Company Overview
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is a global leader in the development, production, and distribution of motorcycles, automobiles, power products, and related technologies. The company’s shares are listed on multiple stock exchanges, including the Tokyo Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, as well as regional exchanges in Nagoya, Sapporo, Osaka, Paris, London, Kyoto, Switzerland, and Fukuoka. Honda also provides spare parts and after-sales services through its network of authorized dealers and independent distributors worldwide.
Honda operates through 3 primary business segments: Motorcycle Business, Automobile Business, and Power Products Business. The Motorcycle Business designs and manufactures a wide variety of motorcycles, employing proprietary air- or water-cooled internal combustion engines in configurations ranging from single to six cylinders. This segment includes sports motorcycles, off-road bikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), trial and motocross racing bikes, and side-by-side (SxS) vehicles.
The Automobile Business offers a diverse lineup of products, including passenger cars, light trucks, and mini-vehicles, featuring traditional gasoline engines, gasoline-electric hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and diesel engines. The company also develops vehicles powered by alternative fuels, such as battery-electric, fuel cell, and ethanol-powered vehicles.
The Power Products Business provides a broad range of engines and machinery, including general-purpose engines, outboard marine engines, riding mowers, tillers, generators, water pumps, grass cutters, brush cutters, pressure washers, snow blowers, power carriers, lawn mowers, and sprayers, serving both commercial and consumer needs.
The company operates 37 production facilities across 23 countries, with an annual production capacity surpassing 20 million units. Honda maintains a strong global presence with manufacturing facilities and R&D centers across Africa, the U.S., India, the Philippines, Japan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Europe, Brazil, Latin America, Canada, Mexico, and China, ensuring localized production and innovation to meet regional market demands.
Facts About Honda Motor
- Founded by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa in 1948 in Hamamatsu, Japan.
- The first product was the “Dream D-Type” motorcycle, launched in 1949.
- Started with only 34 employees and a capital of 1 million yen.
- Became the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer within a decade.
- Honda Super Cub is one of the most sold motor vehicles in history.
- Entered the automobile market in 1963 with the T360 mini truck and S500 sports car.
- Established American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in 1959 in Los Angeles with just eight employees.
- Produces engines, power equipment, marine engines, aircraft, and robotics (e.g., ASIMO robot).
- Launched the HondaJet, marking its entry into aviation.
- Founded Acura in 1986, becoming the first Japanese automaker to introduce a luxury brand.
- Honda is among the largest engine manufacturers globally, producing millions annually.
- Operates multiple R&D and production facilities worldwide, with a strong presence in the U.S.
- Actively involved in Formula One and other motorsports for innovation and branding.
- Known for fuel-efficient, reliable, and eco-friendly vehicles such as Civic and Accord.
History of Ford Motor Company
- 1948: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. was founded in Hamamatsu, Japan, marking the beginning of bicycle auxiliary engine production in a small factory.
- 1949: The company initiated mass production of motorcycles
- 1952: Honda expanded its reach by distributing motorcycles to Taiwan followed by the United States and Philippines
- 1954: Honda made its first foray into international racing and introduced the Juno K-type scooter
- 1958: The Supercub C100 was launched, becoming a hallmark of Honda’s motorcycle legacy.
- 1972: The company produced its first motocross model
- 1973: The establishment of the Honda R&D Center marked a key moment in its innovation journey.
- 1974: Honda unveiled the Gold Wing GL1000 a 999 cc motorcycle aimed at the American market.
- 1979: Honda set up a motorcycle production subsidiary in Nigeria
- 1992: The CB900RR (Fireblade) was introduced, solidifying Honda’s presence in the sportbike market.
- 1994: Honda released its first electric scooter
- 1997: The company began knockdown production of motorcycles in Taiwan
- 1998: Honda incorporated PGM-FI technology in motorcycles for the first time.
- 2005: Honda introduced the first motorcycle airbag system for enhanced rider safety.
- 2008: The company launched the combined ABS for motorcycles and vehicles.
- 2009: Honda debuted the Dual Clutch Transmission for motorcycles, revolutionizing shifting technology.
- 2014: The RC213V-S bike was launched worldwide, combining Honda’s racing heritage with cutting-edge performance.
- 2015: HondaJet received certification from the FAA and began deliveries to customers.
- 2016: Honda unveiled the Clarity Fuel Cell a new venture into hydrogen-powered vehicles.
- 2016: Honda reached the milestone of 100 million cumulative automobile production
- 2017: Honda formed a joint venture with Hitachi Automotive Systems to develop electric vehicle motors
- 2018: Honda expanded its global Open Innovation Initiative by partnering with new venture capitalists
- 2018: The company launched the PCX ELECTRIC scooter, marking a shift toward electric mobility.
- 2018: Honda inaugurated a new motorcycle factory in Bangladesh to increase production capacity.
- 2018: The HondaJet Elite began deliveries, furthering Honda’s position in the aviation market.
- 2018: Honda launched the Clarity PHEV in Japan, advancing its plug-in hybrid model offerings.
- 2018: Honda, in collaboration with Panasonic began a research project on battery sharing using detachable mobile batteries for electric motorcycles in Indonesia
- 2018: The company introduced the PCX HYBRID a scooter equipped with a hybrid system, creating new mobility options.
- 2020: Honda unveiled the Honda e electric vehicle, reinforcing its commitment to electrification
- 2021: Honda set a goal to manufacture carbon-neutral vehicles by 2050
- 2024: Honda continues to focus on advanced technologies such as autonomous driving electric vehicles and sustainable mobility solutions
(Source: Ford Motor Company Website)
Shareholders Analysis
Major Shareholders of Honda Motor (As of March 31, 2024)
- The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (Trust Account) holds 773,445 thousand shares, representing 0% of the total shares issued.
- Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd. (Trust Account) owns 305,126 thousand shares, accounting for 3% of the total shares issued.
- Moxley & Co. LLC possesses 259,782 thousand shares, which make up 4% of the total shares issued.
- Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company holds 138,237 thousand shares, corresponding to 9% of the total shares issued.
- SSBTC CLIENT OMNIBUS ACCOUNT controls 96,815 thousand shares, equating to 0% of the total shares issued.
- STATE STREET BANK WEST CLIENT – TREATY 505234 holds 95,450 thousand shares, representing 0% of the total shares issued.
- Nippon Life Insurance Company owns 85,999 shares, which represent 8% of the total shares issued.
- JPMorgan Securities Japan Co., Ltd. holds 85,931 shares, accounting for 8% of the total shares issued.
- Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. possesses 85,108 thousand shares, which make up 8% of the total shares issued.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank 385781 holds 68,494 thousand shares, representing 4% of the total shares issued.
(Source: Honda Motor Annual Report)
Shareholder Breakdown by Type (As of March 31, 2024)
- The number of shares authorized is 7,086,000,000.
- The total number of shares issued is 5,280,000,000.
- Financial institutions hold 68% of the total shares.
- Securities companies own 61% of the total shares.
- Other domestic corporations account for 59% of the total shares.
- Foreign investors possess 26% of the total shares.
- Individuals/Others own 36% of the total shares.
- Treasury stock represents 5% of the total shares.
Segmental Analysis
Motorcycle Business
- In 2024, the company boasts a network of approximately 30,000 dealers globally, with an annual sales volume nearing 20 million units.
- Products – XL750 TRANSALP CB750 HORNET, Activa, BeAT, Super Cub 50
- EM1 e, Rebel 250, PIONEER 1000-6 DELUXE CREW, GL1800, TRX420, RX125, Ace CB125, Rebel 250, PIONEER 1000-6 DELUXE CREW GL1800 TRX420 R, Super Cub 50, BeAT, Pop110i ES, CG 160, Biz 125, NXR 160 Bros ESDD
Business Revenue
Motorcycle Sales
Automobile Business
- Products – Honda 0 Series, Small EV Series, “e:N” “Ye” Series, Ye GT-based model, and Ye P7.
Business Revenue
Automobile Sales
Power Products Business
Business Revenue By Power Products
Power Products Sales
(Source: Honda Motor Annual Report, and Company Website)
Financial Analysis
Group Revenues:
- In 2024, total revenue reached ¥20,428,802 million, marking a 8% year-on-year increase. This growth was driven by a surge in hybrid vehicle sales in North America, significant expansion in motorcycle sales in India and Brazil, and improved global production efficiency.
- In 2023, total revenue amounted to ¥16,907,725 million, reflecting a 2% year-on-year growth. The increase was fueled by a strong recovery in motorcycle sales and higher demand for hybrid vehicles, particularly in North America.
- In 2022, revenue stood at ¥14,552,696 million, showing a 3% year-on-year growth. The rise was mainly due to the increased demand for motorcycles and automobiles, especially in North America and Asia.
(Source: Ford Motor Company Annual Report)
R&D Expenditure:
(Source: Honda Motor Company Annual Report)
Business Revenue
(Source: Honda Motor Annual Report)
Geographic Revenue
(Source: Honda Motor Annual Report)
Recent Developments
- In October 2025, Moto Honda da Amazonia Ltda. (HDA), Honda’s subsidiary invested approximately 6 billion reais over 4 years from 2026 to 2029 in its Manaus plant (Amazonas State, Manaus) to chance the rising demand in Brazil’s motorcycle market.
- In September 2025, Honda launched the Honda WN7 in Europe as part of its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality through all corporate and product activities by 2050, to make all motorcycle products carbon-neutral by the 2040s.
- In September 2025, Honda R&D Co., Ltd. launched a “chemical sorting” technology, which sorts and removes reusable plastics from waste plastic parts, removing solid impurities from automotive waste.
- In August 2025, Honda Turkiye A.Ş. (HTR) expanded its new motorcycle factory in Aliaga, İzmir, aimed at supporting growth in the motorcycle market and boosting global motorcycle sales.
- In May 2025, Honda expanded its motorcycle production and sales subsidiary in India and will build a fourth manufacturing line at its fourth plant (Gujarat, Vithalapur, Ahmedabad district). The new line, set to begin operation in 2027, will have an annual production capacity of 650,000 units, bringing the entire capacity of the fourth plant to 61 million units, making it Honda’s largest meeting plant for motorcycles in the world.
- In February 2025, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. partnered with the United Nations Road Safety Fund to donate to global enterprises aimed at reducing fatalities from traffic collisions, including a previously announced commitment of US$3 million over 5 years.
- In February 2025, Honda signed an agreement with Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors to create new value and maximize the corporate value of each company.
- In February 2025, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. signed an agreement with Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. to discuss and consider the surrounding market environment, the objectives of business integration, and the management strategies and structures post-integration. Both companies have carefully consulted with various stakeholders regarding the importance of this business integration.
- In January 2025, the company signed an agreement to develop a high-performance system-on-chip (SoC) for software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
- In January 2025, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. signed an agreement with Renesas Electronics Corporation to develop a high-performance system-on-chip (SoC) for software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
(Source: Honda Motor Press Releases)
Fun Facts About Honda Motor
- Soichiro Honda had no formal higher education but was an exceptional engineer.
- The early CR-V model featured a fold-out picnic table in its rear cargo area.
- The name “CR-V” stands for “Compact Recreational Vehicle.”
- Honda’s U.S. operations began with a tiny team of eight but quickly expanded.
- The Honda Super Cub’s slogan “You meet the nicest people on a Honda” became legendary.
- Honda produces more internal combustion engines than any other company worldwide.
- Honda’s ASIMO robot was one of the first humanoids capable of walking and climbing stairs.
- The company emphasizes innovation through its motto “The Power of Dreams.”
- HondaJet’s engines are mounted above the wings, an unconventional aviation design.
- Many Honda cars sold in the U.S. are actually manufactured in American plants.
- Honda’s founder once said, “Success is 99% failure,” reflecting his resilience-focused mindset.
