The History of Honda Motor Company
If you live in America or Japan you certainly know the name Honda. A decades-old automobile manufacturer with a reputation for very fuel-efficient, long-lasting, and inexpensive cars. How could such a full package deal not get popular?
Though Honda is now an international, highly-valued company, it came from humble beginnings and exists today because of the persistence and passion of its founder.
We often repair Hondas here at Service King North Dallas in Dallas, TX so we know it's a top-notch brand and very popular all over the world.
Beginnings
Honda's true inception is in the founding of Eastern Sea Precision Machine Company by Soichiro Honda, a mechanic, and lover of automobiles, in 1937. This company supplied piston rings to Toyota for a short time. However, Toyota ended the contract as the rings were not up to standard. This prompted Soichiro to enroll in engineering school and travel to different Toyota plants, learning their methods. He eventually developed piston rings of acceptable quality and would go on to make them for the war effort.
After World War II
After his shop was destroyed by an American B-29 bomber, Honda founded the Honda Technical Research Institute in October 1946. There, they made motorcycles. By 1964 were the most prolific motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
Despite being what they are known for by most people, Honda did not start producing automobiles until several decades into its history. In 1963 they released the S500, a sports car, and the T360, a truck.
Imports to America
Honda finally expanded to America in 1973, met with a high demand for the fuel-efficient Civic that they introduced. Since then it has become one of the most popular car manufacturers in the country, and in 1991 the Honda Accord would be the best-selling car in the United States.
Luxury Vehicles
Honda introduced Acura in 1986, expanding into the luxury market. The first two models were the Legend and Integra. This also became the first line of Japanese luxury cars in history.
Another milestone was the release of the Acura NSX in 1990, the world's first complete aluminum body in an automobile.
Honda has since expanded into areas such as robotics, aircraft, power equipment, green energy, and offroad vehicles. In 1986, ASIMO, Honda's humanoid robot, was born. ASIMO has been in continued development; as of 2011, it can run at 5 miles per hour and even dance.
Honda continues to be a pioneer as we move into the future. They have produced a hydrogen-powered vehicle, the FCX Clarity, though it is not available for sale yet. Currently, they are working on alternative energy vehicles and energy sources.
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Sources: Honda.com and Wikipedia
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