Incredible milestone achieved with half a billion Honda Motorcycles sold.
More than half a billion Honda motorcycles have been sold around the world since the company’s inception in 1948.
Honda’s first mass-produced motorcycle was the 1949 Dream D-Type. The company opened its first overseas production facility in Belgium in 1963, and since then, has expanded its production globally.
Honda achieved its 100 million-unit milestone in 1997, its 200 million-unit milestone in 2008, and its 300 million-unit milestone in 2014.
In 2018, Honda’s annual production exceeded 20 million units for the first time in its history, and cumulative global production reached 400 million units in 2019.
Honda says the annual production of motorcycles temporarily declined due to COVID-19 in 2020, but since then demand has steadily recovered worldwide to pre-pandemic levels.
In addition to internal combustion engine (ICE) models, Honda positioned year 2024 as its “first year of global expansion” for electric powered two-wheelers and has started launching new models, creating a wide and diverse product lineup.
“We are delighted to support this global milestone that no other motorcycle brand in the world has achieved.” said Chris Schultz, General Manager, Powersports and Products at Honda Australia. “Honda has a huge history in Australia that has generated a large following of loyal Honda owners. We are proud to be a part of this incredible story”
Honda now offers a broad variety of models from commuters for everyday use to larger displacement models for weekend leisure as well as electric vehicles, with an annual production capacity of more than 20 million units in 23 countries and regions and 37 production entities. The company deliver products and services to customers worldwide through a network of more than 30,000 Honda dealers.
Honda says it will continue its efforts to further solidify its motorcycle business, by providing attractive products and services from diversified approach, realising the “joy and freedom of mobility” for a wider range of customers, building a highly efficient business structure, and achieving carbon neutrality, including through electrification.
Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
“For Honda, motorcycle business is our founder’s business and will continue to be the company’s core business. In the motorcycle business, we have built the trust of our customers through our many products and services, which has enabled us to achieve a cumulative production volume of 500 million units. I would like to thank our customers and all stakeholders who were involved in achieving this milestone, from development to production, sales, and service. Honda will continue to take on the challenge of expanding the joy of our customers around the world.”
Honda’s path to 500 million-unit global motorcycle production
| 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 (first motorcycle factory outside of Japan) |
| 1964 | Honda begins motorcycle production in Pakistan |
| 1967 | Honda begins motorcycle production in Thailand |
| 1968 | Honda reaches 10 million-unit milestone for cumulative global motorcycle production |
| 1969 | Honda begins motorcycle production in Malaysia |
| 1971 | Honda begins motorcycle production in Indonesia |
| 1973 | Honda begins motorcycle production in Philippines |
| 1976 | Honda begins motorcycle production in Brazil |
| Honda begins motorcycle production in 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 |
| 1985 | Honda begins motorcycle production in India |
| 1988 | Honda begins motorcycle production in Mexico |
| 1992 | Honda begins motorcycle production in China |
| 1997 | Honda begins motorcycle production in Vietnam |
| Honda reaches 100 million-unit milestone for cumulative global motorcycle production (achieved in 48 years) | |
| 2004 | Honda exceeds 10 million-unit annual motorcycle production for the first time |
| 2006 | Honda begins motorcycle production in Argentina |
| 2007 | Honda begins motorcycle production in Peru |
| 2008 | Honda reaches 200 million-unit milestone for cumulative global motorcycle production (11 years since 100 millionth unit) |
| 2013 | Honda begins motorcycle production in Bangladesh |
| Honda begins motorcycle production in Kenya | |
| 2014 | Honda reaches 300 million-unit milestone for cumulative global motorcycle production (6 years since 200 millionth unit) |
| 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 (5 years since 300 millionth unit) |
| 2025 | Honda reaches 500 million-unit milestone for cumulative global motorcycle production (6 years since 400 millionth unit) |
