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About Honda Cars

In September 1946, Mr. Honda went to see a friend, Kenzaburo Inukai. When there he noticed a small engine. He knew Mr. Inukai who ran a taxi company and repair work he did when he was running the Hamamatsu branch of Art Shokai. Mr. Inukai had a generator engine designed for a No. 6 wireless radio from the Imperial Army that he had got from an acquaintance. Mr. Honda saw it, and it was this that inspired him. This chance encounter had set in motion the creation known later as Honda Motor Co. First making engines for bikes this grew into the initial motorcycle which was born in1948. In the fifties, Honda was now a big player in the motorcycle market and by 1959 expanded its availability to the world making Honda the biggest motorcycle manufacturer.

Honda was now ready to launch their first car and in 1963, the Honda S500 sports car. This car with its very impressive features, would also be Honda's first taste of Formula 1 racing with its four carburettors and double overhead camshafts. In 1965 brought their first Grand Prix victory.

The first car to become a big seller was the N360 in 1967, in the "Kei car" range was the best-selling for its type for 3 years. 1972 was the start of the Honda Civic with an overhead cam engine independent suspension which would keep Honda ahead of its major European competitors. Next to come along was the Accord from 1976 Prelude in 1978. Also in 1981 City/Jazz and Legend in 1985. In 1987 new technologies from multi-valve engines with fuel injection 4-wheel steering in 1987 and VTEC variable valve timing and lift in 1988.

Honda is the 2nd largest car maker in Japan and the 5th largest in the world. Always renowned for innovative ideas and engineering excellence. Soichiro Honda's legacy in in safe hands with Honda's very strong image among mainstream car makers. This ensures it can remain independent when rivals merge or form partnerships.