History of honda

How easy would riding a bicycle be if it had an engine?

1946, when the most common mode of transportation was the bicycle. On encountering the former Imperial Army’s generator engines to power wireless radios, Soichiro Honda developed the concept of using these engines as auxiliary power for bicycles. Modifying the 500 or so engines, Honda had produced and sold bicycles with auxiliary engines. The new bicycle was an instant hit, with orders coming in and stocks running out, so Honda decided to develop and original engine. In 1947, the A-Type engine, emblazoned with Honda’s name for the very first time, was completed.

1948: The Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is incorporated

34 employees, 1 million yen capital
Honda started as a bicycle auxiliary engine manufacturer in a small factory in Hamamatsu.

1953: Power Products business begins

The H-Type farming engine ushers in a new era, and in 1959 the F150 tiller goes on sale.

1954: Declaring Entry in the Isle of Man TT Races

Despite troubled times, Honda announces its entry into the pinnacle of motorcycle racings. Five years later, Honda enters its first race.

1958: Super Cub goes on sale

The friendly, convenient scooter became an enormous hit.

1959: Expanding into North America

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda’s first overseas subsidiary, is established in Los Angeles.

1960: Honda R & D Co., Ltd. established

Begins as an entity independent from Honda, to freely concentrate on research and development.

1961: First Isle of Man TT race victory

Honda dominates the top 5 spots in the 125cc and 250cc classes.

1962: Honda’s first overseas production begins in Belgium

1962: The Suzuka Circuit is completed

The circuit is born as Japan’s first international-class racing track.

1963: Honda forays into automobile production

Honda releases the T360 mini-truck, followed by the S500 sports car.

1964: Honda’s first appearance in Formula 1 racing

Japan’s first Formula 1 machine, the RA271, debuts at the German Grand Prix.
Honda takes its first Formula 1 victory the following year, in the final round at Mexico

1970: Driving Safety Promotion Center established

Honda begins a motorcycle/automobile industry-first effort to promote driving safety.

1972: Low-emission CVCC engine announced

Honda becomes the first manufacturer in the world to fully comply with the most stringent emission regulations at the time, the U.S. Clean Air Act In 1970, or the so-called “Muskie Law.”