Honda has achieved a massive milestone in terms of global motorcycle production. Honda on its 70th anniversary issuing the statement said that its motorcycle mass-production marks the company’s 400 million-unit milestone for global motorcycle production.
 
Honda currently produces a wide range of motorcycles, from 50cc commuters to 1,800cc models, at 35 facilities in 21 countries.
 
Honda was founded in 1948, and began mass-production of motorcycles at its first overseas production facility in Belgium in 1963. "Since then, Honda has expanded its production globally in accordance with its fundamental principle of producing locally where there is demand," the manufacturer said.
 
Commenting on the milestone, Takahiro Hachigo, Chief Executive Officer, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
said, “For 70 years, Honda has provided to customers worldwide motorcycles that make life easier and enjoyable. As a result, we have achieved our 400 million-unit milestone. I am grateful to all of our customers, and everyone involved in development, manufacturing, sales and service of our products. We will continue to do our best to provide attractive products that meet the needs and dreams of our customers worldwide.”
 
TIMELINE: Honda’s path to 400 million-unit global motorcycle production
 
1948 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. founded
1949 Honda releases its first major motorcycle model, the Dream D-Type
1958 Honda releases its first Super Cub, the Super Cub C100
1963 Honda begins motorcycle production in Belgium (its first motorcycle factory outside          
                   of Japan)
1967 Honda begins motorcycle production in Thailand
1968 Honda reaches 10 million-unit milestone for cumulative global motorcycle
                    production
1971 Honda begins motorcycle production in Indonesia
1976 Honda begins motorcycle production in Brazil | Honda begins motorcycle
                   production in Italy
1979 Honda begins motorcycle production in North America
1980 Honda begins motorcycle production in Nigeria
1984 Honda reaches 50 million-unit milestone for cumulative global motorcycle
                    production
1992 Honda begins motorcycle production in China
1997 Honda begins motorcycle production in Vietnam | Honda reaches 100 million
                   unit milestone for cumulative global motorcycle production (achieved in
                   48 years)
2001 Honda begins motorcycle production in India
2004 Honda exceeds 10 million-unit annual motorcycle production for the first time
2008 Honda reaches 200 million-unit milestone for cumulative global
                    motorcycle production (11 years since 100 millionth unit)
2013 Honda begins motorcycle production in Bangladesh
2014 Honda reaches 300 million-unit milestone for cumulative global  
                    motorcycle production (6 years since 200 millionth unit)
2018 Honda exceeds 20 million-unit annual motorcycle production for the first time
2019 Honda reaches 400 million-unit milestone for cumulative global
                    motorcycle production (5 years since 300 millionth unit)