Honda hits 500 Million cumulative global motorcycle production milestone

Honda has achieved a significant milestone, with its cumulative global production of engine/motor-powered motorcycles reaching 500 million units, 76 years after the company began mass production in 1949 with the Dream D-Type.

Since its founding in 1948, Honda has developed and offered products and services that cater to the needs of customers across various countries and regions, driven by its belief that “the purpose of technology is to make people’s lives easier.”

The company began mass-producing motorcycles outside Japan in 1963 at its first overseas production facility in Belgium. Following its fundamental principle of “producing locally where there is demand,” Honda expanded its global production footprint over the decades. This expansion led to major production milestones: 100 million units in 1997, 200 million units in 2008, and 300 million units in 2014. In 2018, Honda exceeded 20 million units in annual production for the first time. By 2019, cumulative global production reached 400 million units. Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary drop in production in 2020, global demand has since rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.

Looking forward, Honda has positioned 2024 as its “first year of global expansion” for electric two-wheelers, marking a shift toward incorporating more electric models into its diverse lineup.

With an annual production capacity of more than 20 million units, Honda operates in 23 countries and regions, supported by 37 production entities. The company reaches its customers worldwide through a network of over 30,000 Honda dealers, offering a range of models from everyday commuters to larger displacement models and electric motorcycles.

Honda is committed to further strengthening its motorcycle business by offering a wide variety of products and services, emphasizing the “joy and freedom of mobility” while building an efficient business structure and working toward carbon neutrality, particularly through electrification.

Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President, and Representative Executive Officer, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said “For Honda, the motorcycle business is our founder’s business, and it will continue to be our core business. Through our many products and services, we’ve built the trust of our customers, allowing us to reach the milestone of 500 million units. I want to express my gratitude to our customers and all stakeholders who played a role in achieving this accomplishment—from development to production, sales, and service. Honda will continue to expand the joy of mobility for our customers worldwide.”

Honda’s Journey to 500 Million Motorcycle Units

• 1948: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. founded
• 1949: Honda releases its first major motorcycle, the Dream D-Type
• 1958: Honda releases its first Super Cub, the Super Cub C100
• 1963: Honda begins motorcycle production in Belgium, its first factory outside Japan
• 1964: Honda begins production in Pakistan
• 1967: Honda begins production in Thailand
• 1968: Honda reaches 10 million units in cumulative global production
• 1969: Honda begins production in Malaysia
• 1971: Honda begins production in Indonesia
• 1973: Honda begins production in the Philippines
• 1976: Honda begins production in Brazil and Italy
• 1979: Honda begins production in North America
• 1980: Honda begins production in Nigeria
• 1984: Honda reaches 50 million units in cumulative global production
• 1985: Honda begins production in India
• 1988: Honda begins production in Mexico
• 1992: Honda begins production in China
• 1997: Honda begins production in Vietnam and reaches 100 million units
• 2004: Honda exceeds 10 million units in annual production
• 2006: Honda begins production in Argentina
• 2007: Honda begins production in Peru
• 2008: Honda reaches 200 million units in cumulative global production
• 2013: Honda begins production in Bangladesh and Kenya
• 2014: Honda reaches 300 million units in cumulative global production
• 2018: Honda exceeds 20 million units in annual production
• 2019: Honda reaches 400 million units in cumulative global production
• 2025: Honda reaches 500 million units in cumulative global motorcycle production.