Honda has marked a significant achievement by producing 500 million motorcycles globally, 76 years after rolling out its first mass-produced model, the Dream D-Type, in 1949. This milestone highlights the brand’s long-standing influence and leadership in the global two-wheeler market.
Since its inception in 1948, Honda has stayed true to its guiding belief that technology should improve people’s daily lives. The company’s global journey began in 1963 with the establishment of its first overseas manufacturing facility in Belgium. Adopting a philosophy of “producing motorcycles where they are in demand,” Honda rapidly expanded its international presence.
This strategy drove steady growth, with production numbers reaching 100 million units in 1997, 200 million in 2008, 300 million by 2014, and 400 million in 2019. In 2018, Honda crossed the 20-million-unit mark in annual production for the first time. Although the COVID-19 pandemic briefly slowed operations in 2020, demand quickly bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.
Currently, Honda operates 37 production facilities across 23 countries, with an annual manufacturing capacity exceeding 20 million units. Its product lineup covers everything from everyday commuter bikes to high-performance motorcycles and electric two-wheelers, supported by a vast network of over 30,000 dealerships worldwide.
Looking ahead, 2024 marks a new chapter for Honda’s two-wheeler business as the company declared it the “first year of global expansion” for its electric motorcycle portfolio. New models are being introduced to cater to evolving consumer preferences and environmental needs.
Toshihiro Mibe, President and Representative Executive Officer of Honda Motor Co., expressed his gratitude, saying, “The motorcycle business is deeply rooted in our company’s origins and continues to be one of our core operations. We’ve earned the trust of our customers worldwide through our wide range of products and services, enabling us to reach this 500 million-unit milestone. I want to sincerely thank every customer and stakeholder involved — from development and manufacturing to sales and after-sales service. Honda remains committed to delivering new experiences and joy to riders across the globe.”
