 |
| Honda’s international plants lead the way in accelerating localization and expanding production. |
|
|
| Further strengthening production facilities in North America |
| When American Honda Motor Co. started motorcycle sales in 1959, this was our first local enterprise outside of Japan. In 1978, Honda of America Mfg. (HAM) was established to produce motorcycles in the U.S., reflecting our basic concept of “building products close to the customer.” In 1982, Honda began manufacturing passenger cars in North America, becoming the first Japanese car maker to take this bold step. The year 2007 marked a quarter century of Honda’s commitment to automobile manufacturing in the U.S., and now approximately 80% of Honda’s cars sold in North America are manufactured there. Also in 2007, cumulative automobile production at Honda’s Mexico plant reached 200,000 units. In fall 2008, the company’s seventh automobile plant in North America will open in Indiana, and an automobile engine factory will open in Canada. These developments will strengthen Honda’s production framework, allowing the company to respond flexibly to changes and growth in market demand. |
|
| Increasing local R&D and sales |
| Honda's recently established Acura Design Studio in Torrance, California, creates new design strategies for the Acura brand. Meanwhile, Honda Aero, Inc. has started construction of corporate headquarters and a manufacturing plant in North Carolina, which will be the center of our aero engine business. In the motorcycle business, sports bikes and off-road bikes continue to be sold, and the product lineup is being expanded to include ATVs and personal watercraft. In the power products area, we have begun selling the compact household cogeneration unit in some parts of the U.S. Building on the world-leading manufacturing quality, technology, and products of our North American operations, Honda will set even higher standards to meet customer expectations. |
|
|
|
|
