Honda

Honda is the company established in 1946 by Japanese engineer, inventor and auto racer – Soichiro Honda who was born in 1906. Honda Company in its modern conditions given its 50 year history came the result of audacious, inventive and non-standard approach and activities of Soichiro Honda. Born in poor family Soichiro unfinished school went to car repair shop in Tokyo as apprentice. Honda’s early autotransport affection was infected by his father’s specialty who was a smith dealing with bicycles repairing and hence instilled his son technical affairs knowledge.

In 1928 after Soichiro raised enough money came back to his town in the region of Hamamatsu and established car work shop there. The same year he gained his first of subsequently many patents as he suggested to swap wooden spokes in the wheel for metal ones. Soichiro Honda inventions brought him the reputation of the man who can find brilliantly simple solutions to complex problems. In 1937 he founded Tokai Seiki Heavy Industry and after in 1938 Honda devised piston ring his company commenced manufacturing the invention product.

In 1945, after the factory suffered seriously from WW II and earthquake, Soichiro Honda decided to sell Tokai Seiki to Toyota for 450 000 yens. Once Soichiro arranged engine to his bicycle and constructed hence a moped, then he made a dozen of them and handed to his friends. In 1946 Honda established Honda Technical Research Institute Company and in 1947 was constructed the first model in Honda history – product named A-type, a 2-stroke 50 cc engine.

Soon in 1948 another historical milestone happened – the company was renamed to Honda Motor Company and commenced motorcycles developing and manufacturing. The first motorcycle in Honda history was Dream model with 98 cc engine displacement manufactured in 1949. The same year another substantial event in Honda history as Takeo Fujisava joined the company. He is considered a deserved second father-founder of Honda company. Still there was a distinct separation of duties between Fujisava and Soichiro Honda: the first was responsible for corporate management and sales while Honda was dealing with production technologies.

In 1950 Honda company opened its office in Tokyo and purchased sew factory which was transformed into motorcycle manufacturing factory. Honda launches Dream Type D which was removed Dream Type-E in 1951. This new model had top speed of 70 km/h. In 1952 in Honda history came significant event as its prime office moved to Tokyo while in Saitama region the company set up Shirako plant; as well new Type F Cub engine was invented with 50 cc displacement and 1.2 h/p.1953 marked in Honda history by two more new plants, trade union establishing, Benly J-type model launch and labor suggestions receipt system.

The next 1954 year became the time of Juno K-type scooter launching and exporting to USA; Honda shares stock entered Tokyo exchange. As well Honda due to essential technological breakthrough came into position to participate motorsport events – international San Paulo race in Brazil and Isle of Man TT in Britain.

In 1955 Soichiro Honda made an inspection trip to Europe in order to learn peculiars of automotive industry. The same year Honda history faced another important milestone as the company finally obtained leading position in motorcycle manufacturing within Japan market eliminated a lot of competitors. Honda also took part in first Japanese Motorcycle Endurance Road Race and won in 350 cc and 500 cc engine classes gained on top of all prize for best construction. That period in Honda history was featured by constructing such models as Benly JB, Dream SA, Dream SB-type.

In 1956 the company set corporate principles that are valid up to nowadays. Honda opened service center and initiated the 1 year production warranty system.
In 1957 on the basis of Shirako factory Honda opened Research and Development Center and company shares reached leading positions at Tokyo exchange. Additionally Honda team took victory in Mt. Asama Race in 350 cc class. Further Honda victories were so many that can scarcely be listed here.

In 1958 Honda issued Super Cub model and in 1959 remarkably in company history Honda gained the name of world first motorcycle manufacturer. In USA the company set up its office - American Honda Motor.

In 1960 the Center for Research and Development grew into separate company - Honda R & D Co., Ltd. In 1961 in make history occurred important thing as month sales volume achieved the level of 100 000 motorcycles – first time in this branch of industry. Concurrently Honda opened its trade delegates in Germany - Honda Deutchland GmbH, and launched motorcycle manufacturing in Taiwan.

Then Honda history came another substantial step as the company erected the plant for manufacturing own production machinery and this had principal sense as subsequently this plant became the pivot of Honda Engineering Co., Ltd company. In Belgium Honda erected new factory for motorcycles assembling and following sales; as well Suzuka Circuit sportive complex was constructed; Honda initiated advertising campaign under "You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda" slogan. This campaign with $5 million budget was contributing Honda motorcycles popularization and generating new image for them as joyous transport mean for average social class”.

Having consolidated its positions in motorcycles market Honda commenced developing automobile market marking important turn in make history. In 1963 Honda introduced its first model – small sportive S500 and in that situation Soichiro Honda proved his famous seditious temper after ignored Japanese ministry for international trade and industry statement that one more car manufacturer was undesirable that period for Japan.

Besides S500 model, Honda issued light truck model – T360. At Honda Benelux N.V. factory in Belgium Honda initiated motorcycle manufacturing. In 1964 Honda remarkably and boldly announced its intention to participate F 1; Honda team took part in Germany based race in 1500 cc class the same year. Honda launched system of service factories and started to erect them throughout Japan. At the same time Honda opened its delegates office in France - Honda France S.A. S500 model won 600km length Nurburing race. In Saitama region of Japan Honda erected Sayama factory destined for car manufacturing only.

1965 year brought to Honda history first victory in F1, Mexico circuit in 1500 cc class. Honda also opened its British office in London and new model – Honda S600 was delivered to export. In same 1965 appeared Honda E300 – the most compact and powerful generator known in the world. 1966 year was marked by debut of new compact N360 model and outstanding world record set by Honda as its team had won 11 champion titles of Formula 2 in a row.

In 1967 Honda managed to win second F1 race – Italian Grand Prix in 3000 cc class. 1968 marked in Honda history by issuing the millionth motorcycle; in French F1 Grand Prix Honda finished second; Honda also managed to sign contract creating prospects of entering Spain and Mexico motorcycle markets. In 1969 the company set its offices in Canada and Australia while I USA Honda launched new motorcycle model – Dream CB-750 Four. In 1970 was opened Center for road safety development and Center for fighting exhaust pollution. In addition Honda Engineering Co. Company was established and automobile exporting to Italy was initiated.

In 1971 Honda introduced CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) engine which was the first meeting Clear Air Deed of 1975. As well Life car model with water cooled engine-type was put on manufacture. Honda delegates offices were opened in Brazil; Motorcycle manufacturing commenced In Mexico. But real success in Honda history came in 1972 only when Civic car model was issued. From then on Honda started to gain reputation as the manufacturer of compact, non-expensive and well-made cars.

In 1973 Soichiro Honda formally left the position of company president (Takeo Fujisava retired as well) but still he was eager to examine each new Honda model personally. Honda and Fujisava became the company highest advisors while the president chair obtained Kiyoshi Kawashima.

Honda Civic model equipped with CVCC system went on sale while CVCC technology was transferred to Isuzu Motors and Chrysler Corporation under contract signed. As well Honda signed such an agreement with Ford Motor. In Suzuka Circuit complex erected in Belgium Honda held first national motorcycle festival. When in 1974 Japan was stroked by oil crisis such car manufacturers as Toyota and Nissan moved to cut production output but Honda contrary to them surprisingly doubled car manufacturing and reduced prices. That step in make history enabled the company to increase output 76% while its competitors got 40% sales decrease. In same 1974 Soichiro Honda was honored by doctorate in Michigan. The launch of “Honda Credit System” in 1975 came as essential event in Honda history.

In 1976 another step was made in Honda models evolution by issuing Accord model while Honda civic total number manufactured surpassed million. In addition Honda Civic took first position in fuel economy tests held by American Agency for Environment Protection and Federal Energy administration. Honda Foundation for developing public activities was founded. Debut of Prelude model marked one more step in Honda models evolution. In 1979 was opened Tochigi testing area and in 1980 first time in its history Honda became third biggest Japanese car manufacturer.

This milestone in Honda history became a kind of turning point for further company sharp development as in 1980 was also launched new Ballade model, 1981 – Vigor and City ones. That year Honda overall all times power units produced number reached 5 million figure; company shares came into demand of London exchange. Since 1982 Honda started to manufacture Accord model at Ohio factory in USA. XL500 Honda motorcycle won in 1982 Paris-Dakar rally and in 1983 Honda returned to Formula 1 racing after 15 year break. It was the time when Honda bolides were piloted by such famous racers as Ayrton Senna and Alan Prost. Honda six times in a row was taking lead in constructors and driver’s general championships.

In the same 1983 Kawashima president resigned, Honda introduced Ballade Sports CRX version and signed contract with Austin Rover Group on joint working. With new president – Tadashi Kume Honda constructed new models – Life, Integra and Legend. Total number of power units reached by far 10 millions number. As well Honda was improving its international network.

1986 year stood out in Honda history for initiating 4WS (four-wheel managing), launching I Canada Accord manufacturing. Honda also gained three first positions in Paris-Dakar rally race of 1986. Starting with 1987 such Honda models as Prelude gained 4WS system and Honda became the most runaway car company. Honda announced safety airbags system (SRS) invention. 5 millionth Civic issuing came as another milestone in Honda history. In 1988 Accord Coupe car and Gold Wing Touring motorcycle model assembled in USA commenced importing to Japan.

According to “Motor Trend” magazine most popular cars in USA rating built CRX, Civic и Prelude Honda gained three first positions. “Car and Driver” US magazine named Accord one of ten most popular model in America. Those ratings were the witnesses of Honda widest recognition among consumers and specialists making scarce example in car history.

At the end of 1980s Concerto model appeared while Soichiro Honda became the first Asian who whose name was placed in Automobile Glory Hall in USA. At the same time Honda Accord became the most popular car model in US market. Honda invented VTEC and TCS car systems.

Next decade of 1990s began with Honda NSX model debut which equipped with latest technological innovations was intended to challenge Ferrari sportive cars. US car market became the main sales area of new model enabling Honda to consolidate position in Gran Tourismo car class. Concurrently Honda was developing ecology friendly models field. So, its sun solar battery car – Dream model – finished second in World Solar Challenge. The motorcycle production volume in 1990 amounted to 3 millions a month. Despite in 1992 Soichiro Honda, company founder-father died the company was moving ahead and in 1992 presented new model – Honda CRX Del Sol.

In 1993 Honda left F1 again but its Dream solar battery car won World Solar Challenge race. At the Suzuka Circuit Honda opened Collection Hall. 1996 year was marked in Honda history by construction of Logo and Stepwgn models; as well by presentation of ATTS system – the system of torque distributing; the company announced also man-like robot prototype invention.

Henceforth Honda was moving closer and closer towards ecology friendly automobile; Honda constructed car models using gas and electricity, and improved engines exhaust rates. So in 1996 Honda EV Plus electric model was issued; hybrid model using IMA system came under development; Honda invented ZLEB-type engines with “0”- exhaust rate. In 1997 the total number of motorcycles manufactured amounted 100 millions stressing great Honda role in auto history.

In 1998 Honda was celebrating its 50 anniversary since foundation and marked historical milestone by issuing S2000 and HR-V models as well as new engine valve timing system – Hyper VTEC. Honda announced desire to return to F1 events and right in 1999 together with British BAR (British American Racing) made a team.

In 2000 Honda presented the world Asimo robot – a prototype model destined for house functional affairs. In 2001 appeared new Fit compact model while restyled Accord became the best-seller model in USA again.

Nowadays Honda is a dynamic runaway company manufacturing cars and motorcycles, special machinery and engines. Technological innovation that Honda constantly brings into the world concern not automobiles only but navigation systems, ecology-friendly factories construction and various autosport events participation. Honda owns 119 manufacturing factories and plants in 33 countries allowing it to issue production in millions numbers: Honda is the worldwide leader in motorcycle manufacturing and joins the first ten of world car manufacturers.

Along with it Honda stands out for that the company refused the overwhelmingly popular wave among car makers to merge into big concerns. In fact, Honda possesses enough potential and facilities for preserving its positions in world moto- and car manufacturing.