Honda achieves a milestone that few will emulate

Japanese motorcycle manufacturer is about to produce bike number 500,000,000.

Few car makers have managed single models that really sell well, like Corolla and Golf, both around the 50million mark.

But Honda eclipsed that with its Super Cub (above), managing over 100 million in its lifetime.

And now Honda reports that it is about to build bike number 500 million in India, an Activa scooter.

It has taken 76 years, the first Honda motorcycle produced in 1949. And that would be the Honda Dream D type (below).

Since its founding in 1948, Honda has developed and provided products that meet the needs of customers in many countries and regions based on its belief that “the purpose of technology is to make people’s lives easier.”

Honda motorcycle and scooter production facilities exist in 23 countries.

The firm 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 40 million units in 2019. 

After COVID-19, demand has steadily recovered worldwide to pre-pandemic levels. In 2024 Honda had its “first year of global expansion” for electric powered two-wheelers.

Honda’s annual production capacity now is more than 20 million units in 23 countries and 37 production entities. There are more than 30,000 Honda dealers worldwide.

The next goal for Honda is achieving carbon neutrality, including through electrification.

Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer, Honda Motor Co recently commented on the achievement.

‘For Honda, motorcycle business…will continue to be the company’s core 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.”

A snapshot of company milestones

1948 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. founded

1949 First full-fledged motorcycle model, the Dream D-type, launched

1958 First Super Cub model, the Super Cub C100, launched

1959 Honda becomes world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer

1968 Cumulative global production reaches 10 million units

1969 The CB750 goes on sale

1975 The GL1000 Gold Wing goes on sale

1984 Cumulative global production reaches 50 million units

1986 The XRV650 Africa Twin joins the range

1992 The CBR900RR FireBlade goes on sale

1997 Cumulative global production reaches 100 million units 

2004 Annual production exceeds 10 million units for the first time

2008 Cumulative global production reaches 200 million units 

2014 Cumulative global production reaches 300 million units 

2014 The Honda Super Cub becomes the most produced motorcycle in history (87 million units)

2018 Cumulative annual production exceeds 20 million units for the first time

2019 Cumulative global production reaches 400 million units 

2022 Honda’s electrification journey begins in Europe

2023 Honda introduces its Honda E-Clutch technology

2024 Honda introduces new V3 concept engine with unique electrical compressor

2025 Cumulative global production reaches 500 million units 2025 2025