Car of the Year]] from the magazine, giving Honda a rare double win of Motor Trend honors.

It is reported that Honda plans to increase hybrid sales in Japan to more than 20% of its total sales in the fiscal year 2011, from 14.8% in the previous year.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/11/honda-20101127.html |title=Report: Honda planning to double hybrid sales in Japan to more than 20% next fiscal year |date=27 November 2010 |publisher=Green Car Congress |access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref>

Five of [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]]'s top ten most fuel-efficient cars from 1984 to 2010 come from Honda, more than any other automakers. The five models are: 2000–2006 Honda Insight ({{convert|53|mpgus|abbr=on|disp=or}} combined), 1986–1987 Honda Civic Coupe HF ({{convert|46|mpgus|abbr=on|disp=or}} combined), 1994–1995 Honda Civic hatchback VX ({{convert|43|mpgus|abbr=on|disp=or}} combined), 2006– Honda Civic Hybrid ({{convert|42|mpgus|abbr=on|disp=or}} combined), and 2010– Honda Insight ({{convert|41|mpgus|abbr=on|disp=or}} combined).<ref>Scott Doggett [http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2010/06/epa-lists-top-10-most-fuel-efficient-cars-from-1984-to-present-older-models-rule.html/"EPA Lists Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Cars From 1984 to Present" Green car advisor – Edmunds, 10 June 2010. (mpg revised in accordance with 2008 regulation change)]{{dubious|date=November 2010}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101020194846/http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2010/06/epa-lists-top-10-most-fuel-efficient-cars-from-1984-to-present-older-models-rule.html/ |date=20 October 2010 }}</ref> The [[American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy|ACEEE]] has also rated the [[Honda Civic GX|Civic GX]] as the greenest car in America for seven consecutive years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greenercars.org/highlights_greenest.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070910122720/http://www.greenercars.org/highlights_greenest.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 September 2007 |title=the greenest vehicles of 2008 |publisher=greenercars.org |access-date=1 January 2011  }}</ref>

Honda currently builds vehicles in factories located in Japan, the United States of America, Canada, China, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Belgium, Brazil, Indonesia, India, Thailand, Turkey, Argentina, Mexico, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

===Motorcycles===
{{For|a list of motorcycle products|list of Honda motorcycles}}
[[File:1953HondaCub.jpg|thumb|1953 Honda Cub on display at the [[Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum]], Birmingham, Alabama. The two-stroke single-cylinder motorcycle had a displacement of 58 cc and a top speed of {{cvt|25|mph|km/h|0|order=flip}}.]]
[[File:Honda Goldwing, GIMS 2019, Le Grand-Saconnex (GIMS0707).jpg|thumb|Honda [[Gold Wing]] bike]]

Honda is the largest motorcycle manufacturer in Japan and has been since it started production in 1955.<ref name=Alexander2008/>
At its peak in 1982, Honda manufactured almost three million motorcycles annually. By 2006, this figure had been reduced to around 550,000 but was still higher than its three domestic competitors.<ref name=Alexander2008/>

In 2017, India became the largest motorcycle market for Honda.<ref>{{cite news |title=Honda to launch Benly e in India? Scooter spied testing, check launch date, features and other details |url=https://zeenews.india.com/photos/business/honda-to-launch-benly-e-in-india-scooter-spied-testing-check-launch-date-features-and-other-details-2367061 |work=Zee News |date=2021-06-06 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India becomes largest 2 wheeler markt for Honda globally, dethrones Indonesia|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-becomes-largest-2-wheeler-markt-for-honda-globally-dethrones-indonesia/articleshow/60164905.cms|access-date=6 November 2017|work=The Times of India|date=22 August 2017}}</ref> In India, Honda is leading in the scooters segment, with 59% market share.<ref>{{cite news|title=Honda eyes 17% share in bike market; 70% new outlets to be in rural areas|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/honda-eyes-17-share-in-bike-market-70-new-outlets-to-be-in-rural-areas-117091000212_1.html|access-date=6 November 2017|work=The Business Standard|date=11 September 2017}}</ref>

During the 1960s when it was a small manufacturer, Honda broke out of the Japanese motorcycle market and began exporting to the United States. Working with the advertising agency [[Grey Advertising]], Honda created an innovative marketing campaign, using the slogan "[[You meet the nicest people on a Honda]]." In contrast to the prevailing negative stereotypes of motorcyclists in America as tough, antisocial rebels, this campaign suggested that Honda motorcycles were made for the everyman. The campaign was hugely successful; the ads ran for three years, and by the end of 1963 alone, Honda had sold 90,000 motorcycles.<ref name=Frank2003/>{{rp|=41–43}}

Taking Honda's story as an archetype of the smaller manufacturer entering a new market already occupied by highly dominant competitors, the story of their market entry, and their subsequent huge success in the US and around the world has been the subject of some academic controversy. Competing explanations have been advanced to explain Honda's strategy and the reasons for their success.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/faculty/dick.rumelt/Docs/Papers/HONDA |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120403041318/http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/faculty/dick.rumelt/Docs/Papers/HONDA |url-status= dead |archive-date= 3 April 2012 |title=The Many Faces of Honda |first=Richard P. |last=Rumelt |date=10 July 1995 |access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref>

The first of these explanations was put forward when, in 1975, the [[Boston Consulting Group]] (BCG) was commissioned by the UK government to write a report explaining why and how the British motorcycle industry had been out-competed by its Japanese competitors. The report concluded that the Japanese firms, including Honda, had sought a very high scale of production (they had made a large number of motorbikes) in order to benefit from [[economies of scale]] and [[learning curve]] effects. It blamed the decline of the British motorcycle industry on the failure of British managers to invest enough in their businesses to profit from economies of scale and [[economies of scope|scope]].<ref>{{cite book|first1=Allen J. |last1=Morrison|title=Transnational corporations and business strategy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HvQcQFFONzkC&pg=PA64|access-date=1 April 2012|year=1993|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0-415-08537-3|pages=65–66}}</ref>

[[File:2004supercub.jpg|thumb|right|2004 [[Honda Super Cub]]]]

The second explanation was offered in 1984 by Richard Pascale, who had interviewed the Honda executives responsible for the firm's entry into the US market. As opposed to the tightly focused strategy of low cost and high scale that BCG accredited to Honda, Pascale found that their entry into the US market was a story of "miscalculation, serendipity, and organizational learning" – in other words, Honda's success was due to the adaptability and hard work of its staff, rather than any long-term strategy.<ref>{{cite book |last=Morrison |first=Allen J. |title=Transnational corporations and business strategy |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=1993 |isbn=0-415-08537-3 |pages=64–92}} <!-- one quote does not cover pages 64–92 -->{{dubious|date=July 2014}}</ref> For example, Honda's initial plan on entering the US market was to compete in large motorcycles, around 300&nbsp;cc. Honda's motorcycles in this class suffered performance and reliability problems when ridden the relatively long distances of the US highways.<ref name="Frank2003"/>{{rp|41–43}} When the team found that the scooters they were using to get themselves around their US base of [[San Francisco]] attracted positive interest from consumers they fell back on selling the [[Honda Super Cub|Super Cub]] instead.<ref name="Frank2003"/>{{rp|41–43}}

The most recent school of thought on Honda's strategy was put forward by [[Gary Hamel]] and [[C. K. Prahalad]] in 1989. Creating the concept of [[core competency|core competencies]] with Honda as an example, they argued that Honda's success was due to its focus on leadership in the technology of internal combustion engines.<ref>{{cite book|first1=Gary |last1=Hamel|first2=C. K. |last2=Prahalad|title=Competing for the future|url=https://archive.org/details/competingforfutu00hame_0|url-access=registration|access-date=1 April 2012|date=1 July 1994|publisher=Harvard Business Press|isbn=978-0-87584-416-9|page=[https://archive.org/details/competingforfutu00hame_0/page/204 204]}}</ref> For example, the high power-to-weight ratio engines Honda produced for its racing bikes provided technology and expertise which was transferable into mopeds. Honda's entry into the US motorcycle market during the 1960s is used as a [[case study]] for teaching introductory strategy at [[business school]]s worldwide.<ref>{{cite book|first1=Sally H. |last1=Clarke|first2=Naomi R. |last2=Lamoreaux|first3=Steven W. |last3=Usselman|title=The Challenge of Remaining Innovative: Insights from Twentieth-Century American Business|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ho6hmHrCjCEC&pg=PA223|access-date=1 April 2012|date=10 March 2009|publisher=Stanford University Press|isbn=978-0-8047-5892-5|page=223}}</ref>

===ATVs===
Honda builds utility [[All-terrain vehicle|ATVs]] under models Recon, Rubicon, Rancher, Foreman and Rincon. Honda also builds sports ATVs under the models TRX 90X, TRX 250X, TRX 400x, TRX 450R and TRX 700.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Honda ATV - Your Complete Guide.|url=https://www.world-of-atvs.com/honda-atv.html|access-date=2020-08-01|website=World of ATVs}}</ref>

===Power equipment===
[[File:Honda Power EU70is Generator.png|alt=Honda EU70is Generator|thumb|A Honda Power EU70is power generator]]

Power equipment<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hondaindiapower.com |title=Honda India Power Products Ltd. |access-date=2022-07-10}}</ref> production started in 1953 with H-type engine (prior to motorcycles).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://world.honda.com/timeline/power/ |title=Honda Worldwide, Timeline – Power Products |publisher=World.honda.com |access-date=12 August 2010}}</ref>

Honda power equipment reached record sales in 2007 with 6.4 million units sold annually.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hondapartscatalog.com/annual-report-2007.pdf|title=Annual Report 2007|access-date=29 May 2020}}</ref> By 2010 <small>([[Fiscal year]] ended 31 March)</small> this figure had decreased to 4.7&nbsp;million units.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hondapartscatalog.com/honda2010annual-report.pdf|title=Annual Report 2010|access-date=29 May 2020}}</ref> Cumulative production of power products has exceeded 85 million units annually (as of September 2008).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://world.honda.com/power/overview/ |title=Honda Worldwide, Power Products, Overview |publisher=World.honda.com |access-date=12 August 2010}}</ref>

In September 2023, Honda ceased sales of gasoline lawn mowers and some other power equipment in the US.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Day |first=Lewin |date=2023-05-15 |title=Honda Won't Sell Gasoline Mowers in the US Anymore |url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/honda-wont-sell-gasoline-mowers-in-the-us-anymore |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=The Drive |location=US}}</ref>

Honda power equipment includes:

{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|
* [[Engine]]
* [[Brush Cutters]]
* [[Tillers]]
* [[Marine Outboard Motors]]
* [[Water Pumps]]
* [[Cultivator]]
* [[Lawn mower]]
* [[Robotic lawn mower]]
* [[Lawn mower|Riding mower]]
* [[String trimmer|Trimmer]]
* [[Mower]]
* [[Leaf blower|Blower]]
* [[Sprayer]]
* [[Hedge trimmer]]
* [[Snowthrower]]
* [[Engine-generator|Generator]], [[welding power supply]]
* [[Pump]]
* [[Outboard engine]]
* [[Inflatable boat]]
* [[Mobility scooter|Electric 4-wheel Scooter]]
* Compact Household [[Cogeneration]] Unit
}}

===Engines===
[[File:Honda Reflections, Lake George, CA 9-16 (29800608053).jpg|thumb|Honda [[Outboard motor]]s]]

Honda engines powered the entire 33-car starting field of the [[2010 Indianapolis 500]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://racing.honda.com/about/engine.aspx |title=Honda Racing Engines |publisher=Racing.honda.com |access-date=27 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712215901/http://racing.honda.com/about/engine.aspx |archive-date=12 July 2011  }}</ref> and for the fifth consecutive race, there were no engine-related retirements during the running of the Memorial Day Classic.<ref>{{cite web
|publisher=Indianapolis Motor Speedway
|url=http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/indy500/
|title=Indy 500
}}</ref>

In the 1980s Honda developed the [[GY6 engine]] for use in motor scooters. Although no longer manufactured by Honda, it's still commonly used in many Chinese, Korean and Taiwanese light vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|title=HONDA GY6 ENGINE 50cc to 150cc|url=http://gokartsusa.com/hondagy6engine.aspx|publisher=GOKARTS USA|access-date=16 February 2015}}
</ref>

Honda, despite being known as an engine company, has never built a [[V8 engine]] for passenger vehicles. In the late 1990s, the company resisted considerable pressure from its American dealers for a V8 engine (which would have seen use in top-of-the-line Honda SUVs and [[Acura]]s), with American Honda reportedly sending one dealer a shipment of [[V8 (beverage)|V8 beverage]]s to silence them.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10064387-48.html |title=Green-car era poses test for Honda, The Car Tech blog |website=CNET |date=17 October 2008 |access-date=22 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020095106/http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10064387-48.html |archive-date=20 October 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Honda considered starting V8 production in the mid-2000s for larger Acura sedans, a new version of the high-end NSX sports car (which previously used DOHC V6 engines with VTEC to achieve its high power output) and possible future ventures into the American full-size truck and SUV segment for both the Acura and Honda brands, but this was canceled in late 2008, with Honda citing environmental and worldwide economic conditions as reasons for the termination of this project.<ref>{{cite web |title= Honda S2000, CR-Z convertible follow Acura NSX and V8 to scrap heap |url= http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/honda-s2000-cr-z-convertible-follow-acura-nsx-and-v8-to-scrap-h/ |access-date= 25 October 2010 |first= Sam |last= Abuelsamid |date= 6 January 2009 |archive-date= 30 June 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130630014051/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/honda-s2000-cr-z-convertible-follow-acura-nsx-and-v8-to-scrap-h/ |url-status= dead }}{{dubious|date=November 2010}}</ref>

===Robots===
[[File:HONDA ASIMO.jpg|right|upright|thumb|[[ASIMO]] at [[Expo 2005]]]]

[[ASIMO]] is part of Honda's Research & Development robotics program. It's the eleventh in a line of successive builds starting in 1986 with [[Honda E0]] moving through the ensuing [[Honda E series]] and the [[Honda P series]]. Weighing 54 kilograms and standing 130 centimeters tall, ASIMO resembles a small [[astronaut]] wearing a backpack, and can walk on [[biped|two feet]] in a manner resembling human [[Walking|locomotion]], at up to {{convert|6|km/h|mi/h|abbr=on}}. ASIMO is the world's only humanoid robot able to ascend and descend stairs independently.<ref>{{cite web|title=Frequently asked questions about ASIMO |url= http://asimo.honda.com/downloads/pdf/asimo-technical-faq.pdf |publisher=Honda |access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> However, human motions such as climbing stairs are difficult to mimic with a machine, which ASIMO has demonstrated by taking two plunges off a staircase.

ASIMO is able to walk, dance and navigate steps. In 2010, Honda developed a machine capable of reading a user's brainwaves to move ASIMO. The system uses a helmet covered with [[electroencephalography]] and [[near-infrared spectroscopy]] sensors that monitor electrical brainwaves and cerebral blood flow signals that alter slightly during the human thought process. The user thinks of one of the limited number of gestures it wants from the robot, which has been fitted with a Brain-Machine Interface.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gadgetrepublic.com/news/item/1938/digital-life/japan-plans-mind-reading-devices |title=Japan Plans Mind Reading Devices | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529044945/http://www.gadgetrepublic.com/news/item/1938/digital-life/japan-plans-mind-reading-devices |archive-date=29 May 2010}}</ref>

===Aircraft===
{{Main|Honda HA-420 HondaJet}}

Honda has also pioneered new technology in its HA-420 HondaJet, manufactured by its subsidiary [[Honda Aircraft Company]], which allows new levels of reduced drag, increased aerodynamics and fuel efficiency thus reducing operating costs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hondajet.com/news/article?articleType=pressrelease&categoryType=784d4724-4acc-401d-b36a-0c5110c4f5cd|title=Honda Aircraft Company Receives FAA Production Certificate|website=www.hondajet.com|access-date=8 February 2018|archive-date=9 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209182311/https://www.hondajet.com/news/article?articleType=pressrelease&categoryType=784d4724-4acc-401d-b36a-0c5110c4f5cd|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Mountain bikes===
{{See also|Honda RN-01 G-cross}}

Honda has also built a [[Downhill mountain biking|downhill racing bicycle]] known as the Honda RN-01. It is not available for sale to the public. The bike has a [[gearbox bicycle|gearbox]], which replaces the standard [[Derailleur gears|derailleur]] found on most bikes.

Honda has hired several people to pilot the bike, among them [[Greg Minnaar]]. The team is known as Team G Cross Honda.

==Former products==

===Solar cells===
Honda's solar cell subsidiary company Honda Soltec (Headquarters: Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto; President and CEO: Akio Kazusa) started sales throughout Japan of [[thin-film solar cells]] for public and industrial use on October 24, 2008, after selling solar cells for residential use in October 2007.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://world.honda.com/news/2008/c081023Thin-Film-Solar-Cells |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081025130920/http://world.honda.com/news/2008/c081023Thin-Film-Solar-Cells/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 October 2008 |title=Honda Soltec Begins Sales of Thin-Film Solar Cells for Public and Industrial Use |date=23 October 2008 |publisher=World.honda.com |access-date=10 January 2012  }}</ref> Honda announced in the end of October 2013 that Honda Soltec would cease business operations in the Spring of 2014 except for support for existing customers and the subsidiary would be dissolved.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://world.honda.com/news/2013/c131030d/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105232541/http://world.honda.com/news/2013/c131030d/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 November 2013 |title=Honda to Discontinue Operations of Honda Soltec, a Photovoltaic Subsidiary |date=30 October 2013 |publisher=World.honda.com |access-date=30 October 2013  }}</ref>

==Motorsports==
{{main|Honda in motorsport}}
{{see also|Honda Racing Corporation|Honda Racing Corporation USA}}

Honda has been active in motorsports, like [[Formula One]], [[Grand Prix motorcycle racing|MotoGP]] and others, since the early years of the company. Since 2022, Honda's general motorsport activities have been managed by its motorsport subsidiary [[Honda Racing Corporation]] (HRC). Prior to 2022, Honda's motorcycle racing activities were run by HRC since it was founded in 1982, while its automobile racing activities were run as projects within the Honda Motor Company itself.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-10 |title=Interview with Koji Watanabe, President of HRC |url=https://honda.racing/post/2023-koji-watanabe-interview |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Honda.Racing |language=en-US}}</ref>

Honda Performance Development (HPD) was established in 1993 as the company's North American motorsport subsidiary, and for 2024 HPD became [[Honda Racing Corporation USA]] (HRC US) to form a global motorsports organization.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-19 |title=Honda Racing Corporation USA Launches |url=http://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-racing/releases/honda-racing-corporation-usa-launches |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Honda Racing Newsroom |language=en}}</ref> Honda also owns two Japanese [[race track]]s, the [[Suzuka Circuit]] and [[Mobility Resort Motegi]] (formerly Twin Ring Motegi), which it established in 1962 and 1997, respectively, and which are managed by [[Honda Mobilityland]].

===Automobiles===
{{See also|Honda in Formula One}}
[[File:FIA F1 Austria 2021 Nr. 33 Verstappen.jpg|thumb|right|[[Max Verstappen]] won the [[2021 Formula One World Championship]] with a Honda power unit.]]

Honda entered [[Formula One]] for the first time in [[1964 Formula One season|1964]], just one year after starting the production of road cars, making both engine and chassis. Honda achieved their first victory at the [[1965 Mexican Grand Prix]], and another win at the [[1967 Italian Grand Prix]], before they withdrew after the [[1968 Formula One season|1968 season]]. They returned to the sport in [[1983 Formula One World Championship|1983]] as an engine manufacturer, remaining until [[1992 Formula One World Championship|1992]]. This period saw Honda dominate Grand Prix racing,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Formula for Success: The Honda RA168E|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/july-1990/80/formula-for-success-the-honda-ra168e|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Motor Sport Magazine|date=7 July 2014 |language=en-GB}}</ref> as between [[1986 Formula One World Championship|1986]] and [[1991 Formula One World Championship|1991]] they won five consecutive Drivers' Championships with [[Nelson Piquet]], [[Ayrton Senna]] and [[Alain Prost]], and six Constructors' titles with [[Williams Grand Prix Engineering|Williams]] and [[McLaren]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Engine Honda • STATS F1|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/moteur-honda.aspx|access-date=2021-12-23|website=www.statsf1.com}}</ref> A third stint from [[2000 Formula One World Championship|2000]] to [[2008 Formula One World Championship|2008]], initially as engine maker and later also as team owner, yielded 17 podiums, including one win, and second place in the [[2004 Formula One World Championship|2004]] constructors' standings. They returned as a power unit supplier for the second year of the hybrid era in [[2015 Formula One World Championship|2015]] and initially struggled, but intense development saw them become race winners again by [[2019 Formula One World Championship|2019]], and in [[2021 Formula One World Championship|2021]] they won the World Drivers' Championship with [[Max Verstappen]] and [[Red Bull Racing]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-13|title=Honda Wins F1 Championship in Its Final Season|url=https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2021121200336/|access-date=2021-12-23|website=nippon.com|language=en|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213075303/https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2021121200336/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Honda formally left Formula One after 2021 to focus its resources on [[Carbon neutrality|carbon neutral]] technologies, but an arrangement was made for it to extend power unit supply for Red Bull until 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honda and Red Bull extend power unit support deal until 2025 {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-honda-and-red-bull-extend-power-unit-support-deal-until-2025.7hFIkY4W18FcmxNlWnB2ST.html |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=www.formula1.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Honda to leave F1 at the end of 2021 {{!}} Formula 1®|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-honda-to-leave-f1-at-the-end-of-2021.3nsZ7zzaokaze5Sjc4V6s0.html|access-date=2021-12-23|website=www.formula1.com|language=en}}</ref> As the series introduced more sustainable regulations, Honda announced it will formally rejoin in 2026 to provide power units to [[Aston Martin in Formula One|Aston Martin]] as a works team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honda to make full-scale F1 return in 2026 as they join forces with Aston Martin {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-honda-to-make-full-scale-f1-return-in-2026-as-they-join-forces-with.WlzHSedIbSrZpXEXdC5QQ.html |access-date=2023-05-24 |website=www.formula1.com |language=en}}</ref>

Honda debuted in the [[Championship Auto Racing Teams|CART IndyCar World Series]] as an engine supplier in [[1994 PPG Indy Car World Series|1994]], and the company won six consecutive Drivers' Championships and four Manufacturers' Championships between [[1996 PPG Indy Car World Series|1996]] and [[2001 CART season|2001]].<ref name="IndyCar.com">{{Cite web|title=Honda|url=https://www.indycar.com/Fan-Info/INDYCAR-101/The-Car-Dallara/Honda|access-date=2021-12-23|website=IndyCar.com|archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223213330/https://www.indycar.com/Fan-Info/INDYCAR-101/The-Car-Dallara/Honda|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2003, Honda transferred its effort to the IRL IndyCar Series. In [[2004 IndyCar Series|2004]], Honda won the [[Indianapolis 500]] for the first time and claimed the Drivers' and Manufacturers' Championships, a feat which it repeated in [[2005 IndyCar Series|2005]].<ref name="IndyCar.com" /> From [[2006 IndyCar Series|2006]] to [[2011 IndyCar Series|2011]], Honda was the series' lone manufacturer, before manufacturer competition returned for [[2012 IndyCar Series|2012]]. Since 2012, Honda's turbocharged V6 engines have won the Indianapolis 500 several times as well as claimed multiple Drivers' and Manufacturers' titles.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-20|title=Honda clinches IndyCar manufacturers' title in Monterey|url=https://racer.com/2021/09/20/honda-clinches-indycar-manufacturers-title-in-monterey/|access-date=2021-12-23|website=RACER|language=en-US}}</ref> In the Japanese [[Super Formula Championship]], Honda-powered cars have won the championship numerous times since 1981, with their title tally in the double digits. In [[Formula Two]], Honda engines dominated the premier series in 1966 and scored multiple titles in the early 1980s.

In [[sports car racing]], Honda won the [[24 Hours of Le Mans]] in [[1995 24 Hours of Le Mans|1995]] in the GT2 class,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kunimitsu Takahashi Honoured By Japanese Government For Lifelong Sporting Achievements {{!}} dailysportscar.com|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2020/07/30/kunimitsu-takahashi-honoured-by-japanese-government-for-lifelong-sporting-achievements.html|access-date=2021-12-23|website=www.dailysportscar.com|archive-date=12 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312085252/https://www.dailysportscar.com/2020/07/30/kunimitsu-takahashi-honoured-by-japanese-government-for-lifelong-sporting-achievements.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and in [[2010 24 Hours of Le Mans|2010]] and [[2012 24 Hours of Le Mans|2012]] they won in the LMP2 category.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Japan at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1991-2021 [1/2]|url=https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/japan-at-the-24-hours-of-le-mans-1991-2021-1-2-55719|access-date=2021-12-23|website=24h-lemans.com|language=en}}</ref> Honda made their factory debut in the [[Super GT|Super GT Series]] (previously known as the [[All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship|All-Japan GT Championship]]) in [[1997 All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship|1997]], and in [[2000 All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship|2000]] they won their first championships.<ref name="www.dailysportscar.com">{{Cite web|title=Honda's History In GT500, In Pictures {{!}} dailysportscar.com|url=http://www.dailysportscar.com/2020/12/27/hondas-history-in-gt500-in-pictures.html|access-date=2021-12-23|website=www.dailysportscar.com|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805232613/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2020/12/27/hondas-history-in-gt500-in-pictures.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Since then, they have won several further titles, uniquely with both mid- and front-engined cars.<ref name="www.dailysportscar.com" /> Through their [[Acura]] and [[Honda Performance Development|HPD]] divisions, Honda has also competed in [[sports prototype]] racing, beginning with the Spice-Acura prototypes that won the [[IMSA GT Championship|IMSA GT]] Lights championship in [[1991 IMSA GT Championship|1991]], [[1992 IMSA GT Championship|1992]] and [[1993 IMSA GT Championship|1993]]. Acura joined the [[American Le Mans Series]] in [[2007 American Le Mans Series|2007]] and won the [[12 Hours of Sebring]] in class on their debut, before winning the championship in both the LMP1 and LMP2 classes in [[2009 American Le Mans Series|2009]]. The cars were rebranded as HPDs for [[2010 American Le Mans Series|2010]], after which they won multiple titles in the ALMS and also won the [[FIA World Endurance Championship]] in the LMP2 class. Acura returned to prototype racing in [[2018 IMSA SportsCar Championship|2018]] in the DPi class of the [[IMSA SportsCar Championship]], winning championship titles in [[2019 IMSA SportsCar Championship|2019]], [[2020 IMSA SportsCar Championship|2020]] and [[2022 IMSA SportsCar Championship|2022]] as well as the [[24 Hours of Daytona]] overall in [[2021 24 Hours of Daytona|2021]], [[2022 24 Hours of Daytona|2022]], and [[2023 24 Hours of Daytona|2023]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-14|title=INSIGHT: How WTR is unlocking the full potential of Acura's DPi|url=https://racer.com/2021/09/14/insight-how-wtr-is-unlocking-the-full-potential-of-acuras-dpi/|access-date=2021-12-23|website=RACER|language=en-US}}</ref> Honda's [[Group GT3|GT3]] car won both the [[IMSA SportsCar Championship|IMSA GTD]] and [[Super GT|Super GT GT300]] titles.<ref>{{Cite news |title=MSR Closes Out Four-Year Run With Acura NSX GT3 – Sportscar365|url=https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/msr-closes-four-year-run-with-acura-nsx-gt3/|access-date=2021-12-23|website=sportscar365.com|date=21 November 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=ARTA win Super GT titles with NSX GT3 Evo|url=https://www.jasmotorsport.com/news/arta-win-super-gt-titles-with-nsx-gt3-evo|access-date=2021-12-23|website=JAS Motorsport}}</ref>

During the [[Group A]] era of the [[Japanese Touring Car Championship]], Honda won seven manufacturers' titles and six drivers' titles in the sub-1,600 cc division between 1986 and [[1993 Japanese Touring Car Championship|1993]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Honda {{!}} Honda Racing Gallery {{!}} その他 {{!}} MOTUL 無限 CIVIC|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/Racing/gallery/1987_3/01/|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Honda公式ホームページ|language=ja}}</ref> The following [[Super Touring]] era of [[touring car racing]] saw Honda win the Japanese and [[North American Touring Car Championship|North American]] championships in 1996 and 1997, while in Europe Honda's Super Touring cars claimed over 40 wins across the [[British Touring Car Championship|British]], [[Super Tourenwagen Cup|German]] and [[European Touring Car Championship|European]] series. After the collapse of the Super Touring regulations in the early 2000s, Honda remained involved in the British Touring Car Championship, where their cars would win multiple championships in the mid-2000s and throughout the 2010s. Honda entered the [[World Touring Car Championship]] in late [[2012 World Touring Car Championship|2012]], and in [[2013 World Touring Car Championship|2013]] they won the Manufacturers' World Championship. Honda's [[TCR Touring Car|TCR]] car won the global [[TCR Touring Car#TCR Model of the Year|TCR Model of the Year]] award in 2019, 2020, and 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-23|title=Honda Civic Type R named TCR 'Model of the Year'|url=https://www.touringcartimes.com/2020/12/23/honda-civic-type-r-named-tcr-model-year/|access-date=2021-12-23|website=TouringCarTimes|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Motorcycles===
[[File:Dani Pedrosa 2010 Assen.jpg|thumb|right|[[Honda RC212V]] raced by [[Dani Pedrosa]]]]

HRC combines participation in motorcycle races throughout the world with the development of high-potential racing machines. Its racing activities are an important source for the creation of leading-edge technologies used in the development of Honda motorcycles. HRC also contributes to the advancement of motorcycle sports through a range of activities that include sales of production racing motorcycles, support for satellite teams, and rider education programs.

Soichiro Honda, being a race driver himself, could not stay out of international [[motorsport]]. In 1959, Honda entered five motorcycles into the [[Isle of Man TT]] race, the most prestigious motorcycle race in the world. While always having powerful engines, it took until 1961 for Honda to tune their chassis well enough to allow [[Mike Hailwood]] to claim their first [[Grand Prix motorcycle racing|Grand Prix]] victories in the 125 and 250&nbsp;[[Cubic centimetre|cc]] classes. Hailwood would later pick up their first Senior TT wins in 1966 and [[1967 Isle of Man TT|1967]]. Honda's race bikes were known for their "sleek & stylish design" and exotic engine configurations, such as the 5-cylinder, 22,000&nbsp;rpm, 125&nbsp;cc bike and their 6-cylinder 250&nbsp;cc and 297&nbsp;cc bikes.

In 1979, Honda returned to [[Grand Prix motorcycle racing]] with the [[monocoque]]-framed, [[four-stroke engine|four-stroke]] [[Honda NR500|NR500]]. The [[Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme|FIM]] rules limited engines to four cylinders, so the NR500 had non-circular, 'race-track', cylinders, each with 8 valves and two connecting rods, in order to provide sufficient valve area to compete with the dominant [[two-stroke engine|two-stroke]] racers. The experiment failed. For the 1982 season, Honda debuted its first two-stroke race bike, the NS500 and in {{MGP|1983}}, Honda won their first 500&nbsp;cc [[Grand Prix motorcycle racing|Grand Prix]] World Championship with [[Freddie Spencer]]. Since then, Honda has become a dominant marque in motorcycle Grand Prix racing, winning a plethora of top-level titles with riders such as [[Mick Doohan]] and [[Valentino Rossi]]. Honda also head the number of wins at the [[Isle of Man TT]] having notched up 227 victories in the solo classes and [[Sidecar TT]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iomtt.com/TT-Database/Machines.aspx?marq_Name=Honda&filter=H|title=Machine Profile – Honda|work=IOMTT.com|publisher=Duke Marketing Ltd.|access-date=3 May 2016}}</ref> including [[Ian Hutchinson (motorcycle racer)|Ian Hutchinson]]'s clean sweep at the [[2010 Isle of Man TT|2010 races]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iomtt.com/TT-Database/Competitors.aspx?ride_id=8379&filter=H|title=Competitor Profile: Ian Hutchinson|work=IOMTT.com|publisher=Duke Marketing Ltd.|access-date=3 May 2016}}</ref>

The outright lap record on the [[Snaefell Mountain Course]] was held by Honda, set at the 2015 TT by [[John McGuinness (motorcycle racer)|John McGuinness]] at an average speed of {{convert|132.701|mph|abbr=on}} on a [[Honda CBR1000RR]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iomtt.com/TT-Database/TT-Records.aspx|title=Isle of Man TT Records|work=IOMTT.com|publisher=Duke Marketing Ltd.|access-date=3 May 2016}}</ref> bettered the next year by [[Michael Dunlop]] on a [[BMW S1000RR]] at {{convert|133.962|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref>[https://www.iomtt.com/TT-Database/TT-Records/Lap-Records.aspx Current Isle of Man TT lap records] IOM TT database, Official website, Retrieved 1 September 2017</ref>

In the [[Motocross World Championship]], Honda has claimed seventeen world championships. In the [[World Enduro Championship]], Honda has captured eight titles, most recently with [[Stefan Merriman]] in 2003 and with [[Mika Ahola]] from 2007 to 2010. In [[motorcycle trials]], Honda has claimed three world championships with Belgian rider [[Eddy Lejeune]].

==Electric and alternative fuel vehicles==
[[File:2009 Honda Civic NGV--DC.jpg|thumb|right|2009 [[Honda Civic GX]] hooked up to Phill refueling system]]

===Compressed natural gas===
[[File:Honda Civic Clean Models USA & BRA.jpg|thumb|right|Two clean vehicle versions of the [[Honda Civic]].<br>Top: a Brazilian flexible-fuel vehicle.<br>Bottom: a US gasoline-electric hybrid.]]

The [[Honda Civic GX]] was for a long time the only purpose-built [[natural gas vehicle]] (NGV) commercially available in some parts of the US.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://alternativefuels.about.com/od/2008ngvavailable/a/2008CNGvehicles.htm |title=2008 Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) Available |first1=Christine |last1=Gable |first2=Scott |last2=Gable |publisher=About.com: Hybrid Cars & Alt Fuels |access-date=18 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011214336/http://alternativefuels.about.com/od/2008ngvavailable/a/2008CNGvehicles.htm |archive-date=11 October 2008  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-gx/ |title=2009 Honda Civic GX Natural Gas Vehicle |publisher=Honda |access-date=18 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810210505/http://automobiles.honda.com/civic%2Dgx/ |archive-date=10 August 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Honda Civic GX first appeared in 1998 as a factory-modified Civic LX that had been designed to run exclusively on [[compressed natural gas]]. The car looks and drives just like a contemporary [[Honda Civic]] LX, but does not run on gasoline. In 2001, the Civic GX was rated the cleanest-burning internal combustion engine in the world by the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|US Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA).<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110628183401/http://www.epa.gov/ttnnaaqs/ozone/eac/pr051231_eac_tx_northeast.pdf "Sixth Biannual Report On The Early Action Compact For Northeast Texas"], p.5.</ref><ref>[http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center-article_114/ "Natural Gas Myths"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929150337/http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center-article_114/ |date=29 September 2011 }}, Myth 2.</ref>

First leased to the City of Los Angeles, in 2005, Honda started offering the GX directly to the public through factory trained dealers certified to service the GX. Before that, only [[fleet vehicles|fleets]] were eligible to purchase a new Civic GX. In 2006, the Civic GX was released in New York, making it the second state where the consumer is able to buy the car.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061029220641/http://corporate.honda.com/press/article.aspx?id=2006101966979 "Honda Press Release"], 19 October 2006</ref>

In June 2015, Honda announced its decision to phase out the commercialization of natural-gas powered vehicles to focus on the development of a new generation of [[electric vehicle]]s such as [[hybrid electric vehicle|hybrids]], [[plug-in electric car]]s and hydrogen-powered [[fuel cell vehicle]]s. Since 2008, Honda has sold about 16,000 natural-gas vehicles, mainly to taxi and commercial fleets.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20150615/OEM05/150619915/honda-will-drop-cng-vehicles-to-focus-on-hybrids-evs | title=Honda will drop CNG vehicles to focus on hybrids, EVs | first=Neal E. | last=Boudette | work=[[Automotive News]] | date=15 June 2015 | access-date=28 May 2016}}</ref>

===Flexible-fuel===
Honda's Brazilian subsidiary launched [[flexible-fuel vehicle|flexible-fuel]] versions for the [[Honda Civic]] and [[Honda Fit]] in late 2006. As other Brazilian flex-fuel vehicles, these models run on any blend of [[hydrous]] ethanol ([[Neat alcohol fuel|E100]]) and [[E20 fuel|E20-E25 gasoline]].<ref name="HondaFlex">{{cite news |url=http://www.honda.com.br/web/index.asp?pp=noticias&ps=noticia&ps2=carros&id=1273 |first=Ricardo |last=Ghigonetto |publisher=Honda (Brazil) |title=Honda apresenta tecnologia Flex |date=2 November 2006 |access-date=16 April 2009 |language=pt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20081116122534/http://www.honda.com.br/web/index.asp?pp=noticias&ps=noticia&ps2=carros&id=1273 |archive-date=16 November 2008 }}</ref><ref name="4Rodas">{{cite news |url=http://quatrorodas.abril.com.br/carros/testes/conteudo_209972.shtml |first=Marcelo |last=Moura |publisher=Revista Quatro Rodas |title=Testes: Honda Civic EXS Flex x Honda Civic EXS |date=January 2007 |access-date=16 April 2009 |language=pt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220054457/http://quatrorodas.abril.com.br/carros/testes/conteudo_209972.shtml |archive-date=20 February 2009  }}</ref> Initially, and in order to test the market preferences, the carmaker decided to produce a limited share of the vehicles with flex-fuel engines, 33 percent of the Civic production and 28 percent of the Fit models.<ref name="HondaFlex"/><ref name="4Rodas"/> Also, the sale price for the flex-fuel version was higher than the respective gasoline versions, around US$1,000 premium for the Civic, and US$650 for the Fit, despite the fact that all other flex-fuel vehicles sold in Brazil had the same tag price as their gasoline versions.<ref name="4Rodas"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.webmotors.com.br/wmpublicador/Testes_Conteudo.vxlpub?hnid=37317 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212104752/http://www.webmotors.com.br/wmpublicador/Testes_Conteudo.vxlpub?hnid=37317 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 February 2007 |first=Luís |last=Felipe Figueiredo |publisher=WebMotors |title=Honda Fit LXL Flex, um japonês versátil |date=9 February 2009 |access-date=16 April 2009 |language=pt  }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www2.uol.com.br/interpressmotor/noticias/item15731.shl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214161600/http://www2.uol.com.br/interpressmotor/noticias/item15731.shl |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 December 2006 |first=Alberto |last=Polo (Jr) |publisher=Interpress Motor |title=Versão Flex do Honda Fit chega na sexta por R$46.340 |date=12 December 2006 |access-date=16 April 2009 |language=pt  }}</ref> In July 2009, Honda launched in the Brazilian market its third flexible-fuel car, the [[Honda City]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/29/honda-starts-building-flex-fuel-city-sedan-in-brazil/|title=Honda starts building flex-fuel City sedan in Brazil|publisher=AutoblogGreen|date=29 July 2009|access-date=3 August 2009|archive-date=3 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803002237/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/29/honda-starts-building-flex-fuel-city-sedan-in-brazil/|url-status=dead}}{{dubious|date=November 2010}}</ref>

During the last two months of 2006, both flex-fuel models sold 2,427 cars against 8,546 gasoline-powered automobiles,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anfavea.com.br/tabelas2006/autoveiculos/tabela08_vendas.pdf|title=Tabela 08 – Vendas Atacado Mercado Interno por Tipo e Empresa – Combustível Flex Fuel – 2006|publisher=ANFAVEA – Associação Nacional dos Fabricantes de Veículos Automotores (Brazil)|access-date=16 April 2009|language=pt|archive-date=20 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120104144/http://www.anfavea.com.br/tabelas2006/autoveiculos/tabela08_vendas.pdf|url-status=dead}} ''See Table 08 for flex-fuel sales and Table 07 for gasoline sales''.</ref> jumping to 41,990 flex-fuel cars in 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anfavea.com.br/tabelas2007/autoveiculos/tabela08_vendas.pdf|title=Tabela 08 – Vendas Atacado Mercado Interno por Tipo e Empresa – Combustível Flex Fuel – 2007|publisher=ANFAVEA – Associação Nacional dos Fabricantes de Veículos Automotores (Brazil)|access-date=16 April 2009|language=pt|archive-date=20 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120041043/http://www.anfavea.com.br/tabelas2007/autoveiculos/tabela08_vendas.pdf|url-status=dead}} ''See Table 08''.</ref> and reaching 93,361 in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anfavea.com.br/tabelas2008/autoveiculos/tabela08_vendas.pdf|title=Tabela 08 – Vendas Atacado Mercado Interno por Tipo e Empresa – Combustível Flex Fuel – 2008|publisher=ANFAVEA – Associação Nacional dos Fabricantes de Veículos Automotores (Brazil)|access-date=16 April 2009|language=pt|archive-date=6 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706150754/http://www.anfavea.com.br/tabelas2008/autoveiculos/tabela08_vendas.pdf|url-status=dead}} ''See Table 08''.</ref> Due to the success of the flex versions, by early 2009 a hundred percent of Honda's automobile production for the Brazilian market is now flexible-fuel, and only a small percentage of gasoline version is produced in Brazil for exports.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anfavea.com.br/tabelas.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813215230/http://www.anfavea.com.br/tabelas.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 August 2006 |title=Autoveículos – Produção em 2009 |publisher=ANFAVEA – Associação Nacional dos Fabricantes de Veículos Automotores (Brazil) |access-date=16 April 2009 |language=pt  }} ''Up to February 2009. See "Produção por Tipo, Empresa e Combustível " Tables 6 (gasoline) and 7 (flex-fuel). All gasoline vehicles were exported (see Table 01 Exportação de Autoveículos por Empresa, Tipo e Modelo – 2009)''.</ref>

In March 2009, Honda introduced the world's first flex-fuel motorcycle in the Brazilian market. Manufactured by its Brazilian subsidiary, Moto Honda da Amazônia, the CG 150 Titan Mix is priced at approximately US$2,700.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://g1.globo.com/Noticias/Carros/0,,MRP1037219-9658,00.html |publisher=G1 Portal de Notícias da Globo |title=Honda lança primeira moto bicombustível do mundo |date=11 March 2003 |access-date=11 March 2003 |language=pt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224041653/http://g1.globo.com/Noticias/Carros/0%2C%2CMRP1037219-9658%2C00.html |archive-date=24 February 2012  }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/dinheiro/ult91u532675.shtml |author=Agencia EFE |publisher=Folha Online |title=Honda lançará moto flex ainda neste mês no Brasil |date=11 March 2003|access-date=11 March 2003|language=pt}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.unica.com.br/noticias/show.asp?nwsCode=%7b5D355E7B-40B1-4CF7-9C75-EDD4F85FFD30%7d |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629122624/http://www.unica.com.br/noticias/show.asp?nwsCode=%7B5D355E7B-40B1-4CF7-9C75-EDD4F85FFD30%7D |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 June 2012 |publisher=UNICA |title=Honda lança no Brasil primeira moto flex do mundo |date=11 March 2003 |access-date=11 March 2003 |language=pt }}</ref>

===Hybrid electric===
[[File:2014 Honda CR-Z Sport-T i-VTEC 1.5 Front.jpg|thumb|right|[[Honda CR-Z]], the first sports coupe hybrid to come with a six-speed manual transmission]]

In late 1999, Honda launched the first commercial [[hybrid electric car]] sold in the US market, the [[Honda Insight]], just one month before the introduction of the [[Toyota Prius]], and initially sold for US$20,000.<ref name="TwoBillion">{{Cite book | last = Sperling, Daniel and Deborah Gordon | title = Two billion cars: driving toward sustainability | year = 2009 | pages = [https://archive.org/details/twobillioncarsdr00sper_0/page/28 28, 64–65, and 168–168] | publisher = [[Oxford University Press]], New York| isbn = 978-0-19-537664-7 | url = https://archive.org/details/twobillioncarsdr00sper_0/page/28 }}</ref><ref name=NYT2/> The first-generation Insight was produced from 2000 to 2006 and had a [[fuel economy in automobiles|fuel economy]] of {{convert|70|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp}} for the EPA's highway rating, the most fuel-efficient mass-produced car at the time.<ref name="TwoBillion"/><ref name=NYT2/> Total global sales for the Insight amounted to only around 18,000 vehicles.<ref name=NYT2>{{Cite news|title=The Once and Future Mileage King |first=Jerry |last=Garrett |work=The New York Times |date=27 August 2006 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/27/automobiles/27HONDA.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=The%20Once%20and%20Future%20Mileage%20King&st=cse&oref=slogin}}</ref> Cumulative global sales reached 100,000 hybrids in 2005 and 200,000 in 2007.<ref name=Honda1mi/>

Honda introduced the [[Honda Insight#Second generation (ZE2/ZE3; 2009)|second-generation Insight]] in Japan in February 2009, and released it in other markets through 2009 and in the US market in April 2009. At $19,800 as a five-door hatchback it will be the least expensive hybrid available in the US.<ref>{{cite web|title=Honda Insight: America's most affordable hybrid at $19,800|work=Honda|publisher=Motor Authority|date=10 March 2009|url=http://www.motorauthority.com/honda-insight-americas-most-affordable-hybrid-at-19800.html|access-date=21 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090314041609/http://www.motorauthority.com/honda-insight-americas-most-affordable-hybrid-at-19800.html|archive-date=14 March 2009|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

[[File:2010 Honda Insight--DC.jpg|thumb|right|2010 [[Honda Insight]] [[hybrid electric vehicle]] (second generation)]]

Since 2002, Honda has also been selling the [[Honda Civic Hybrid]] (2003 model) in the US market.<ref name="TwoBillion"/> It was followed by the [[Honda Accord Hybrid]], offered in model years 2005 through 2007. Sales of the [[Honda CR-Z]] began in Japan in February 2010, becoming Honda's third hybrid electric car in the market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/02/crz-20100227.html|title=Honda CR-Z Hybrid Now on Sale in Japan; Targeting 1,000 Units Per Month|date=27 February 2010|access-date=13 March 2010|publisher=Green Car Congress}}</ref> {{As of|2011|02}}, Honda was producing around 200,000 hybrids a year in Japan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110202-703049.html |title=Honda Exports From Japan Unlikely To Decline Soon |date=2 February 2011 |first=Yoshio |last=Takahashi |publisher=Dow Jones newswire }}{{dead link|date=November 2016}}</ref>

Sales of the [[Honda Fit Hybrid|Fit Hybrid]] began in Japan in October 2010, at the time, the lowest price for a gasoline-hybrid electric vehicle sold in the country.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://green.autoblog.com/2010/10/08/honda-prices-2011-fit-hybrid-at-19-310-cheapest-gas-electric-i/ |title=Honda prices 2011 Fit Hybrid at $19,310; cheapest gas-electric in Japan |date=8 October 2010 |first=Eric |last=Loveday |publisher=Autoblog Green |access-date=5 October 2014 |archive-date=6 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006074840/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/10/08/honda-prices-2011-fit-hybrid-at-19-310-cheapest-gas-electric-i/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The European version, called [[Honda Jazz Hybrid]], was released in early 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/25/honda-jazz-hybrid-will-get-paris-premiere/?emc=eta1|title=Honda Jazz Hybrid Will Get Paris Premiere|newspaper=New York Times|date=25 August 2010|access-date=26 August 2010 | first=Stephen | last=Williams}}</ref> During 2011 Honda launched three hybrid models available only in Japan, the [[Honda Fit (second generation)#Fit Shuttle and Fit Shuttle hybrid (2011)|Fit Shuttle Hybrid]], [[Honda Freed Hybrid|Freed Hybrid]] and Freed Spike Hybrid.<ref name=Honda1mi/>

Honda's cumulative global hybrid sales passed the 1 million unit milestone at the end of September 2012, 12 years and 11 months after sales of the first generation Insight began in Japan November 1999.<ref name=Honda1mi>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/10/hondahybrids-20121015.html|title=Cumulative worldwide sales of Honda hybrids passes 1 million units |author=Honda Press Release |publisher=Green Car Congress|date=15 October 2012|access-date=16 October 2012}}</ref> A total of 187,851 hybrids were sold worldwide in 2013, and 158,696 hybrids during the first six months of 2014.<ref name=Honda2013>{{cite news|url=http://wardsauto.com/vehicles-amp-technology/toyota-strengthens-grip-japan-ev-hybrid-market|title=Toyota Strengthens Grip on Japan EV, Hybrid Market|first=Roger |last=Schreffler|work=[[Ward's AutoWorld]]|date=14 July 2014|access-date=30 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502011126/http://wardsauto.com/vehicles-amp-technology/toyota-strengthens-grip-japan-ev-hybrid-market|archive-date=2 May 2014|url-status=dead}} ''Honda sold 187,851 hybrids in 2013''.</ref><ref name=Honda062014>{{cite news|url=http://wardsauto.com/auto-makers/toyota-remains-unchallenged-global-hybrid-leader|title=Toyota Remains Unchallenged Global Hybrid Leader|first=Roger |last=Schreffler|work=[[Ward's AutoWorld]]|date=20 August 2014|access-date=4 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009223927/http://wardsauto.com/auto-makers/toyota-remains-unchallenged-global-hybrid-leader|archive-date=9 October 2014|url-status=dead}} ''Honda sold 158,696 hybrids during the first six months of 2014''.</ref> {{As of|2014|06}}, Honda has sold more than 1.35&nbsp;million hybrids worldwide.<ref name=Honda1mi/><ref name=Honda2013/><ref name=Honda062014/>

===Hydrogen fuel cell===
[[File:FCX Clarity.jpg|thumb|right|[[Honda FCX Clarity]] [[hydrogen]] [[fuel cell]] vehicle]]

In [[Takanezawa]], Japan, on 16 June 2008, Honda Motors produced the first assembly-line [[Honda FCX Clarity|FCX Clarity]], a [[hybrid vehicle|hybrid]] [[hydrogen vehicle|hydrogen]] [[fuel cell vehicle]]. More efficient than a [[hybrid electric vehicle|gas-electric hybrid vehicle]], the FCX Clarity combines [[hydrogen]] and [[oxygen]] from ordinary air to generate electricity for an electric motor. In July 2014 Honda announced the end of production of the [[Honda FCX Clarity]] for the 2015 model.<ref name=ProdEnd>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1092683_honda-ends-three-green-models-for-2015-insight-fit-ev-fcx-clarity|title=Honda Ends Three Green Models For 2015: Insight, Fit EV, FCX Clarity|first=John |last=Voelcker|publisher=Green Car Reports|date=29 July 2014|access-date=20 August 2014}}</ref>

The vehicle itself does not emit any [[pollutants]] and its only by-products are heat and water. The FCX Clarity also has an advantage over gas-electric hybrids in that it does not use an [[internal combustion engine]] to propel itself. Like a gas-electric hybrid, it uses a [[lithium ion battery]] to assist the fuel cell during acceleration and capture energy through [[regenerative braking]], thus improving fuel efficiency. The lack of hydrogen filling stations throughout developed countries will keep production volumes low.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/17/business/worldbusiness/17fuelcell.html?_r=1&oref=slogin | title=Latest Honda Runs on Hydrogen, Not Petroleum |last=Fackler |first=Martin |work=[[The New York Times]] | date=17 June 2008 | access-date=17 June 2008}}</ref> Honda will release the vehicle in groups of 150. California is the only US market with infrastructure for fueling such a vehicle, though the number of stations is still limited. Building more stations is expensive, as the [[California Air Resources Board]] (CARB) granted $6.8&nbsp;million for four H2 fueling stations, costing US$1.7&nbsp;million each.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/magazine/19car-t.html?pagewanted=4&ref=magazine| title=Batteries Not Included |work=[[The New York Times]] |first=Clive |last=Thompson|date=16 April 2009 | access-date=19 April 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/08/carb-grants-6-8-billion-for-four-hydrogen-refueling-stations/| title=CARB grants $6.8&nbsp;million for four hydrogen refueling stations| publisher=Autobloggreen| first=Sebastian| last=Blanco| date=16 April 2009| access-date=17 June 2009| archive-date=20 June 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620103102/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/08/carb-grants-6-8-billion-for-four-hydrogen-refueling-stations| url-status=dead}}{{dubious|date=November 2010}}</ref>

Honda views hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as the long-term replacement of piston cars, not battery cars.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/honda-says-petrol-engines-will-go-extinct-hydrogen-motorings-holy-grail-1582396|title=Honda says, 'Petrol engines will go extinct, hydrogen is motoring's Holy Grail'|date=20 September 2016|website=International Business Times UK}}</ref>

Honda introduced the [[Honda CR-V (sixth generation)#CR-V e:FCEV|CR-V e:FCEV]] in February 2024 in the US. It is a plug-in hybrid fuel cell version of the CR-V that is equipped with an electric motor, two high-pressure [[hydrogen tank]]s with a total capacity of {{convert|4.3|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}} and a 17.7 kWh battery with plug-in charging capability.<ref name="www.dailysportscar.com" /> It was also launched in Japan as the only version of the CR-V sold in the country, imported from the Marysville, Ohio assembly plant in the US. This model began production on 5 June 2024.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://hydrogen-central.com/honda-reveals-2025-honda-cr-v-efcev-americas-first-production-plug-in-hydrogen-fuel-cell-electric-vehicle/ |title=Honda Reveals 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV – America's First Production Plug-in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle |work=Hydrogen Central |location=US |date=28 February 2024 |access-date=20 July 2024}}</ref> The later revealed to includes an H2 credit.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hydrogenfuelnews.com/honda-cr-v-fuel-cell-lease-price/8565520/#google_vignette |title=Honda CR-V fuel cell lease pricing revealed, and it includes an H2 credit perk |first=Angie |last=Bergenson |work=Hydrogen Fuel News |location=US |date=1 July 2024 |access-date=2024-07-20}}</ref>

===Plug-in electric vehicles===
[[File:Honda Fit EV 2010 LA Auto Show.jpg|thumb| [[Honda Fit EV]] [[concept car|concept]] unveiled at the [[Los Angeles Auto Show#2010|2010 Los Angeles Auto Show]]|alt=]]

The [[battery electric vehicle|all-electric]] [[Honda EV Plus]] was introduced in 1997 as a result of [[California Air Resources Board|CARB]]'s [[zero-emissions vehicle]] mandate and was available only for leasing in California. The EV plus was the first [[battery electric vehicle]] from a major automaker with non-[[Lead–acid battery|lead–acid batteries]] The EV Plus had an [[all-electric range]] of {{convert|100|mi|km|abbr=on}}. Around 276 units were sold in the US and production ended in 1999.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.rand.org/pubs/monograph_reports/2007/MR1578.pdf|title=Driving Emissions to Zero: Are the Benefits of California's Zero Emission Vehicle Program Worth the Costs?|publisher=[[Rand Corporation]] |last1=Dixon |first1=Lloyd |first2=Isaac |last2=Porche |first3=Jonathan |last3=Kulick  |year=2002|access-date=4 April 2010|isbn=0-8330-3212-7}} ''See Appendix E: Table E.1, pp. 124''</ref><ref>{{Cite book | last = [[Sherry Boschert]] | title = Plug-in Hybrids: The Cars that will Recharge America | year = 2006 | publisher = New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, Canada | isbn = 978-0-86571-571-4 | url = https://archive.org/details/pluginhybridscar00bosc }}</ref>

The all-electric [[Honda Fit EV]] was introduced in 2012 and has a range of {{Convert|82|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/06/fitev-20120606.html|title=2013 Honda Fit EV receives EPA fuel economy rating of 118 MPGe; highest yet|author=Honda Media Room|publisher=Green Car Congress|date=6 June 2012|access-date=6 June 2012}}</ref> The [[all-electric car]] was launched in the US to retail customers in July 2012 with initial availability limited to California and Oregon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plugincars.com/honda-registers-first-fit-ev-delivery-123312.html|title=Honda Registers First Fit EV Delivery|first=Zach |last=McDonald|publisher=Plugincars.com|date=20 July 2012|access-date=21 July 2012}}</ref> Production is limited to only 1,100 units over the first three years. A total of 1,007 units have been leased in the US through September 2014.<ref name=PEVUSales2012>{{cite web|url=http://www.hybridcars.com/december-2012-dashboard|title=December 2012 Dashboard |first=Jeff |last=Cobb|publisher=HybridCars.com and Baum & Associates|date=8 January 2013|access-date=9 February 2013}} ''See the section: December 2012 Plug-in Electric Car Sales Numbers''</ref><ref name=PEVUSales2013>{{cite web|url=http://insideevs.com/december-2013-plug-in-electric-vehicle-sales-report-card/|title=December 2013 Plug-In Electric Vehicle Sales Report Card|last=Cole |first=Jay|work=InsideEvs.com|date=6 January 2014|access-date=7 January 2014}}</ref><ref name=USPEVsales092014>{{cite web|url=http://insideevs.com/september-2014-plug-electric-vehicle-sales-report-card/|title=September 2014 Plug-In Electric Vehicle Sales Report Card |first=Jay |last=Cole|publisher=InsideEVs.com|date=1 October 2014|access-date=1 October 2014}}</ref> The Fit EV was released in Japan through leasing to local government and corporate customers in August 2012. Availability in the Japanese market is limited to 200 units during its first two years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/08/fitev-20120831.html|title=Honda begins lease sales of Fit EV in Japan|author=Honda News|publisher=Green Car Congress|date=31 August 2012|access-date=11 September 2012}}</ref> In July 2014 Honda announced the end of production of the Fit EV for the 2015 model.<ref name=ProdEnd/>

The [[Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid]] was introduced in 2013 and has an [[all-electric range]] of {{Convert|13|mi|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1080780_2014-honda-accord-plug-in-hybrid-priced-sub-41k-115-mpge|title=2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid Priced Sub-$41K, 115 MPGe|first=Antony |last=Ingram|publisher=Green Car Reports|date=30 November 2012|access-date=30 November 2012}}</ref> Sales began in the US in January 2013 and the [[plug-in hybrid]] is available only in California and New York.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hybridcars.com/2014-honda-accord-plug-in-hybrid-now-available-in-calif-and-new-york/|title=2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Now Available in Calif. And New York|first=Pete |last=Brissette|publisher=HybridCars.com|date=21 January 2013|access-date=21 January 2013}}</ref> A total of 835 units have been sold in the US through September 2014.<ref name=PEVUSales2012/><ref name=PEVUSales2013/><ref name=USPEVsales092014/> The Accord PHEV was introduced in Japan in June 2013 and is available only for leasing, primarily to corporations and government agencies.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2013/06/honda-20130621.html |title=Honda introduces Accord hybrid and plug-in in Japan; hybrid in US in October |work=Green Car Congress |location=US  |date=21 June 2013 |access-date=22 February 2014}}</ref>

The [[Honda e]] was launched in 2020 and has an [[all-electric range|electric range]] of {{Convert|137|mi|abbr=on}}. It is an electric supermini that is retro styled, similar to the [[first-generation Honda Civic]]. Following this, the [[Honda e:Ny1]] was launched in 2023, with an [[all-electric range|electric range]] of {{Convert|256|mi|abbr=on}} on the top spec model. It is Honda's first electric SUV.

In April 2022, Honda and [[General Motors]] announced a joint venture to develop low-cost electric vehicles based on GM's [[Ultium]] architecture in order to beat [[Tesla, Inc.|Tesla]] vehicles in sales.

In October 2023, the two companies announced that the joint venture has been cancelled due to slower-than-expected demand of electric vehicles and changing market conditions.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-25 |title=Honda, GM scrap $5 bln plan to co-develop cheaper EVs |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/honda-shelves-plan-co-develop-smaller-evs-with-gm-bloomberg-news-2023-10-25/ |access-date=2023-10-31}}</ref> Although the upcoming [[Honda Prologue]] and [[Acura ZDX]] will use the Ultium architecture and will be manufactured by General Motors, future Honda electric vehicles will be designed solely by Honda and will be manufactured in Honda assembly plants.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-28 |title=Honda changes course and says it will build its own electric vehicles |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/28/honda-changes-course-and-says-it-will-build-its-own-electric-vehicles.html |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>

=== Batteries ===
In August 2022, Honda and LG Energy Solution revealed a joint venture to establish a new lithium-ion battery factory in the United States, specifically for Honda and Acura electric vehicles. The initial goal was to produce 40 gigawatt hours of battery capacity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manfredi |first=Lucas |date=2022-08-29 |title=Honda, LG Energy teaming to build $4.4B EV battery plant in US |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/honda-lg-energy-teaming-build-ev-battery-plant-us |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=FOXBusiness |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Marketing==
==={{anchor|Verno|Clio|Primo|}} Japanese marketing===
[[File:Honda CLIO Japan Car dealership Saitama.jpg|thumb|right|Honda Clio ([[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan)]]

Starting in 1978, Honda in Japan decided to diversify its sales distribution channels and created '''Honda Verno''', which sold established products with a higher content of standard equipment and more sporting nature.<ref>[http://www.honda.co.jp/news/2005/c051214.html Honda　国内四輪　新販売チャネル施策と、アキュラブランド導入を発表] Honda公式サイト 2005年12月14日</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060704200214/http://www.honda.co.jp/guide/corporate-profile/global/japan/ Honda｜会社案内｜会社概要｜Hondaのグローバル展開｜日本] Honda公式サイト</ref> The establishment of ''Honda Verno'' coincided with its new sports compact, the [[Honda Prelude]]. Later, the [[Honda Vigor]], [[Honda Ballade]], and [[Honda Quint]] were added to ''Honda Verno'' stores. This approach was implemented due to efforts in place by rival Japanese automakers [[Toyota dealerships (Japan)|Toyota]] and [[Nissan#Japan|Nissan]].

[[File:Honda Cars Osaka Nagahori.jpg|thumb|right|Honda Primo ([[Osaka]])]]

As sales progressed, Honda created two more sales channels, called '''Honda Clio''' in 1984, and '''Honda Primo''' in 1985. The ''Honda Clio'' chain sold products that were traditionally associated with Honda dealerships before 1978, like the [[Honda Accord]], and ''Honda Primo'' sold the [[Honda Civic]], [[kei car]]s such as the [[Honda Today]], [[supermini]]s like the [[Honda Capa]], along with other Honda products, such as farm equipment, lawnmowers, portable generators, and marine equipment, plus motorcycles and scooters like the [[Honda Super Cub]]. A styling tradition was established when ''Honda Primo'' and ''Clio'' began operations in that all ''Verno'' products had the rear license plate installed in the rear bumper, while ''Primo'' and ''Clio'' products had the rear license plate installed on the trunk lid or rear door for minivans. The [[Renault Clio]] was sold in Japan at Nissan dealerships, but was renamed the Renault Lutecia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.jp/car_lineup/lutecia/presentation/index.html |title=Model lineup: Renault Lutecia presentation |publisher=Renault Japon |language=ja |access-date=12 November 2013}}</ref> Lutecia is derived from the name of ''[[Lutetia]]'', an ancient Roman city that was the predecessor of [[Paris]].

[[File:HondaVerno 2nddealership.jpg|thumb|right|Honda Verno (2008)]]

As time progressed and sales began to diminish partly due to the collapse of the [[Japanese asset price bubble|Japanese "bubble economy"]], "supermini" and "kei" vehicles that were specific to ''Honda Primo'' were "[[badge engineered]]" and sold at the other two sales channels, thereby providing smaller vehicles that sold better at both ''Honda Verno'' and ''Honda Clio'' locations. As of March 2006, the three sales chains were discontinued, with the establishment of ''Honda Cars'' dealerships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://world.honda.com/timeline/japan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050407053604/http://world.honda.com/timeline/japan/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 April 2005 |title=Honda Timeline |publisher=World.honda.com |access-date=10 January 2012  }}</ref> While the network was disbanded, some Japanese Honda dealerships still use the network names, offering all Japanese market Honda cars at all locations.

[[File:HONDA Bike Shop.jpg|thumb|right|Honda Wing motorcycle dealership ([[Japan]])]]

Honda sells genuine accessories through a separate retail chain called ''[[:ja:ホンダアクセス|Honda Access]]'' for both their motorcycle, scooter, and automobile products. In cooperation with [[corporate group]] partner [[Pioneer Corporation|Pioneer]], Honda sells an aftermarket line of audio and [[Internavi|in-car navigation]] equipment that can be installed in any vehicle under the brand name [[:ja:ギャザズ|Gathers]], which is available at Honda Access locations as well as Japanese auto parts retailers, such as [[Autobacs]]. Buyers of used vehicles are directed to a specific Honda retail chain that sells only used vehicles called ''[[:ja:Auto Terrace|Honda Auto Terrace]]''.

In the spring of 2012, Honda in Japan introduced ''Honda Cars Small Store'' which is devoted to compact cars like the [[Honda Fit]], and ''[[kei car|kei]]'' vehicles like the [[Honda N-One]] and [[Honda S660]] roadster.

All cars sold at [[:ja:ベルノ店|Honda Verno]] 
*[[Honda Prelude|Prelude]], [[Honda Integra|Integra]], [[Honda CR-X|CR-X]], [[Honda Vigor|Vigor]], [[Honda Saber|Saber]], [[Honda Ballade|Ballade]], [[Honda Quint|Quint]], [[Honda Crossroad|Crossroad]], [[Honda Element|Element]], [[Honda NSX|NSX]], [[Honda HR-V|HR-V]], [[Honda Mobilio Spike|Mobilio Spike]], [[Honda S2000|S2000]], [[Honda CR-V|CR-V]], [[Honda That's|That's]], [[Honda MDX|MDX]], [[Honda Rafaga|Rafaga]], [[Honda Capa|Capa]], and the [[Honda Torneo|Torneo]]

All cars sold at [[:ja:クリオ店|Honda Clio]]
*[[Honda Accord|Accord]], [[Honda Legend|Legend]], [[Honda Inspire|Inspire]], [[Honda Avancier (station wagon)|Avancier]], [[Honda S-MX|S-MX]], [[Honda Odyssey (North America)|Lagreat]], [[Honda Stepwgn|Stepwgn]], [[Honda Elysion|Elysion]], [[Honda Stream|Stream]], [[Honda Odyssey (international)|Odyssey (int'l)]], [[Honda Domani|Domani]], [[Honda Concerto|Concerto]], [[Honda Accord Tourer|Accord Tourer]], [[Honda Logo|Logo]], [[Honda Fit|Fit]], [[Honda Insight|Insight]], [[Honda That's|That's]], [[Honda Mobilio|Mobilio]], and the [[Honda City|City]]

All cars sold at [[:ja:プリモ店|Honda Primo]]
* [[Honda Civic|Civic]], [[Honda Life|Life]], [[Honda Acty|Acty]], [[Honda Vamos|Vamos]], [[Honda Vamos|Hobio]], [[Honda Ascot|Ascot]], [[Honda Ascot#Ascot Innova (CB3/4)|Ascot Innova]], [[Honda Torneo|Torneo]], [[Honda Civic Ferio|Civic Ferio]], [[Honda Freed|Freed]], [[Honda Mobilio|Mobilio]], [[Honda Orthia|Orthia]], [[Honda Capa|Capa]], [[Honda Today|Today]], [[Honda Z|Z]], and the [[Honda Beat|Beat]]
{{Clear}}

===International marketing===
[[File:RichmondHillHonda.jpg|thumb|A Honda dealership in [[Ontario]], Canada]]
[[File:Honda Garage, Dreghorn.jpg|thumb|right|A Honda dealership in [[Dreghorn]], Scotland]]

In 2003, Honda released its ''[[Cog (television commercial)|Cog]]'' advertisement in the UK and on the Internet. To make the ad, the engineers at Honda constructed a [[Rube Goldberg Machine]] made entirely out of car parts from a [[Honda Accord (Japan and Europe seventh generation)|Honda Accord Touring]]. To the chagrin of the engineers at Honda, all the parts were taken from two of only six hand-assembled [[Pre-production car|pre-production]] models of the Accord. The advertisement depicted a single cog which sets off a chain of events that ends with the Honda Accord moving and [[Garrison Keillor]] speaking the tagline, "Isn't it nice when things just... work?" It took 100 takes to create the ad.<ref>{{cite news |title=FEATURE: The Making of Honda 'Cog' |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/feature-making-honda-cog/181579 |access-date=January 12, 2024 |work=Campaign |date=May 30, 2003 |language=en}}</ref>

Honda has done humor marketing such as its 1985 four-page "How to fit six Hondas in a two-car garage" print ad<ref>Honda lawn tractor, Honda portable generator, Honda snow blower, Honda lawn mower, Honda outboard, Honda lawn tiller {{cite magazine |magazine=[[Newsweek]] |title=How to fit six Hondas in a two-car garage|date=June 17, 1985}}</ref> or "descending so low in a parking garage, they pass [[stalagmite]]s and a [[Golem|Gollum]]-like figure."<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=[[AdWeek]] |url=https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/hondas-humorous-spots-add-personality-suvs-75065 |title=Honda's Humorous Spots Add 'Personality' To SUVs |first=Gregory |last=Solman |date=September 27, 2004}}</ref>

In 2004, they produced the ''[[Grrr (advertisement)|Grrr]]'' advert, usually immediately followed by a shortened version of the 2005 ''Impossible Dream'' advert. In December 2005, Honda released ''[[Impossible Dream (Honda advert)|The Impossible Dream]]'' a two-minute panoramic advertisement filmed in New Zealand, Japan, and Argentina which illustrates the founder's dream to build performance vehicles. While singing the song "[[The Impossible Dream (The Quest)|Impossible Dream]]", a man reaches for his racing helmet, leaves his trailer on a minibike, then rides a succession of vintage Honda vehicles: a motorcycle, then a car, then a powerboat, then goes over a waterfall only to reappear piloting a [[hot air balloon]], with Garrison Keillor saying "I couldn't have put it better myself" as the song ends. The song is from the 1960s musical ''[[Man of La Mancha]]'', sung by [[Andy Williams]].

In 2006, Honda released its ''Choir'' advertisement, for the UK and the internet. This had a 60-person choir who sang the car noises as the film of the Honda Civic is shown.

In the mid to late 2000s in the United States, during model close-out sales for the current year before the start of the new [[model year]], Honda's advertising has had an [[animated character]] known simply as [[Mr. Opportunity]], voiced by [[Rob Paulsen]]. The casual-looking man talked about various deals offered by Honda and ended with the phrase "I'm Mr. Opportunity, and I'm knockin{{'"}}, followed by him "knocking" on the television screen or "thumping" the speaker at the end of radio ads. In addition, commercials for Honda's international hatchback, the Jazz, are parodies of well-known pop culture images such as ''[[Tetris]]'' and [[Thomas the Tank Engine]].

In late 2006, Honda released an ad with [[ASIMO]] exploring a museum, looking at the exhibits with almost childlike wonderment (spreading out its arms in the aerospace exhibit, waving hello to an [[astronaut]] suit that resembles him, etc.), while Garrison Keillor ruminates on progress. It concludes with the tagline: "More forwards please". Honda also sponsored [[ITV Sport|ITV's]] coverage of [[Formula One]] in the UK for 2007. However, they had announced that they would not continue in 2008 due to the sponsorship price requested by ITV being too high.

In May 2007, focuses on their strengths in racing and the use of the Red H badge – a symbol of what is termed as "Hondamentalism". The campaign highlights the lengths that Honda engineers go to in order to get the most out of an engine, whether it is for bikes, cars, powerboats – even lawnmowers. Honda released its Hondamentalism campaign. In the TV spot, Garrison Keillor says, "An engineer once said to build something great is like swimming in honey", while Honda engineers in white suits walk and run towards a great light, battling strong winds and flying debris, holding on to anything that will keep them from being blown away. Finally one of the engineers walks towards a red light, his hand outstretched. A web address is shown for the Hondamentalism website. The digital campaign aims to show how visitors to the site share many of the Hondamentalist characteristics.

At the beginning of 2008, Honda released – the ''Problem Playground''. The advert outlines Honda's environmental responsibility, demonstrating a hybrid engine, more efficient solar panels, and the [[FCX Clarity]], a hydrogen-powered car. The 90-second advert has large-scale puzzles, involving [[Rubik's Cube]]s, large shapes, and a 3-dimensional puzzle. On 29 May 2008, Honda, in partnership with [[Channel 4]], broadcast a live advertisement. It showed [[skydivers]] jumping from an airplane over Spain and forming the letters H, O, N, D, and A in mid-air. This live advertisement is generally agreed to be the first of its kind on British television. The ad lasted three minutes.<ref>{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Sweney |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/jun/02/advertising.spain |title=Plane used in Honda skydiving ad crashes in Spain, Media |work=[[The Guardian]] |location=UK |date= 2 June 2008|access-date=27 September 2010 }}</ref>

In 2009, American Honda released the ''Dream the Impossible'' documentary series, a collection of 5- to 8-minute web vignettes that focus on the core philosophies of Honda. Current short films include ''Failure: The Secret to Success'', ''Kick Out the Ladder'' and ''Mobility 2088''. They have Honda employees as well as [[Danica Patrick]], [[Christopher Guest]], [[Ben Bova]], Chee Pearlman, [[Joe Johnston]] and [[Orson Scott Card]]. The film series plays at dreams.honda.com. In the UK, national television ads feature voice-overs from American radio host [[Garrison Keillor]], while in the US the voice of Honda commercials is actor and wrestler [[John Cena]].

In the North American market, Honda starts all of its commercials with a two-tone jingle since the mid-2010s.

===Sports===
[[Ayrton Senna]], the late F1 driver, once remarked that Honda played a pivotal role in his three world championships. He held deep respect for the company's founder, Soichiro Honda, and maintained a strong relationship with Nobuhiko Kawamoto, the chairman of Honda at the time. Senna even referred to Honda as "the greatest company in the world."<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Qazi Faheem|date=10 September 2017|title=Honda Company Analysis Report|url=https://www.slideshare.net/FaheemQazi2/honda-company-analysis-report|website=SlideShare}}</ref>

As part of its marketing campaign, Honda is an official partner and sponsor of the North American [[National Hockey League]], the [[Anaheim Ducks]] of the NHL, and the arena named after it: [[Honda Center]]. Honda also sponsored [[The Honda Classic]] golf tournament in the United States until 2023 and is a sponsor of  the United States [[Major League Soccer]]. The "[[Honda Player of the Year]]" award is presented in United States soccer. The "[[Honda Sports Award]]" is given to the best female athlete in each of twelve college sports in the United States. One of the twelve Honda Sports Award winners is chosen to receive the [[Honda-Broderick Cup]], as "Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year."

Honda sponsored [[La Liga]] club [[Valencia CF]] starting from [[2014–15 La Liga|2014–15 season]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lois|first1=Adrián|title=¿Qué patrocinan las marcas de coches en el mundo del futbol?|url=http://www.autopista.es/noticias-motor/articulo/coches-futbol-patrocinios-equipos-competiciones-jugadores-101096|website=autopista.es|access-date=31 December 2017|language=es|date=10 July 2014}}</ref>

Honda has been a presenting sponsor of the [[Los Angeles Marathon]] since 2010 in a three-year sponsorship deal, with winners of the LA Marathon receiving a free [[Honda Accord]]. Since 1989, the [[Honda Campus All-Star Challenge]] has been a [[quiz bowl]] tournament for [[Historically black colleges and universities]].

==Facilities (partial list)==
{{Main|List of Honda facilities}}

==Sales==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Calendar year
! Total US sales<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/local_news_content/%5B5147d%5D_Honda_2012_Digital_FactBook.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308033529/http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/local_news_content/%5B5147d%5D_Honda_2012_Digital_FactBook.pdf|archive-date=8 March 2013 |title=2012 Digital FactBook |publisher=Honda |date=September 2012 |access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref>
|-
 | 1992
 | 768,845
 |-
 | 1993
 | 716,546
 |-
 | 1994
 | 788,230
 |-
 | 1995
 | 794,579
 |-
 | 1996
 | 843,928
 |-
 | 1997
 | 940,386
 |-
 | 1998
 | 1,009,600
|-
| 1999
 | 1,076,893
 |-
 | 2000
 | 1,158,860
 |-
 | 2001
 | 1,207,639
 |-
 | 2002
 | 1,247,834
 |-
 | 2003
 | 1,349,847
 |-
 | 2004
 | 1,394,398
 |-
 | 2005
 | 1,462,472
 |-
 | 2006
 | 1,509,358
 |-
 | 2007
 | 1,551,542<ref name=sales2008/>
 |-
 | 2008
 | 1,284,261<ref name=sales2008>{{Cite web|url=http://hondanews.com/channels/149/releases/94c18aa3-0c51-3936-fcc0-ff004c34bbe7|title=Honda Media Newsroom – Headlines – American Honda Reports 2008 Annual and December Monthly Sales|date=16 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216111655/http://hondanews.com/channels/149/releases/94c18aa3-0c51-3936-fcc0-ff004c34bbe7|archive-date=16 December 2010}}</ref>
 |-
 | 2009
 | 1,150,784<ref name=sales2010>{{cite web|url=http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/american-honda-december-sales-up-25-5-percent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107094813/http://hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/american-honda-december-sales-up-25-5-percent |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 January 2011 |title=Honda Media Newsroom – Headlines – American Honda December Sales Up 25.5 Percent |publisher=Hondanews.com |access-date=21 August 2011  }}</ref>
 |-
 | 2010
 | 1,230,480<ref name=sales2010/>
 |-
 | 2011
 | 1,147,000<ref name="world.honda.com-1">{{cite web|url=http://world.honda.com/news/2013/c130128Sales-Production-Result/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306041512/http://world.honda.com/news/2013/c130128Sales-Production-Result/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 March 2013 |title=2012 Honda SALES & PRODUCTION RESULTS  }}</ref>
 |-
 | 2012
 | 1,422,000<ref name="world.honda.com-1" />
 |-
 | 2013
 | 1,525,312<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-sets-all-time-december-sales-record-to-earn-2nd-best-annual-sales-total-for-american-honda-acura-light-trucks-post-best-year-in-brand-history |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104212637/http://hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-sets-all-time-december-sales-record-to-earn-2nd-best-annual-sales-total-for-american-honda-acura-light-trucks-post-best-year-in-brand-history |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 January 2014 |title=Honda Sets All-Time December Sales Record to Earn 2nd Best Annual Sales Total for American Honda; Acura Light Trucks Post Best Year in Brand History |publisher=Hondanews.com |date=3 January 2014 |access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref>
 |-
 | 2014
 | 1,540,872
 |-
 | 2015
 | 1,586,551<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hondanews.com/en-US/releases/american-honda-sets-new-all-time-annual-sales-record|title=American Honda Sets New All-Time Annual Sales Record|date=5 January 2016|website=Honda Newsroom}}</ref>
 |-
 | 2016
 | 1,637,942<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hondanews.com/en-US/releases/american-honda-sets-all-time-sales-records-powered-by-demand-for-cars-and-trucks|title=American Honda Sets All-Time Sales Records Powered by Demand for Cars and Trucks|date=4 January 2017|website=Honda Newsroom}}</ref>
 |-
 | 2017
 | 1,641,429<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://hondanews.com/honda-corporate/channels/corporate-sales/releases/american-honda-sets-3rd-straight-annual-sales-record-with-best-ever-december |title=American Honda Sets 3rd Straight Annual Sales Record with Best-Ever December for Trucks |access-date=21 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221134657/https://hondanews.com/honda-corporate/channels/corporate-sales/releases/american-honda-sets-3rd-straight-annual-sales-record-with-best-ever-december |archive-date=21 December 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
|2018
|1,604,828<ref name="HondaUS2019">{{Cite press release|url=https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-corporate/releases/release-807c080220275f828905387c4f002e91-record-light-truck-sales-lift-ahm-and-honda-brand-to-sales-increases-in-2019|title= Record Light Truck Sales Lift AHM and Honda Brand to Sales Increases in 2019 |website=HondaNews|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-18}}</ref>
|-
|2019
|1,608,170<ref name="HondaUS2019"/>
|}

==Production numbers==
For automobiles:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Calendar year
! Global production
|-
| 2009
| 3,012,000<ref name="world.honda.com">{{cite web|url=http://world.honda.com/news/2011/c110127Sales-Production-Result/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131174436/http://world.honda.com/news/2011/c110127Sales-Production-Result/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 January 2011 |title=2010 Honda SALES & PRODUCTION RESULTS  }}</ref>
|-
| 2010
| 3,643,000<ref name="world.honda.com"/>
|-
| 2011
| 2,909,000<ref name="world.honda.com-1"/>
|-
| 2012
| 4,110,000<ref name="world.honda.com-1"/>
|-
| 2013
| 4,112,000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://global.honda/newsroom/news/2014/c140129aeng.html | title=2013 Honda SALES & PRODUCTION RESULTS}}</ref>
|-
| 2014
| 4,513,769<ref>{{cite web|url=https://global.honda/newsroom/news/2015/c150128eng.html | title=Honda Sets All-Time Calendar Year Production Records for Automobile Production, Worldwide, Overseas, in Asia and China for the Year 2014}}</ref>
|-
| 2015
| 4,543,838<ref>{{cite web|url=https://global.honda/newsroom/news/2016/c160127eng.html | title=Honda Sets All-Time Calendar Year Production Records for Automobile Production, Worldwide, Overseas, in Asia and China for the Year 2015}}</ref>
|-
| 2016
| 4,999,266<ref>{{cite web|url=https://global.honda/newsroom/news/2017/c170130eng.html | title=Honda Sets All-Time Calendar Year Production Records for Automobile Production, Worldwide, Overseas, in Asia and China for the Year 2016}}</ref>
|-
| 2017
| 5,236,842<ref>{{cite web|url=https://global.honda/newsroom/news/2018/c180130eng.html | title=Honda Sets All-Time Calendar Year Production Records for Automobile Production, Worldwide, Overseas, in Asia and China for the Year 2017}}</ref>
|-
| 2018
| 5,357,013<ref>{{cite web|url=https://global.honda/newsroom/news/2019/c190130ceng.html | title=Honda Sets All-Time Calendar Year Production Records for Automobile Production, Worldwide, Overseas, in Asia and China for the year 2018}}</ref>
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Tokyo|Companies}}
* [[Comparison of Honda water-pumps]]
* [[Honda advanced technology]]
* [[Honda Airport]]
* [[Honda Battle of the Bands]]
* [[Honda G-Con]]
* [[Honda F.C.]], football (soccer) club
* [[Honda Heat]], rugby union club
* [[Honda in motorsport]]
* [[Honda Racing Corporation USA]]
* [[Honda Type R]]
* [[List of Honda assembly plants]]
* [[List of Honda transmissions]]
* [[List of motor scooter manufacturers and brands]]

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name= Alexander2008>{{Citation |title= Japan's Motorcycle Wars: An Industry History |first= Jeffrey W. |last= Alexander |publisher= UBC Press |year= 2008 |isbn= 978-0-8248-3328-2 |pages= [https://archive.org/details/japansmotorcycle0000alex/page/112 112–116, 197–211] |url= https://archive.org/details/japansmotorcycle0000alex/page/112 }}</ref>

<ref name=Falloon2005>{{Citation |first=Ian |last= Falloon |title= The Honda Story |publisher= Haynes |year= 2005 |isbn= 1-85960-966-X |pages= 9–13}}</ref>

<ref name=Sakiya1982>{{Citation |title= Honda Motor: the men, the management, the machines |first= Tetsuo |last= Sakiya |editor-first= Timothy |editor-last= Porter |publisher= [[Kodansha]] |year= 1982 |isbn= 978-0-87011-522-6 |url-access= registration |url= https://archive.org/details/hondamotormenman0000saki }}</ref>

<ref name=Frank2003>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CSxTaoGagKoC&pg=PA42 | title= Honda Motorcycles | first= Aaron | last= Frank | publisher= MotorBooks International | year= 2003 | isbn=978-0-7603-1077-9 |access-date=28 January 2012 }}</ref>
}}

==Sources==
* "Move Over, Volvo: Honda Sets New Safety Standard for Itself", an article in the "News" section of the March 2004 issue of ''[[Motor Trend]]'', on [[page (paper)|page]] 32
* {{cite web|title=Annual Reports|url=http://world.honda.com/investors/library/annual_report/|work=Investor Relations|publisher=Honda Motor Co|access-date=<!--18 January 2014-->}}
* The story of Honda's entry and growth in the American market is documented in [[Terry Sanders]]' film [[The Japan Project: Made in Japan]]. [http://www.honda.lv/ Honda]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060710033605/http://www.chiefexecutive.net/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=5AC37129F35C4D56830A806ED3E76297 Honda's Midlife Crisis: Honda's slipping market position and views of Fukui Takeo (Chief Executive magazine, December 2005 issue)]
* [http://corporate.honda.com/america/history.aspx Honda's Corporate History]

==External links==
{{Commons category|Honda}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{Finance links |symbol=HMC |sec_cik=HMC |google=TYO:7267 |yahoo=HMC |bloomberg=HMC:US |reuters=HMC |nasdaq=HMC}}
* {{Official website|https://global.honda/}}
* [http://www.honda.co.jp/pressroom/library/ Honda Press Library] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116153624/http://www.honda.co.jp/pressroom/library/ |date=16 January 2021 }} (Japanese, but with graphical timelines of car and bike models)
* {{cite web|url=http://www.nccjapan.net/shashiwiki/index.php?title=Honda_Motor_Co|title=Company history books (Shashi)|publisher=Shashi Interest Group|date=April 2016}} Wiki collection of bibliographic works on Honda

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