Heading
Close X
Menu
When it comes to automotive excellence and reliability, Honda stands as one of the most trusted and innovative names in the world. Known for its commitment to pushing the automotive envelope, the Honda brand has earned a global reputation that spans far beyond its Japanese roots.
But where exactly does Honda come from, and how did it grow into the global powerhouse we know today? Let’s explore Honda’s fascinating journey, from its fairly humble beginnings in Japan to worldwide acclaim.
Honda is a Japanese company, founded in Hamamatsu, Japan, in 1948 by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa. What began as a small workshop producing motorised bicycles quickly evolved into one of the most successful automotive manufacturers in history.
Today, Honda’s headquarters are in Tokyo, Japan, and its Japanese heritage continues to influence the company’s dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and innovation. The brand’s philosophy, known as “The Power of Dreams,” reflects its founders’ vision of creating vehicles that inspire joy and freedom of mobility.
Even though Honda operates globally, its identity as a Japanese manufacturer is still at the heart of everything it does.
As Honda expanded internationally, so did its manufacturing presence. Today, Honda cars are assembled in numerous locations around the world to serve local markets efficiently and sustainably. Honda operates major production plants to keep up with the global demand for their cars.
They produce cars in almost every continent on earth. Their primary manufacturing plants remain in Asia, across Japan, China, India and Thailand. They also produce cars in North and Central America, across the United States, Canada and Mexico, alongside smaller plants in other nations.
As well as their automobile factories, Honda produces hundreds of thousands of motorcycles across the globe.
Honda’s story began not with cars, but with motorcycles. In 1949, the company launched its first motorbike, the Dream D-Type, marking the beginning of a global phenomenon.
Soichiro Honda’s engineering passion and Takeo Fujisawa’s business acumen created the perfect partnership. The pair combined innovation with practicality, allowing Honda to grow rapidly after World War II.
In 1963, Honda introduced its first automobile, the T360 mini-truck and the S500 sports car. These models became the start of Honda’s journey into making the cars they’re now famous for. Their bold approach to performance alongside reliability instantly set the brand apart from its competitors.
Honda began UK production in 1992 with its factory in Swindon, where it built models such as the Accord and later the Civic. A second facility in Gebze, Turkey, also began producing the Civic for European markets.
The first Honda models available in the UK earned a strong following for their reliability, efficiency, and affordability. Today, Honda no longer operates any manufacturing in Europe after closing the Swindon plant in 2021.
From its early days in Hamamatsu, Honda has become a truly global company with millions of vehicles sold worldwide. The brand’s evolution is marked by innovation across multiple sectors.
Despite being a household name in the world of cars, Honda’s engines are legendary among motorcycle enthusiasts and F1 fans. Honda is the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, beating out competitors like Hero MotoCorp and Yamaha.
Honda’s innovative engineering doesn’t just apply to cars and motorcycles, though. Their engines can be found in everything from generators to lawn mowers, boats and even in the HondaJet.
You might be shocked to know that the Honda logo can also be found on future tech like ASIMO, the humanoid robot released in 2000.
Over the decades, Honda has built a diverse range of vehicles to meet the needs of drivers worldwide. Whether you’re looking for a compact city car, a family SUV, or an eco-friendly hybrid, Honda offers a model to suit every lifestyle.
For those who prefer something sleek and agile, Honda’s iconic hatchback, the Civic, is still a popular choice, offering the perfect balance of performance, practicality, and modern design. The performance model, the Type-R, injects a bit more oomph into a practical family car.
Families and adventurers often gravitate towards Honda’s SUVs, including the CR-V and HR-V, which combine spacious interiors with advanced safety features and a comfortable driving experience.
Honda has also invested heavily in sustainability over the years, with hybrid and electric models like the Jazz Hybrid and Honda e:Ny1 leading the charge toward greener driving.
You can explore the full range of current Honda vehicles on Brindley Honda’s website and learn more about different car body styles in The Ultimate Guide to Car Body Styles.
Honda has always been a brand at the forefront of new technological developments for cars, and that’s as true today as ever before. The new Honda 0 Series, launching with the Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV, solidifies Honda’s commitment to electrifying its range, without compromise.
The 0 Series of cars not only features jaw-dropping designs that truly look futuristic, but also implements technology you’d expect in a Sci-Fi movie. Despite being discontinued in 2018, its name lives on in ASIMO OS – an intelligent AI-powered operating system that delivers personalised updates, experiences, and continuously improving features and functionality.
The 0 Series will also make use of Level 3 automated driving, allowing users to multitask while driving, while the car uses a series of sensors to navigate the roads. The system uses AI to continuously learn about and respond to unexpected scenarios, something that Honda believes will reduce traffic fatalities and enhance road safety.
Honda is also launching its latest full hybrid car, the Honda Prelude, delivering the responsiveness of a sporty coupe but with the efficiency of a hybrid. A sleek and sporty model that’s full of personality, the Prelude also prioritises driver-focused design with a stylish interior.
At Brindley Honda, we’re proud to represent a brand that combines innovation, quality, and reliability. Our dealerships offer a wide range of new and used Honda cars, along with expert servicing, MOTs, repairs, and the opportunity to book a test drive across the range.
With multiple convenient locations across the West Midlands, you’re never far from your next Honda experience. Visit our Contact Us page to find your nearest dealership and start your journey with Brindley Honda today.
With small cars, large cars, petrol, hybrid, and fully-electric models, the Honda range is designed to have something for everyone.
Whatever your question or feedback we are here to help.
So please feel free to contact us.
Immerse yourself even deeper. Visit our social channels.
W Brindley (Garages) Ltd
Reg Company No. 333492
W Brindley Garages (Cannock) Limited
Reg Company No. 01084302
Reg Office: 55 Penn Road, Wolverhampton, WV2 4WW
VAT Reg No. 101957682
W Brindley (Garages) Limited, W Brindley Garages (Cannock) Limited Central Car Clearance LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for consumer credit activity and the Firm Reference Numbers are 689220, 688878 and 688893 respectively. Permitted activities include acting as a credit broker not a lender. We can introduce you to a limited number of finance providers. We do not charge a fee for our Consumer Credit services. We do not act as a financial adviser, or fiduciary. We act in our own interest, whichever lender we introduce you to, we will typically receive commission from them based on either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow. Any and all commission amounts will be fully disclosed to you as part of your sales journey. You will be required to give your fully informed consent to our receipt of this commission. By doing this, you acknowledge that you understand our role as a credit broker, and that we will receive a financial incentive if you take out a loan from a lender that we introduce you to. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18s or over, Guarantees may be required.
W Brindley (Garages) Limited, W Brindley Garages (Cannock) Limited is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary.
