History of Honda: the youngest company to enter the TOP rankings of Japanese auto giants

2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in all of Asia. The headquarters are located in the very center of Japan - in Tokyo. At the moment, the brand is engaged in the manufacture of cars. In 1986, she was the first to introduce premium cars into the series, followed by Toyota and Nissan.

History begins - 1940s

The history of Honda began with Soichiro Honda, who loved cars from childhood. Since childhood, he had to deal with various equipment, because his father owned a small repair shop, where he accepted broken bicycles and other equipment. Of course, from an early age, Soichiro helped his father, and later went to work in a car repair shop. From that moment on, the young man's life changed - he showed himself as a racer and a talented inventor. In a few years he will be able to open his own auto repair shop.

The next step was the founding of the Honda Technical Research Institute, which appeared in 1946. After some time, the first mopeds and small motors "flowed" to the market. Two years later, he officially founded the Honda Motor Company, where he began to produce Honda motorcycles. The production needed additional support, so Soichiro finds experienced engineers - Kihachiro Kawashima and Takeo Fujisawa. The latter is considered a co-founder of the company. Kawashima was in charge of the technical development of the brand, while Fusisawa was strong in marketing and sales. As a result, this company managed to achieve world recognition, which, of course, was given to them with great difficulty.

The assembly of cars of this brand began quite late - in the 60s, when the rest of the beast of the automotive industry were already fully reaping the fruits of their own efforts. The Japanese government was frankly not happy with the emergence of another competitor for the resurgent Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi. The main argument of the leadership was - a negative reflection on the interests of the country. Despite opposition from the country's government, Honda decided to build an ambitious plan and in May 1955, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry announced a program to create a people's car, where Honda took an active part. The young company acts as one of the contestants, declaring its intention to take part. Recall that the people's car had to meet the following parameters: to have a four-seater landing and a maximum speed of 100 km / h. In this case, the unit price should not exceed 150 thousand yen.

The development of the first model was not an easy task for Honda. They had to hire about 50 engineers and found a research center. Management was confident that skilled workers would find the sweet spot for speed, comfort and economy, but while test prototypes made it to the test, none made it to production. The hallmark of Honda's personality was hypertrophied perfectionism, so it took a long time to create. But the result is worth it - the debut cars turned out to be of the highest quality.

Start of production of the first models - 1962-1970

At the Japanese National Auto Show, held on October 25, 1962, Honda brings three competitors who claim the title of national. S360 and S500 sports cars, as well as the T36 compact truck. The С360, unfortunately, could not get into mass production, since it was considered an outdated model, but it managed to open the way for the С500. The high-tech Honda engine is designed for a volume of 531 cc. and had 44 horsepower at 8000 rpm. As a result, the weight of the car itself reached 680 kilograms, and the top speed was 129 km / h.

Most of the car companies of the time were passionate about racing, so Honda decided to create its own racing car for participation in Formula 1 races. For this, a representative office is organized in France. As time has shown, this step was correct, as the S500 wins the 600 km race, and in 1965 it becomes the Formula 1 winner for its class.

The next model was named N360 and was released in 1966. The neat two-door features an air-cooled 354cc engine. The maximum power reached 31 hp. Especially for the USA and Europe, the N600 is being developed, which will later become the first car of the brand to be officially exported for the USA.

The 70s are becoming a boom for the development of security systems. The management decides to open additional research centers responsible for road safety and environmental preservation. The latter was a priority, because at this moment the topic of ecology begins to actively develop, later, based on all discussions, the "Clean Air Act" will appear, but the Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion (CVCC) motor presented earlier will "fit" into the established framework.

The appearance of the legendary models - 1970-1990

1971 is also a fruitful year for the company. A representative office in Brazil is opened, and a little later a car is released, which will become a platform for a sharp leap in the development of the company - Honda Life. Its main advantage, in contrast to the rest of the offered small cars, is the provision of a high level of passenger comfort. Although the technical characteristics were not outstanding, the workmanship was at the highest level - quiet and smooth operation of the motor and an autonomous gearbox.

The beginning of 1972 crowned the appearance of the Honda Civic, which would later become a legend. By the way, the car is produced to this day. At the beginning of its journey, the small car conquered everyone with its absolute reliability, high quality and low price. A little later, the body began to gradually "grow", it becomes more and more, but at first it was as compact and profitable as possible. The first generation Honda had a front-wheel drive, 4-cylinder water-cooled engine. Despite its modest external dimensions, the cabin was comfortable for accommodating passengers. In the cabin there were elements "masking" the budget - wood trim, air conditioning, radio. Moreover, the design received disc brakes, which was a rarity for "state employees" of that time.

Experts are confident that the country's economic situation played an important role. In those years, the fuel crisis began, so buyers were forced to switch to more affordable cars. Civic allowed the transition from one type of fuel to an alternative, which was a decisive point for its distribution.

In 1974, the oil crisis begins, forcing the main companies to cut production in half. However, Honda is doing very differently - cutting the price for a reasonably reasonable one. As a result, the average Japanese citizen can buy a Honda, which increases the brand's sales by 76%. However, this method was not the only one that worked to stimulate sales. After a short time, the brand starts the Credit System program, which allows you to buy a car on credit. And this step of the management turns out to be competent and gives its own share of the growth of Honda. The price allowed.

Another "legend" that made the company famous in the 70s was the Honda Accord. The first generation appeared on the market as a hatchback, a year later a sedan was presented. Two years later, in 1978, in addition to the base 1.6-liter engine, a 1.8-liter engine appeared. In 1979, a 3-speed automatic transmission appears, which is optional, but the price rises slightly, so the novelty flies like hot cakes, and in 1980 the sales of this model reached 1 million units.

On the eve of the 70s and 80s, the company opens its own "Tochigi" test site, where from now on they will test their own models. In 1980, the company becomes one of the largest car manufacturers in Japan.

New time. Development of the company in the 1980s-1990s

In the 80s, the company was expanding its own model range and introduced several original engineering solutions. The Honda Vigor and City enter the market in 1981. By this time, the company was already recognized not only in the local market, but all over the world. The number of sales reaches 5 million. Honda shares gain in value and are listed on the London Stock Exchange. A division opens in Canada, and engineers are working on the creation of the 4WS four-wheel steering. In 1990, the Japanese manufacturer offers the first alternative-fuel vehicle, solar-powered. It's about the Honda Dream.

However, despite the development of the automotive direction, the management does not want to part with the origins. The company started out with motorcycles, so at the same time, bright representatives of light technology are coming out. For example, in 1988 a compact Japanese scooter was released - Honda Dio, which managed to win the hearts of Ukrainians, Japanese, Italians, Germans and Russians.

In 1991, at the age of 86, the founder of the company, Soichiro Honda, dies. Despite this, the company's management continues to support the life of the company and is focused on its development. In the 94th year, the first generation of Honda Odyssey entered the market, the production of which continues to this day.

In 1996, automatic torque distribution appears and two models enter the market - the Honda Stepwagon and the Logo. It is impossible not to recall the appearance of the first model with a lead-acid battery, which at that time has only 66 horsepower, and one charge is enough for 160 kilometers. In 1999, this model goes out of the series, as the announcement of the Honda Hybrid begins. – Honda Insight. The latter appears almost immediately after the announcement of its appearance. In its original form, it had a hatchback body with three doors. The designers worked to optimize it: they made it streamlined, lightened the design, installed a low-power motor with 1.0 liters and 67 horsepower. Together with the main internal combustion engine, there was a 13-horsepower electric motor. On the threshold of two centuries, the company produces a copactvan for 5-7 seats - Honda Stream.

The development of the company at the present time - 2000 - present

In 2001, another legend appears - Honda Fit, which is presented on some markets with an alternative name - Honda Jazz. The design of these models was ideal for further modernization. After a short period of time, they released a model with a variator, full and front wheel drive versions. This year experts have named this model "Car of the Year", however, only in the local market. In 2002, the brand's largest crossover with 7- and 8-seater seating was presented - the Honda Pilot, which, despite its size, is classified as a mid-size SUV. In 2008, the current model of the compact van Honda Fried appears.

With the beginning of the new century, the company is taking the vector for the development of hydrogen fuel cells. The topic is as relevant to the present day as possible. The fact is that such power units do not emit sewage from fuel combustion into the atmosphere. After processing, only heat and a water park remain. The first models receive a 134-horsepower electric motor. One filling is enough for 386 kilometers. In 2009, Honda manages to win the title of "World Green Car of the Year". In the same year, some of the principles of Honda are changing. Rear-wheel drive is no longer relevant to the entire lineup of both the main brand and Acura. A year later, a sports hybrid car appears - the Honda CR-Z, which also received the title of "Car of the Year" in Japan due to the 1.5-liter 4-row internal combustion engine and electric motor, with a total capacity of 122 hp. and a flow rate of 4.0 liters per "hundred".

In 2004, Honda officially entered the Russian market. Then the central division was founded - Honda Motor RUS LLC, which, in addition to selling the cars themselves, also sells Honda spare parts. Despite the debut, some models, such as Honda SRV, Accord, Civic, immediately become popular. In 2006, the management announces the start of the Driving Safety Program for Russia. At the moment, the company continues to work to gain loyalty from domestic consumers, telling which Honda is better, announcing various promotions and expanding the range of offered models.