Honda Celebrates Historic Milestone: 500 Million Motorcycles Produced Worldwide
Honda has reached a historic milestone, announcing today that it has produced a cumulative total of 500 million motorcycles globally. This achievement, 76 years in the making, was celebrated during a special ceremony at Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India’s manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad District.
The journey began in 1949 with the launch of the Dream D-Type, Honda’s first mass-produced motorcycle. Since then, Honda has grown into a global leader in the motorcycle industry, driven by its mission to improve lives through mobility and innovation.
“Motorcycles are at the core of Honda’s identity. This milestone reflects the enduring trust our customers have placed in us,” said Toshihiro Mibe, President, CEO and Representative Director of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “We are deeply grateful to all who have contributed – from development and production to sales and service.”
Honda’s expansion into overseas markets began in earnest in 1963, when it opened its first international motorcycle production plant in Belgium. It was a bold step that laid the foundation for a global manufacturing network, with the philosophy of producing locally where demand exists.
In the United States, Honda began motorcycle production in 1979 at its Marysville, Ohio plant, rolling out its first model, the CR250R. By 1980, the iconic Gold Wing was being assembled in Ohio. Over the decades, Honda has manufactured over 1 million motorcycles in the U.S., including popular models such as the Shadow cruiser and Gold Wing touring bike.
Key milestones on Honda’s journey include reaching 100 million units in 1997, 200 million in 2008, and 300 million in 2014. In 2019, Honda hit 400 million units, and despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company quickly rebounded to maintain an annual production pace exceeding 20 million motorcycles.
Today, Honda’s motorcycle production spans 23 countries and regions, supported by 37 production facilities and a global network of over 30,000 dealers. The company’s lineup ranges from everyday commuter bikes to premium motorcycles for leisure and touring, and now includes a growing portfolio of electric two-wheelers as part of its commitment to carbon neutrality.
Looking ahead, Honda aims to further expand its electric motorcycle offerings and improve production efficiency, while staying true to its founding principle of delivering joy and freedom through mobility.
Timeline Highlights:
1949: First motorcycle, the Dream D-Type, launched
1963: First overseas production plant opened in Belgium
1979: Motorcycle production begins in North America (Ohio, USA)
1997: Reaches 100 million units
2019: Hits 400 million units
2025: Surpasses 500 million units globally
As Honda looks toward the future, it continues to honor its roots in motorcycle innovation, aiming to serve an even broader range of customers with sustainable and exciting mobility solutions.
