Honda motorcycles reach 500 million units! Huge production network with 37 bases worldwide producing 20 million units per year

500 million units sold worldwide! A historic milestone for Honda’s motorcycle business

On May 22nd, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. held a ceremony at HMSI Plant No. 4 (Gujarat State) in India to commemorate its cumulative global production of 500 million motorcycles. In the 76 years since the launch of its first full-scale motorcycle model, the Dream D-Type, in 1949, Honda has continued to provide the joy of mobility to riders around the world, guided by its founding spirit of “making the lives of many people more convenient through technology.”

Looking at the trends in cumulative production volume, the pace of growth has been accelerating, from 100 million units in 1997 (achieved in 48 years), to 200 million units in 2008 (achieved in 11 years), 300 million units in 2014 (achieved in 6 years), 400 million units in 2019 (achieved in 5 years), and now 500 million units (achieved in 6 years). In particular, annual production exceeded 20 million units for the first time in 2018, and the company now boasts an annual production capacity of over 20 million units at 37 production bases in 23 countries and regions.

From Japan to the world! Strategy for expanding overseas production bases

Honda’s motorcycle business has been actively expanding overseas based on the basic principle of “producing where there is demand.” Since starting its first overseas production in Belgium in 1963, the company has expanded its production bases to Asia, South America, North America, and Africa.

Development timeline of major production bases

• 1963: Belgium (first overseas production base)
• 1967: Thailand
• 1971: Indonesia
• 1976: Brazil, Italy
• 1979: United States
• 1985: India
• 1992: China
• 1997: Vietnam

Of particular note is that the commemorative ceremony was held in India. India is the world’s largest motorcycle market and one of Honda’s most important bases. The key to its success has been product development tailored to local needs, including the flagship scooter model, the Activa.

The first year of electrification! A wide range of vehicles from ICE vehicles to electric motorcycles

Although production volumes temporarily decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020, demand has steadily recovered worldwide and has already returned to pre-COVID levels. Furthermore, the company has positioned 2024 as the “first year of global expansion of electric motorcycles,” and has begun full-scale market launch of electric motorcycles in addition to vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines (ICE).

The current lineup is extremely diverse, ranging from commuter models for everyday use, to large models for weekend touring, and environmentally friendly electric vehicles. From Japan’s flagship model, the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP, to the world’s best-selling Super Cub series, Honda offers a product lineup to meet all needs.

President Mibe talks about the future of the motorcycle business and carbon neutrality

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President Toshihiro Mibe commented, “Motorcycles are Honda’s founding business and remain an important core business today.” Regarding the achievement of 500 million units, he expressed his gratitude, saying, “I would like to thank our customers and everyone involved in achieving this milestone, from development to production, sales, and service.”

Honda’s future plans call for positioning motorcycles as a form of mobility that realizes the “joy of free movement,” and it plans to accelerate its efforts toward carbon neutrality, including electrification. Honda will continue to provide more attractive products and services through its global dealer network of more than 30,000 stores.

Honda’s cumulative global motorcycle production of 500 million units

Overview of the Ceremony to Commemorate the 500 Millionth Motorcycle Production

• Date and time: Thursday, May 22, 2025, 10:00am Indian time
• Location:
  
  Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Private Limited (HMSI)
  
  4th Plant (Vitthalpur, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat)
• Speakers:
  Minoru Kato, Executive Officer and General Manager of Motorcycle & Power Products Division,
  
  Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
  Masanori Shimazoe,
  Executive Officer and General Manager of Kumamoto Plant, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
  Toshio Kuwahara,
  President and Director of Asia Honda Motor Company Limited
  Tsutomu Otani, President and CEO of HMSI