Starting with the Dream D-Type in 1949, after 70 years, the Japanese manufacturer sold 400 million
In 1997, the production was 100 million in total and 200 in 2008. The 300 marks were passed in 2014 and five years later Honda reached 400 million bikes sold.
Founded back in 1948, the mass-production of motorcycles started in Belgium in 1963. Some of its famous models include the Honda Super Cub of the late ‘50s with over 100 million units sold and the groundbreaking Honda CB 750 Four in the late ‘60s, an in-line four that was the base for all future superbikes ever produced.
In 2018, the production passed 20 million units sold annually. Honda’s largest market for selling bikes is India with over 28% of the whole bikes sold.
Honda extended the production at a global level throughout the time in 21 countries with a total of 35 factories. Its models have engines, from 50cc commuters to 1,800cc models. Now, it’s time for the 2021 CBR1000 RR-R Fireblade SP to lead the technology of superbike machines and the sales can reach 500 million with bikes like Africa Twin, CBR650R, CB1000R, Gold Wing and many more.
“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,” said Takahiro Hachigo, CEO, Honda Motor Co.
Honda’s production in figures:
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 and 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 total global motorcycle production
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
2013 Honda begins motorcycle production in Bangladesh
2014 Honda reaches 300 million-unit milestone for cumulative global motorcycle production
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