Achievements

 

2009

● Honda’s U.S. auto plants in Ohio and Alabama receive Energy Star awards from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency based on advances made in curbing energy
use during the production of passenger cars and light trucks.
● Honda receives the second annual EARTH ANGEL award by the International Car of
the Year committee. Honda is heralded as "the most environmentally progressive
automaker demonstrating the most significant progress with environmental
initiatives and partnerships on a worldwide basis."
● Honda produced its 20 millionth automobile in North America based on January
2009 production totals.
● For the sixth consecutive year, Honda won the Industry Brand Residual Value Award
from Automotive Lease Guide. Honda also received individual segment awards for
the ACCORD in the Midsize Car category, and the Honda FIT in the Compact Car
category. In addition, Acura won the overall Luxury Brand Residual Value Award for
the first time. The award honors vehicles in each segment that are predicted to
retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year
lease term and are based on 2009 model year vehicles.
● Recognizing Honda's dedication to fuel efficient and alternative fuel technologies,
three Honda vehicles earned recognition from the American Council for an Energy-
Efficient Economy as the "greenest vehicles of 2009" with the CIVIC GX natural gas
car taking the title of the greenest vehicle for the sixth consecutive year. The
gasoline FIT and CIVIC HYBRID join the list of the 12 most environmentally-friendly
vehicles available to the public. This is the ninth year in a row that a Honda vehicle
received the number one ranking.
● In February, United Way of Union County recognized Honda of America as being a
valued partner in addressing social service issues. Contributions from Honda
associates and the company match (50 cents to each dollar) places Honda as the
top Union County United Way contributor with donations totaling $247,873, or 30
percent of the $813,000 campaign total for United Way of Union County's 2008-09
campaign.
● The Carnegie Foundation recognized the Honda-OSU Partnership program as one of
the top 15 outreach initiatives that serves as a positive model for community
outreach and engaged curricula. The national recognition showcases outstanding
mission, culture and leadership practices between higher education institutions and
businesses.
● On Febuary 23, Honda Motor Co. announced that Takanobu Ito would become
Honda’s President and Chief Executive Officer pending approval at the board of
directors meeting in late June. Mr. Ito will replace Takeo Fukui, who has served as
Honda’s president since 2003.
2
● On Feb. 23, Honda Motor Co. announced that Tsuneo Tanai, Honda of America Mfg.
President and CEO since April 1, 2008, would be returning to Japan, effective
April 1, 2009, where he will serve as the company’s Chief Operating Officer for
Automobile Operations. In addition, Mr. Tanai will assume the role of director on the
Honda board of directors in June upon shareholder and board approval. HAM’s new
president and CEO will be Hidenobu Iwata, currently Managing Officer and General
Manager of Production Operations at the Suzuka Factory in Japan. Mr. Iwata has
extensive experience managing both engineering and manufacturing operations.
● On April 1, Hidenobu Iwata becomes Honda of America Mfg.'s President and CEO,
bringing extensive experience managing both engineering and manufacturing
operations. He previously was Managing Officer and General Manager of Production
Operations at Honda's Suzuka Factory in Japan.
● The East Liberty Auto Plant claims J.D. Powers’ prestigious Gold Plant Award as the
top auto manufacturing plant in North America. ELP improved its problems per
hundred units (PPHU) from 55 to 41 on its way to claiming the top spot. Of
American Honda's 13 models included in the study, 10 showed improvement. The
Acura TL, built at the Marysville Auto Plant showed the most improvement of any
vehicle during a full-model change going from 116 PPHU to 87. American Honda had
six models in the top three spots in their respective segments. This included the
Honda CR-V, which finished first in the Multi-Activity Vehicle segment with 93 PPHU.
● On Tuesday, June 23, the final motorcycle is produced at the Marysville Motorcycle
Plant, ending almost 30 years of quality motorcycle production by Honda in Ohio. A
2010 Gold Wing was the final bike produced in the plant that started Honda's
manufacturing in North America in 1979.
● On September 10, Honda of America Mfg. marks 30 years of manufacturing in
America with a symbolic tree planting ceremony that represents the company’s
deep roots in America and its longstanding relationships with the communities that
have hosted the company’s operations.
● On November 3, Associates at the East Liberty Auto Plant begin mass production of
the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour, a new type of crossover utility vehicle that
combines the refinement of the Accord with the versatile characteristics of a sportutility
vehicle.
● On December 10, Honda's plants in Ohio receive the 2009 Ohio Environmental
Stewardship Award, demonstrating leadership in protecting the state's environment
while making their operations more efficient.
● On December 18, community leaders come to the East Liberty Auto Plant to
recognize 20 years of auto production in a facility that set new manufacturing and
environmental standards when it started producing Civic Sedans on Dec. 18, 1989.

2008
● In February, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy recognizes the
CIVIC GX as the “greenest” vehicle for the fifth consecutive year. Consumer Reports
chooses the Honda ACCORD as the best family sedan on its annual Top Picks list.
● Honda of America Mfg. President and CEO Akio Hamada announces the consolidation
of Marysville Motorcycle Plant production at a new manufacturing facility in
Kumamoto, Japan, beginning in spring 2009. The purpose of the consolidation is to
strengthen the competitiveness and appeal of Honda products by applying advanced
technologies. Motorcycle plant associates will be assigned to other HAM facilities.
● On March 12, Honda of America Mfg. and the U.S. Department of Labor’s
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enter an agreement for joint
work and information sharing in safety and ergonomics and plant floor
communications. It is the first agreement of its kind between an automaker and
OSHA.
● Two Honda of America Mfg. teams take top honors at the 2008 International Ergo
Cup competition. The Ergo Start Cart team from the Anna Engine Plant wins in the
Engineering/Ergonomist-driven category. The Partnership for a Healthy Workforce
team from East Liberty Auto Assembly, Medical/Health/Safety, and Watson Wellness
Center wins the Training and Education category. The awards represent the first
time one manufacturer has earned two Ergo Cup awards.
● Honda of America Mfg. and other partners of The Nature Conservancy open the new
800-acre Big Darby Headwaters Nature Preserve located in Logan County on April
26, Open to the public, the preserve features a footpath along the start of this
designated national scenic river.
● The Ohio Cooperative Education Association presents its E. Sam Sovilla Award for
Excellence to Honda of America Mfg. on May 29 in recognition of its student co-op
program.
● On June 20, more than 150 Element owners from North America visited the East
Liberty Auto Plant for the second time to see where their beloved vehicles were
built.
● On July 16, more than 1,400 Honda of America and R&D associates turned out for
Race Day to meet Honda-powered Indy and ALMS (American Le Mans Series)
drivers. The annual afternoon autograph session took place at four locations with 17
drivers.
● More than 13,000 visitors attend the last Honda HomeComing® event at the
Marysville Motorcycle Plant in July. About 6,400 guests took a tour of the plant. The
light parades through Logan and Union counties set records with 751 and 1,072
guests respectively. Jerry Newland, a dispatcher for the Richwood, Ohio Police
Department, was the winner of the one-of-a-kind uranium green 2008 factory
custom Gold Wing 1800. More than 250 motorcyclists participated in the Ride for
Kids® event that raised $136,179 to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
● Honda of America President and CEO Tsuneo Tanai present to East Liberty Auto
Plant the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study award on Aug.
19. The Civic was Honda’s best-performing vehicle with 96 problems per hundred
units (PPHU) en route to claiming top honors in the compact car segment.
● Marysville Auto Plant associates launch the all-new 2009 ACURA TL on Aug. 25.
American Honda's Executive Vice President of Sales Dick Colliver addresses
associates during the line-off ceremony.
● More than 15,000 Honda associates and family members attend the 2008 Family
Festival at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, the roller coaster capital of the world, on
Sept. 6.
● In October, Honda associates and executives, and government and community
leaders celebrate the completion of the $138 million, 135,000 square-foot steel
parts expansion at the Anna Engine Plant.
● American Honda Motor Co. establishes a new subsidiary, Honda Patents &
Technologies North America (HPT), with the goal of strengthening the coordination
and handling of Honda’s intellectual property (IP) business in the North American
region. Offices are located in Torrance, Calif. (HPT-LA) and Raymond and Marysville,
Ohio (HPT-O).
● The Ohio Department of Transportation and Honda of America Mfg. open a new
railroad crossing bridge on Oct. 6 that promotes safety and eases congestion on
State Route 739 in Union County. The new roadway balances the movement of
people and freight, and better links to the region. The railroad crossing bridge,
which cost $7 million, was funded entirely by Honda. Construction took just 10
months to complete.
● Honda of America Mfg.’s 2009 United Way Campaign comes to a close with HAM
associates giving selflessly during tough economic times by raising nearly $1.7
million to help others.
● In November, Motor Trend magazine featured Automotive Lease Guide’s Residual
Value Award winners. Honda was crowned the top brand for the sixth consecutive
year and its subsidiary, Acura, has been crowned the top luxury brand for the first
time.
● For the only time in the history of Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
testing, an automobile nameplate has earned the prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK
rating for every vehicle in its lineup. To accomplish this safety milestone, all 2009
Acura luxury sedans and SUVs received the highest possible rating in each IIHS
crash test.
● Honda leads the automotive industry in retaining the highest percentage of newvehicle
purchasers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Customer
Retention StudySM. Now in its sixth year, the study measures the percentage of
new-vehicle buyers and lessees who replace a previously purchased new vehicle
with another from the same brand.
● In December, the Honda ACCORD COUPE V6 makes Ward's 10 Best Engines list.
● Former Honda of America Mfg. President and current Honda Motor Co. President and
CEO Takeo Fukui is named the 2009 Automobile Magazine Man of the Year.

2007
• The Honda CIVIC is named the Best First New Car in AutoWeek magazine’s 2006
Reader’s Choice Award competition in January. Earlier, the CIVIC GX earns the
“greenest” vehicle title for the 2007 model year from the American Council for an
Energy-Efficient Economy. The rest of the CIVIC line-up appears on its top 12 list.
● The Acura RDX built exclusively at the Marysville Auto Plant is voted “Canadian
Utility Vehicle of the Year” by the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada on
Feb. 14.
● Consumer Reports releases its Top Picks for 2007 including the Honda CIVIC as its
top small sedan and the Honda ACCORD as its top family sedan.
● The Marysville and East Liberty Auto plants receive the 2006 ENERGY STAR
designation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S.
Department of Energy for superior energy performance based on Honda’s Green
Factory Program.
● More than 10,000 members of the National Society of Black Engineers attend the
organization’s annual convention in Columbus sponsored in part by Honda of
America Mfg.
● American Honda Motor Co. officially breaks ground March 19 for Honda
Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC. (HMIN) located near Greensburg, Ind. The plant will
produce HONDA CIVIC automobiles with an annual capacity of 200,000. The plant
will employ 2,000 associates when mass production begins in fall 2008. Honda of
America Mfg.’s Anna Engine Plant will supply engines to the new plant.
● [For internal use only] After a 25-year production run, associates at the Marysville
Motorcycle Plant suspend production of the SHADOW VT1100 SABRE and SPIRIT
models on April 4.
● In May, the Marysville Auto Plant receives a Best Plant Award in the annual Harbour
Report. The report measures automotive productivity in assembly, stamping,
engine and transmission production.
● The East Liberty Auto Plant captures a Bronze Award for plant quality in the 2007
Initial Quality Survey conducted by independent research company J.D. Power and
Associates. The Honda CIVIC placed first in quality in the compact segment. The
Honda Accord finished second in its segments.
● A V6 auto engine built on Line 2 on May 17 is the 15 millionth engine manufactured
at the Anna Engine Plant. From its start in July 1986, the Anna Plant has grown into
Honda’s largest vehicle engine plant in the world.
● Production of the all-new 2008 HONDA Accord begins Aug. 13 at the Marysville
Auto Plant.
● Honda associates and the company contribute $1.76 million to the annual United
Way campaign. The funds go to 67 counties in Ohio and another 39 counties in
other states designated by associates.
● Honda of America marks the 25th anniversary of the start of auto production at the
Marysville Auto Plant on Nov. 1.
● Continuing its record, the Honda ACCORD is named to Car & Driver magazine’s
2008 10 Best Cars list – its 22nd appearance since the awards started in 1983.
● The Honda ACCORD is one of three finalists nominated by automotive journalists
for the 2008 North American Car of the Year Award.

2006
● The 2006 HONDA CIVIC is named Car of the Year at the North American
International Auto Show in Detroit in January. The HONDA RIDGELINE light-duty
truck is named Truck of the Year. This is the first time both honors are voted to a
single motor vehicle company.
● Honda Motor Co. President Takeo Fukui announces on May 17 the company’s 2010
Vision in North America to increase auto production from 1.4 to 1.6 million in 2008.
The strategy includes:
o Construction of a new auto plant in the U.S. with an annual capacity of
approximately 200,000 vehicles;
o Construction of a new engine plant located close to Honda of Canada Mfg.;
and
o A $75 million expansion to Honda of America Mfg.’s Anna Engine Plant to
increase the number and types of engine components produced there.
● Marysville Motorcycle Plant associates begin installing safety airbag systems on
some GOLD WING GL 1800 units in July, a first for Honda and the motorcycle
industry.
● Production of the ACURA RDX sports luxury SUV begins at the Marysville Auto Plant
on July 17. The RDX features a turbo-charged four-cylinder engine built at the Anna
Engine Plant – its first turbo engine.
● Construction of a 9,600-square-foot addition to the Anna Engine Plant begins. The
addition will accommodate production of four-cylinder camshafts, crankshafts,
conrods and spincast cylinder sleeves.
● Production of the all-new HONDA CIVIC begins Aug. 29 at the East Liberty Auto
Plant.
● Production of all-new third-generation HONDA CR-V sport utility vehicle begins at
the East Liberty Auto Plant on Sept. 25.

2005
● Akio Hamada becomes president and CEO of Honda of America Mfg. replacing Koki
Hirashima.
● In January, limited production of the ACCORD SEDAN begins at the East Liberty
Auto Plant, along with CIVIC and ELEMENT models. Production continues through
March 31.
● The Acura RD-X concept car is unveiled at the North American International Auto
Show in Detroit on Jan. 10. The new SUV will be built at the Marysville Auto Plant –
its first light-truck model. Placed in the Acura lineup beneath the MDX in both price
and size, it will be the fourth performance and luxury Acura model produced in
North America.
● April 1 marks the production of the last TRX all-terrain vehicle at the Marysville
Motorcycle Plant. Motorcycle plant associates built more than 1.24 million ATVs
during 16 years of production. Honda of South Carolina Mfg. in Timmonsville, S.C.,
becomes the exclusive manufacturer of Honda ATVs in the U.S. and the Marysville
Motorcycle Plant focuses on its core business -- Honda’s big motorcycles.
● Akio Hamada becomes president and CEO of Honda of America Mfg. on April 1,
replacing Koki Hirashima.
● East Liberty Auto Plant associates launch the all-new HONDA CIVIC.
● Motor Trend magazine names the HONDA CIVIC its 2005 Car of the Year on Nov.

2004
● Demonstrating its flexibility to meet customer demands, company officials
announce March 18 that Honda of America Mfg. will add the Honda ACCORD SEDAN
to its East Liberty Auto Plant production schedule in early 2005. The plant currently
produces the Honda CIVIC SEDAN, COUPE and GX models as well as the ELEMENT
light-duty truck.
● On April 27, a silver 2004 ACCORD EX SEDAN became the 10 millionth automobile
produced by Honda of America Mfg. The vehicle was built at the Marysville Auto
Plant.
● Honda of America Mfg. announces the construction of a $123 million paint shop
behind the Marysville Auto Plant on May 11. The new facility will replace the original
paint line and will feature a water-borne paint system, larger carriers and
conveyors to accommodate larger vehicles and other environmental and ergonomic
innovations.
● The Honda HomeComingSM draws a record 16,700 visitors to celebrate Honda’s
25th anniversary July 29-31.
● On the eve of its 25th anniversary of manufacturing in the state, Honda of America
Mfg. announces on Sept. 7 that a new Acura sport-utility vehicle (SUV) will be
produced in Ohio, starting in 2006.
● honda of America Mfg. releases on Sept. 10 the first comprehensive study of the
economic effects of Honda’s extensive operations in Ohio over the past 25 years.
The report by Levin, Driscoll & Fleeter shows that direct employment at Honda’s six
Ohio subsidiaries is 16,049, producing an annual payroll exceeding $1.1 billion.
● Honda Motor Co. President Takeo Fukui talks to associates during a celebration of
Honda of America Mfg.’s 25th anniversary on Sept. 10. Re-enacting the line-off of
the first product built at Honda of America, one of the original 64 associates rode
the first 250R ELSINORE off-road bike onto the stage while associates cheer.
● On Nov. 9, Honda announces that it will invest $100 million and add 100 new jobs
to expand Honda Transmission Mfg. in a move that will result in the transfer of the
value-added production of gears from Japan to Ohio. The investment is part of a
North American Powertrain Strategy that will also build a $100 million plant in
Tallapoosa, Ga. to produce automatic transmissions for Honda Manufacturing of
Alabama.
● The Union of Concerned Scientists recognize America Honda Motor Co. as the 2004
Greenest Automaker. The organization’s biennial ranking of car manufacturers’
environmental performance is released on Dec. 7. It’s the third consecutive number
one ranking of Honda in the UCS study.
● In December, Honda Motor Co. announces that it move production of its CR-V
minivan from Honda of the U.K. Mfg. to Honda of America’s East Liberty Auto Plant
in 2006.

2003
● PBS’s MotorWeek, America’s long-running automotive magazine show, announced
the 2003 Drivers’ Choice Awards Feb. 12 at the Chicago Auto Show. The Honda
ELEMENT was named the best small SUV and the Honda CIVIC was named the best
eco-friendly car.
● What was a radical concept motorcycle unveiled six months ago at Honda’s annual
dealer show in Chicago has sprung to life as mass production of the VALKYRIE
RUNE cruiser started April 22 at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant. The exotic
motorcycle will a limited edition retailing at $25,000.
● Ohio Gov. Bob Taft and other government and community leaders attended the
dedication of the 48,000-square-foot expansion for the new engine assembly line 3
at the Anna Engine Plant on July 17. The expansion boosts annual production to
nearly 1.2 million engines, creates 100 new jobs, and increases capital investment
at the plant to more than $1.2 billion. The new line has the flexibility to produce 4-
cylinder and V6 engines. It replaces the plant’s original Zero Line which started
producing Gold Wing GL motorcycle engines in 1985 and Civic 4-cylinder engines
the following year. The $20 million project included approximately $4.5 million for
the building, with the remaining $15.5 million for equipment.With the capacity to
produce 1,300 engines per day,
● Perfect weather encouraged a crowd of 10,000 for the 15tth Honda HomeComing
event July 24-26 at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant. The attendance is the highest
in 10 years and 2,000 more than in 2002. Among the most popular new additions
at this year’s event was the Goodyear “Spirit of Akron” airship. The blimp flew
overhead with the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club’s third annual ride-in on Friday when
club leaders headed a motorcade of 858 motorcycles – mostly Valkyries -- from
Marysville to the motorcycle plant.
● Production of the redesigned 2004 Acura TL began at the Marysville Auto Plant
Sept. 15. The concept and styling for the third-generation TL was created at Honda
R&D in Ohio and California. Engineering of the TL took place at Honda R&D’s Ohio
Center. The V-6 engine, built at the Anna Engine Plant, generates 270 horsepower
that offers more performance than the previous TL Type-S model. The new Acura
TL is the widest vehicle ever produced at the flexible Marysville plant.
● Andrew Smith from Botkins, Ohio, is named the 2003 Ohio’s Safest Young Drivers
winner at the conclusion of a drive-off with 10 other high school finalists chosen
from across the state. He receives a Honda CIVIC EX from lead event sponsor
Honda of America Mfg.
● The combined Honda of America Mfg. associate contributions and company
matching funds for the 2003 United Way campaign totals $1,727,338 – more than
$127,000 above their $1.6 million goal. Associates give $1.1 million, marking the
fifth consecutive year that associates have donated more than $1 million to United
Way. These funds were matched by the company at 50 cents for each dollar.
● In a significant milestone after more than two decades of automotive
manufacturing in the United States, Honda produces its 10-millionth automobile in
the United States on Nov. 25. This important production milestone follows by only
two months the sale of 20 million Honda and Acura automobiles in America -
announced by American Honda Motor Co., Sept. 24. In Ohio, the Marysville Auto
plant has produced more than 7.2 million cars on 2 production lines, with another
2.5 million from one line at the East Liberty plant..
● Marysville Motorcycle Plant associates launch the new TRX450R SporTrax all-terrain
vehicle on Dec. 2. As the new high performance flagship for American Honda, the
quick, sporty TRX450R features a CRF450R-derived engine; Pro-Link suspension; a
new aluminum rear frame and wheels that reduce weight and increase speed,
handling and flexibility; and a new color called Nitro Red that adds a fluorescent
quality to the molded plastic parts.
● Car and Driver magazine's January 2004 issue names the Honda ACCORD, S2000
and Acura TSX as winners of its prestigious and highly competitive annual "10Best
Cars" award on Dec. 3. Nearly 60 vehicles were nominated for the 2004 award. The
TSX is a first-time recipient of this award, while the S2000 is a four-time honoree.
The ACCORD continues to hold the publication's record for the most "10Best"
trophies in the history of the competition. The Honda ACCORD has been awarded
"10Best" status in 18 of the 22 years that Car and Driver editors have been
evaluating new vehicles for their style, value, features and performance.

2002
● IntelliChoice editors name their “Best Overall Value of the Year” vehicles for the
2002 model year. Honda has the most vehicles on the list including the Honda
ACCORD SEDAN and COUPE, the CIVIC SEDAN and COUPE, and the Acura 3.2TL.
● On March 6, Marysville Motorcycle Plant associates add the retro-styled 2003 VTX
1300 motorcycle to the production line-up. The VTX 1300 shares family features
with the VTX 1800 including deeply valanced, highly stylized fenders; a broad fuel
tank with instrument console; a pullback handle bar; floorboards with a heel-andtoe
shifter; and the VTX’s signature chrome-hooded headlight.
● Thirteen years after launching their first all-terrain vehicle, associates at the
Marysville Motorcycle Plant launch the FourTrax RINCON 650 on June 26. As
Honda’s most sophisticated all-terrain vehicle, the RINCON features a powerful
650-cc engine, automatic transmission and independent rear suspension.
● Anthony Baldwin, a 17-year-old student from Waterford, Ohio, wins the 2002
Ohio’s Safest Young Driver title and a new Honda CIVIC EX in the competition
sponsored by Honda of America Mfg.
● Led by the HAM-built Acura 3.2 TL Sedan, American Honda’s Acura Division marks
its two millionth car sold on July 24.
● More than 8,000 motorcycle owners and enthusiasts enjoy the 2002 Honda
HomeComing event July 25-27. The Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club captures a place in
the Guinness World Book of Records by staging the largest ride-in rally for a single
model. The ride-in totals more than 800 motorcycles, with 368 documented
Valkyrie enthusiasts.
● Honda’s humanoid robot, ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility), makes its
Ohio debut at the Honda of America Mfg. Family Festival at the Columbus
Convention Center on Sept. 7.
● The 2002 Gold Wing GL1800 retains the “Best Touring Bike” slot on CycleWorld’s
“10 Best Bikes” list in its September issue.
● In a rolling model change, the first of the 7th generation 2003 ACCORD -- a Metallic
Silver sedan -- is driven off the production line at 12:17p.m. on Aug. 16. Exterior
styling for the sedan and coupe is more distinctive, and the two models will share
only their headlights for ’03. Additional standard equipment is featured on all
models, including anti-lock brakes, tilt and telescopic steering, and a 5-speed
automatic transmission. The V-6 and four-cylinder engines are built at the Anna
Engine Plant.
● In conjunction with the launch of the new Honda ACCORD, Marysville Auto Plant
undergoes an Innovation Project including the installation of Honda’s global New
Manufacturing System. The new system standardizes production capabilities among
Honda’s major plants worldwide, making it easier and less costly to introduce new
models in those plants, as consumer buying trends and economic conditions
change. With completion of the New Manufacturing System at the Marysville Auto
Plant, all major Honda plants worldwide have flexible manufacturing capabilities. In
Ohio, both the Marysville and East Liberty plants can assemble any Honda model in
the mid- and small-size vehicle categories.
● Honda of America Mfg.’s investment in its four Ohio facilities grows to $4.4 billion.
In 2001, it purchases more than $3.75 billion in parts and services from 162 Ohio
suppliers. Honda produces 692,377 cars; 122,279 motorcycles and ATVs;
1,072,810 engines; and 923,026 transmissions in Ohio.
● The city of Dublin, Ohio, trustees from Jerome Township and the head of the
Columbus Metro Parks open Glacier Ridge, an area park on the Union-Franklin
county line on Sept. 20. Honda of America Mfg. is the major corporate sponsor with
a contribution of $500,000 to be used to create a wetlands within the park.
● Honda of America Mfg.’s combined associate contributions and company matching
funds for the 2003 United Way campaign total $1,727,338 – more than $127,000
above their $1.6 million goal. Associates give $1.1 million, marking the fifth
consecutive year that associates have donated West Central Ohio.
● Ohio Gov. Bob Taft, members of former Gov. James A. Rhodes’ family, and
community leaders attend events on Nov. 1 and 15 commemorating Honda of
America Mfg.’s 20th anniversary of auto production at the Marysville Auto Plant.
Honda Parkway is dedicated as the James A. Rhodes Memorial Parkway by the
Union County commissioners.
● Production of the Honda ELEMENT begins at the East Liberty Auto Plant on Nov. 26.
As Honda’s first light duty truck built in Ohio, the new vehicle is aimed at young
buyers with active lifestyles and features center-opening side doors, a clam-shell
rear hatch, vinyl flooring material in stead of carpet, and a rear sun-roof.
● The Honda ACCORD makes its 17th appearance on Car & Driver magazine’s “10
Best Cars” list – the most of any car in its 21-year history.

2001
● Marysville Motorcycle Plant continues its role as the manufacturer of Honda’s
biggest motorcycles when production of the new 2001 VTX 1800 V-twin cruiser
begins on February 20. Engine components are cast and machined at the Anna
Engine Plant and assembled at the Motorcycle Plant.
● IntelliChoice names its “Best Overall Values of the Year” at the Chicago Auto Show
Feb. 8.
o Honda has the most models on the list including these HAM-built cars:
Honda CIVIC Coupe and
o Sedan, Honda ACCORD Coupe and Sedan, and the Acura 3.2CL Coupe.
● On March 20, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the
Honda ACCORD its highest 5-star safety rating for occupant protection in frontal
collisions.
● Honda produces its 10 millionth vehicle in North America on April 16. The first
vehicle, a Honda ACCORD, was built at Honda of America Mfg.’s Marysville Auto
Plant on November 1,1982.
● Returning to its roots as a free thank-you event for motorcycle riders, the13th
Honda HomeComing held July 26-28 attracts almost 8,000 guests to the Marysville
Motorcycle Plant and local communities.
● Marysville Auto Plant receives the Silver Award for quality on the 2001 Initial
Quality Survey by J.D. Power & Associates. The survey compares responses of
owners of new vehicles after the first 90 days of ownership.
● CycleWorld magazine honors two HAM-built motorcycles September 6 on its 10
Best list : the all-new 2001 GL1800 GOLD WING as the 2001 Best Touring
motorcycle and the 2002 VTX 1800 V-twin as the award for Best Cruiser.
● Honda of America Mfg. associates demonstrate a commitment to their local
communities and the extraordinary circumstances of the September 11 terrorist
attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. by contributing $1,160,805 to the
2002 United Way Campaign. Along with a company match of 50 cents for each
dollar, the final amount of $1,741,207 set a record for United Way giving -- more
than $141,000 over the campaign goal.
● The Acura 3.2 TL builds on its leadership in the near-luxury class with new
enhancements, the addition of a high-performance Type-S model with a 260
horsepower engine produced at the Anna Engine Plant, and a sport-tuned
suspension system.
● For the first time since 1991, the Honda ACCORD is the best-selling car in America
for the 2001 model year (Oct. 1, 2000 to Sept. 30, 2001). The Honda CIVIC
continues as the best-selling small car and the Acura 3.2 TL luxury performance
sedan is the best-selling luxury sedan.
● The 2001 Honda INSIGHT, the first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle sold in North
America, earns top honors for the second straight year in the Environmental
Protection Agency annual report on automotive fuel economy released on October
3. Also making the top ten list were two versions of the all-new 2001 Honda CIVIC
built at the East Liberty Auto Plant: the CIVIC HX with manual transmission and the
CIVIC HX with CVT (continuously variable transmission).
● The VTX 1800 V-twin street-rod cruiser built exclusively at the Marysville
Motorcycle Plant will grow into a family of models by late Spring 2002. Production
begins Oct. 16 of the VTX 1800 RETRO version with deeply valanced, highly stylized
fenders, a broad fuel tank with instrument nacelle, a pullback handlebar,
floorboards with a heel-and-toe shifter, the signature chrome-hooded headlight,
and cast wheels with radial tires. A similar version with bias-ply-equipped spoke
wheels will go into production in February 2002.
● Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) produces its first Honda ODYSSEY minivan
Nov. 15, six months ahead of schedule. Honda associates from HAM and Honda of
Canada Mfg. play a big role in helping the start-up of the newest Honda North
American auto and engine plants. At a plant dedication December 4, Honda Motor
Co. President Hiroyuki Yoshino announces a plant capacity increase to 150,000
vehicles and engines from 120,000 units originally planned.
● The Honda ACCORD is named to Car and Driver magazine’s 20th anniversary 10
Best Cars list (January 2002 issue released in December 2001). Joining the
ACCORD are the Acura RSX and Honda S2000 models. Honda is the only auto
brand to appear on all 20 of the 10 Best lists. The ACCORD is on all but four of
them – more than any other vehicle.
● The Honda ACCORD regains its title as best-selling car in the United States for
2001. The ACCORD held the title from 1989 to 1991, when it placed second to the
Ford Taurus. Between 1996 and the present, it vied for second place with the
Taurus behind the Toyota Camry. The Honda CIVIC maintains it number one
position in the compact car segment for the fifth consecutive year, while the Acura
3.2 TL is first in the mid-luxury category.

2000
● Production of the redesigned, second-generation 2001 Acura CL COUPE begins at
Marysville Auto Plant on Jan. 31. The CL joins the Acura TL at the Marysville Auto
Plant, making it the manufacturing headquarters for Acura cars in the U.S. Powered
by a 3.2-liter V6 engine built at the Anna Engine Plant, the new CL soon wins praise
from auto analysts and writers and boosts sales 40 percent over the previous year.
● HAM announces Feb. 1 a $24.5 million expansion at the Anna Engine Plant to
increase crankshaft capacity. The 38,000-square-foot addition will be built next to
the existing crankshaft production. The additional crankshafts will be used in the
production of popular V6 engines that go into a variety of Honda vehicles, including
the Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe; Acura TL luxury sedan; the Acura CL luxury
coupe; and the Odyssey minivan manufactured at Honda of Canada Mfg.
Construction will begin in March and be completed in December 2000.
● In a move designed to place engine assembly as close to the point of installation in
the product as possible, six-cylinder VALKYRIE motorcycle engine assembly is
transferred from the Anna Engine Plant to the Marysville Motorcycle Plant on
February 2. Gold Wing engine assembly of 75,000 engines per year starts later in
the year. At full capacity, the new assembly line can produce 230 engines/day.
● Acura ranks first and Honda seventh among nameplates in the Initial Quality Study
(IQS) released May 4 by independent research firm J.D. Power & Associates. The
Acura TL is the highest-ranked car produced in North America and ties for first in its
car segment. The Honda CIVIC retains its fourth position in its segment while the
Honda ACCORD improves its class position to fourth from fifth.
● Rider Magazine names the Gold Wing SE built at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant its
Top Luxury Touring Motorcycle in its annual Top 10 Motorcycles list.
● Ohio Governor Bob Taft presents Honda of America Mfg. with the Award of
Excellence in Exporting from the Ohio Department of Development on June 13.
● Honda of America Mfg. (HAM) produces its two-millionth Civic July 10 at the East
Liberty Auto Plant. The first Ohio-built Civic was manufactured at the Marysville
Auto Plant on July 24, 1986. The best-selling small car in the U.S. since 1996,
Honda has sold more than 5.5 million Civics in the United States since 1973. The
Civic coupe and the Civic GX dedicated natural gas vehicle are made exclusively at
ELP, along with sedan models. In addition, nearly all engines for Civics made at ELP
and Honda of Canada Mfg. are produced at HAM’s Anna Engine Plant.
● The Anna Engine Plant celebrates the 15th anniversary of the production of its first
engine – a 6-cylinder Gold Wing GL 1200 model on July 22, 1985.
● On Aug. 15, associates at the East Liberty Auto Plant begin producing the all-new
2001 Honda CIVIC – Honda’s best-selling car -- as part of a “simultaneous launch”
at Honda plants in 12 countries around the world. The car meets 5-Star Safety
Rating qualifications and increases quality levels to zero gap tolerances. The engine
is produced at the Anna Engine Plant.
● As part of Honda’s worldwide Innovation Project, East Liberty Auto Plant associates
launch a new manufacturing system to build the new Honda CIVIC. Significant parts
of the new system include reprogrammable robots to create the white body unit in
Weld and a standardized Five-Zone Layout in Assembly. The changes gives
increased flexibility and quicker response to market demands.
● In the first major model change of Honda’s largest motorcycle since 1988,
Marysville Motorcycle Plant associates raised the industry standard with the
introduction of the all-new 2001 Honda GOLD WING GL 1800 on Oct. 10. More
powerful and refined, the new Gold Wing is designed to attract motorcycle
enthusiasts with a more athletic, sporty ride while retaining all the luxury amenities
traditionally associated with the Gold Wing experience.
● A FourTrax RANCHER 350 is the 1 millionth all-terrain vehicle built at the Marysville
Motorcycle Plant on Oct. 12. Following on the heels of the launch of the new 2001
Honda GOLD WING motorcycle, this milestone comes only 11 years after ATV
production started at the plant in 1989.
● On Oct. 23, Motor Trend magazine announces the selection of the Acura MDX as
the 2001 Sport/Utility of the Year. The MDX features a 3.5L SOHC V-6, five speed
automatic transmission built at the Anna Engine Plant.
● The 2001 Honda ACCORD is named to Car and Driver magazine’s Top 10 list along
with the Honda S2000 sports car.
● The entire 2001 Honda CIVIC lineup receives the Japanese auto media’s prestigious
“Car of the Year” award.

1999
● HAM is named to Fortune magazine's "100 Best Places to Work For in America" list
for the second consecutive year, based on confidential surveys of HAM associate as
well as documentation on policies, compensation, benefits and programs provided
by the company. HAM is the only automaker on the list published in the January 11,
1999 issue.
● HAM makes its Internet debut Jan. 1 with its Web site, www.ohio.honda.com. The
site includes general information on HAM history, plant operations, community
involvement, environmental activities, employment opportunities and special
events.
● All four HAM plants achieve ISO 14001 registration for their environmental
management systems Jan. 29. This makes HAM an auto industry leader at
implementing such a system under guidelines of the International Organization for
Standardization in Geneva.
● Testing of the first car-sharing system using "smart card" technology in the U.S.
begins at the University of California's Davis Institute of Transportation Studies
Feb. 2. The system features 12 natural gas-powered CIVIC GX sedans built at the
East Liberty Auto Plant.
● IntelliChoice names Honda vehicles in five categories for "Best Overall Value of the
Year" awards for 1999. Award winners include: CIVIC DX Sedan as Best car Value
under $20,000; CIVIC CX/DX/HX Coupe,Sedan and Hatchback models as Best
Subcompact under $14,000; CIVIC LX/EX Coupe and Sedan models as Best
Subcompact over $14,000; the ACCORD DX/LX Coupe and Sedan models Best
Midsize under $19,500; and ACCORD EX Sedan as Best Midsize over $19,500.
● America's widely respected TV auto magazine show, MotorWeek, gives its 1999
Driver's Choice award to the all-new Honda ODYSSEY as Best Minivan. The
ODYSSEY is powered by a 3.5 V6 engine built at the Anna Engine Plant.
● The Honda ACCORD appears on Car and Driver magazine's "10 Best" list for the
13th time. Honda products have been named to the list 30 times, more than any
other nameplate. According to magazine editors, the '99 ACCORD was recognized
because of its "relentless refinement since its debut more than 20 years ago,"
including drivetrain excellence and a roomier interior.
● The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ranks the Honda CIVIC GX
the most energy-efficient internal combustion car on its 1999 Green Guide to Cars
& Trucks. The CIVIC GX places fourth overall after three electric vehicles.
● The ACURA 3.2TL receives praise from Automobile magazine writers (March 1999):
“[this] is another near-perfect sedan. It's not a car for a short driving adventure,
it's a car you want to live with. This car is destined to be legendary."
● Motor Trend magazine editors write: "The best Japanese-branded automobile made
in the United States may well be the all-new '99 ACURA 3.2TL. [It features]
conservative-but-stylish bodywork will remain tastefully attractive for years" (March
1999).
● HAM's four plants receive ISO 9002 certification for its quality management system
on March 19. This globally recognized designation is under the auspices of the
International Standards Organization based in Geneva.
● Readers select the Honda CIVIC as the "Best Entry-Level Car" in Automobile
magazine's second annual Readers' Choice All-Stars competition.
● In the "Best of the Best:Top picks for 1999," Consumer Reports gives the award in
the Green Vehicle category to the Honda CIVIC. "You'll be impressed with the
Civic's excellent gas mileage and emissions-reducing engine technology," editors
write.
● The Honda CIVIC earns the honor of "Best passenger Car Value and Best Overall
Car Value among all used cars according to vehicle studies conducted by
IntelliChoice Inc., an independent research firm. This marks the second time in
three years that the CIVIC receives these honors. The award is based on
calculating the relationship of the purchase price and the total five-year cost to own
and operate a vehicle in order to determine its value.
● Automotive Lease Guide (July 19, 1999) announces its inaugural Residual Value
Awards, including the Honda ACCORD in the midsize car class; the Acura TL in the
near luxury car class; and the Honda ODYSSEY in the mini van category. The
award honors automobiles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of
their original price.
● Reviewing ATVs for the year 2000, ATV 4-Wheel Action magazine names the
FourTrax 400EX its "ATV of the Decade" in its August issue.
● The 2000 Honda ACCORD EX and CIVIC GX are certified as SULEV (Super Ultra Low
Emissions Vehicle) cars by the California Air Resources Board. The CIVIC GX also
receives a "Clean Air Award" from California's South Coast Air Quality Management
District.
● Honda of America Mfg. marks the 20th anniversary of the start of operations at the
Marysville Motorcycle Plant Sept. 10, 1979.
● The Marysville Motorcycle Plant launches the new FourTrax 350 RANCHER ATV
Sept. 20. It is available in 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive versions with either manual
or electric shift.
● The East Liberty Auto Plant (ELP) marks its tenth anniversary of operations. The
plant started mass production with the Civic Sedan on Dec. 18, 1989. ELP is still
home of the Sedan, but also is the exclusive manufacturer of the Honda CIVIC
Coupe and ACURA CL. Daily production is 950 units.
● As the year ends in December, HAM passes a milestone: the production at the
Marysville Auto Plant of the 5 millionth HAM-built Honda ACCORD. The first
ACCORD was built on Nov. 1, 1982.

1998
● Koki Hirashima becomes president and CEO of Honda of America Mfg. replacing
Takeo Fukui.
● Car and Driver magazine names 1998 ACCORD to its annual "10 Best" list, its 12th
ppearance on this coveted list, the most for any single model.
● The FOURTRAX FOREMAN 450ES is named "ATV of the Year" by ATV magazine, the
premier all-terrain vehicle magazine.
● Acura Division debuts TL-X concept car at North American International Car Show
in January. The TL-X previews the new Acura TL to be built at the Marysville Auto
Plant as a 1999 model. It is the second Acura model to be manufactured exclusively
at HAM.
● Honda Motor Co. Executive Vice President and former HAM President Hiroyuki
Yoshino receives a Distinguished Service Citation from the Automotive Hall of Fame
Feb. 1. Yoshino was honored for his lifetime work in the development and
production of automobiles with increased fuel economy and reduced emissions.
● Consumer Digest magazine names the 1998 ACCORD the "Best Buy Family Car."
● The 1998 CIVIC and ACCORD models receive a "recommended" rating by
Consumer Guide.
● Sports Compact Car magazine names the HAM-built CIVIC Coupe one of "Eight
Great Rides for 1998."
● Intellichoice awards "Best Overall Value of the Year" honors to the ACCORD in the
mid-size under $20,000 category and the CIVIC in the small car category. The
awards are based on the real cost of car and truck ownership relative to the
purchase price and anticipated five-year cost of ownership.
● MotorWeek, the leading automotive magazine aired on PBS stations across
America, names ACCORD "Family Car of the Year."
● Canadian publication Motoring '98 calls the 1998 ACCORD Coupe the "Best New
Sports Coupe."
● World of Wheels, a Canadian magazine, presents the 1998 ACCORD with its
Webster Award as the "Most Desirable Vehicle in Canada."
● The East Liberty Auto Plant achieves production of 950 units per day -- the highest
capacity and production of any single line in any Honda plant in North America.
● The 1998 CIVIC receives the "Best Buy Award" from Car Guide magazine.
● Fortune magazine names the Honda MV-99 minivan and the Acura TL-X concept
vehicles among the "Top Ten Cars for 1999."
● HAM introduces its Matching Gifts Program on April 1 to recognize associate support
of higher education and cultural enrichment. The program matches associate
donations 50 cents on the dollar to eligible organizations.
● Along with the introduction of the Matching Gifts Program, HAM expands the Honda
Hero Volunteer Program to include spouse volunteer hours for Dollars for Doers
grants.
● HAM continues its environmental leadership with the launch of the first massproduced,
fully-dedicated natural gas powered passenger car, the CIVIC GX, at the
East Liberty Auto Plant April 8.
● The 1.6-liter VTEC-E four-cylinder engine powering the 1998 CIVIC GX natural gas
vehicle is the cleanest internal combustion engine ever made and is built only at
the Anna Engine Plant. The GX shatters the stringent ultra-low emission vehicle
standard established by the California Air Resources Board with just one-tenth the
hydrocarbon emissions of the ULEV standard. It also reduces greenhouse gas
emissions by more than 20 percent (almost zero emissions) while retaining superior
fuel economy and performance.
● The first Honda CIVIC GX, powered by natural gas and built on the same production
line with gasoline-fueled CIVICS at the East Liberty Auto Plant, is sold to the Ohio
Environmental Protection Agency in April.
● The CIVIC GX, built exclusively at the East Liberty Auto Plant, is among the "12
Greenest Vehicles in 1998" listed in the Green Guide to Cars and Trucks released by
the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. The Honda CIVIC and CIVIC
HX models also appeared in the "Best of 1998" listings of the greenest models by
vehicle class.
● Koki Hirashima is named president of Honda of America Mfg., replacing Takeo Fukui
who returns to Japan.
● Honda’s ACCORD and CIVIC 1998 models are the first gasoline-fueled vehicles to
receive Clean Fuel Fleet Vehicle certification from the Environmental Protection
Agency under the revised Federal Clean Air Act. They join the new natural gasfueled
1998 Civic GX.
● Automobile magazine names the Honda ACCORD as having the best ergonomics on
its 1998 All Star list.
● More than 13,000 motorcyclists and guests attend the 10th annual Honda
HomeComing at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant. The Ride for Kids event, held in
conjunction with HomeComing, raises a record $110,635 for the Pediatric Brain
Tumor Foundation in the United States.
● Mass production of HAM’s second exclusive Acura product, the TL Sedan, starts at
the Marysville Auto Plant August 3. The Acura TL , the first Acura product built at
the Marysville Auto Plant, joins its sister car, the Acura CL Coupe, built at the East
Liberty Auto Plant.
● The new Acura TL is powered by a 3.2 liter V6-VTEC engine manufactured
exclusively at the Anna Engine Plant. The 225 hp engine is paired with a four-speed
automatic transmission manufactured at Honda Transmission Mfg. in Russells Point,
Ohio.
● The HAM-built VALKYRIE cruiser motorcycle is named “King of the Cruisers” by
Motorcycle Cruiser magazine (August 1998).
● Motorcyclist magazine awards the VALKYRIE motorcycle the title of Best
Heavyweight Cruiser in its “Best of Motorcycling” section (August 1998). The Gold
Wing SE remains their pick for Best Touring Bike.
● HAM sets a company record and tops its 1999 United Way goal by almost $90,000
during its September campaign. More that 60 of Ohio's 88 counties, and 22
counties in 13 other states, will receive $1,589,508 contributed by associates along
with 50 cents (up from .40 cents) on the dollar matching funds from the company.
The total sets a company record and exceeds the campaign goal of $1.5 million.
Associates contribute more than $1 million for the first time.
● HAM associates receive the largest bonus sharing check in the companies' history --
an average of $4,519. The amount reflects the continuing growth and importance
of HAM's contribution to the worldwide Honda Motor Co. organization and
competitiveness.
● The Marysville Motorcycle Plant's Paint Department receives an award from the
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for outstanding achievement in
pollution prevention on Nov. 17. The award recognizes HAM's installation and use of
powder coat paint technology instead of solvent-borne paints to paint its
motorcycle and sport utility vehicle frames and gas tanks. This process reduces air
emissions and eliminates the need for solvents.
● Associates at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant start mass production of the VALKYRIE
Interstate motorcycle on Nov. 19 featuring classic 1950s retro-styling with twin
headlight design and ample chrome trim.
● The state of New York purchases 50 Honda CIVIC GX natural gas-powered cars
from Bay Ridge Honda in Brooklyn for its alternate-fuel fleet Dec. 3. The purchase
followed a pilot evaluation by New York Department of Transportation employees
who cited good performance, lower overall maintenance costs and ultra low
emission levels as reasons for making the purchase.
● The all-new ACURA 3.2TL receives two additional awards: the American Automobile
Association's "Top Car" award in the $25,000-30,000 category, and the Consumers
Digest's "Best Buy" designation in the luxury car category.
● The ACURA 3.2TL is voted the favorite new car of the current model year by the
Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). AJAC also named the TL the
best new sports sedan in December 1998. The Honda ODYSSEY minivan was
presented the "Truck of the Year" award.
● American Honda Motor Co. records its most successful year ever selling more than
1 million cars in the U.S. for the first time. The Honda ACCORD completes a decade
as the best-selling car in America to individual retail customers. The Honda CIVIC is
the best-selling subcompact car in the U.S. for the third consecutive year.


1997
● Honda Transmission Mfg., formerly Bellemar Parts Industries, at Russells Point,
Ohio, is established Jan. 1 as the exclusive automatic transmission producer for
Honda auto plants in North America.
● The Marysville Motorcycle Plant begins production of the new TRX FourTrax RECON
250 on Jan. 23.
● Industry Week magazine names the CIVIC Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) one of the "25 Technologies of the Year."
● Production of the SHADOW AMERICAN CLASSIC EDITION TOURER motorcycle
starts at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant on Feb. 17, further expanding the cruiser
model range for motorcycle customers.
● HAM-built 1997 CIVIC HX tops the U.S. EPA fuel economy ratings for 4-cylinder
autos and is the only automatic transmission car in the EPA top ten most fuel
efficient vehicles.
● American Honda announces May 5 the construction of a new Honda manufacturing
plant in Timmonsville, South Carolina. Honda of South Carolina Mfg. (HSC) will
build all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) starting in summer 1998. ATV production will be
transferred from HAM's Marysville Motorcycle Plant to HSC, freeing Marysville to
manufacture additional motorcycle models.
● J.D. Power & Associates names the Marysville Auto Plant the best plant in the world
for quality based on their 1997 Initial Quality Study.
● Motorcyclist magazine name the VALKYRIE "Best Open Class Cruiser" and the GOLD
WING "Best Full Dress Tourer."
● Marysville Auto Plant associates say farewell to the ACCORD Wagon on June 5, the
first Honda car designed, engineered and manufactured in the U.S., after seven
years of production. Due to strong demand for Wagons in Japan and declining
Wagon sales in the U.S., production of the 1998 Accord Wagon moves to Honda's
Sayama Plant in Japan.
● Honda breaks ground June 9 for the new ATV plant, Honda of South Carolina Mfg.
in Timmonsville, South Carolina.
● East Liberty Auto Plant associates celebrate the production of their 1 millionth car,
an Acura 2.2CL on June 10.
● Rider magazine names the Honda VALKYRIE TOURER "Bike of the Year" and awards
the Honda GOLD WING GL1500 SE "Best Luxury Touring Motorcycle."
● The largest crowd ever -- more than 9,000 motorcycle enthusiasts -- attend the
1997 Honda HomeComing event at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant. Participants
contribute a record $84,550 to Ride for Kids for the Pediatric Brain Tumor
Foundation of the U.S.
● The ACCORD is named best in class in the 1997 Customer Satisfaction Study by
J.D. Power & Associates.
● Anna Engine Plant begins export of its exclusive V6 engine back to Japan for
assembly into the Honda ODYSSEY minivan for sale in Japan.
● In the most complex model change ever accomplished in the U.S. auto industry,
Marysville Auto Plant associates introduce the all-new 1998 ACCORD.
o This "mother-line-less" launch of the unique new wide-body ACCORD marks
the first time HAM has launched an ACCORD first in the U.S. without prior
production or parts back-up in Japan.
o This full-model change was accomplished without plant shutdown or layoffs,
and ramp-up to full production of 1,750 units a day is completed in only 20
days, a U.S. industry record.
● On Sept. 4, the ACCORD becomes the first car to receive certification as an ultralow
emissions vehicle (ULEV) from the California Air Resources Board. It features a
2.3 liter engine built at the Anna Engine Plant.
● East Liberty Auto Plant associates build their 1 millionth CIVIC Oct. 6.
● For the third consecutive year, HAM associates contribute more than $1 million to
United Way. Associates designate a record $1.3 million for 75 counties in Ohio and
14 counties in other states.
● Anna Engine Plant associates produce their 5 millionth engine Oct. 23, a 1998
ACCORD 2.3 liter ULEV engine.
● Honda announces the production of its 100 millionth motorcycle, a SUPER CUB, at
the Kumamoto Plant in Japan. HAM contributed 1.2 million GOLD WING, SHADOW,
VALKYRIE and other models to that total. Exports from Marysville exceeded more
than 210,000 units during this period. American Honda sold more than 17 million of
those 100 million motorcycles.
● Production of the new SHADOW AERO motorcycle begins Oct. 21 at the Marysville
Motorcycle Plant, a retro-style cruiser with design cues from the 1940s.
● Motorcycle Cruiser magazine names the SHADOW ACE TOURER its first "Cruiser of
the Year."
● The FOURTRAX 450 FOREMAN all-terrain vehicle is introduced at the Marysville
Motorcycle Plant Nov. 5. The ES (electric shift) version gives riders the option of
automatic shifting and manual transmission control.
● The average Bonus Sharing check for production associates is $4,306 paid in
November -- the highest in HAM history. HAM is the only U.S. automaker to pay a
profit sharing bonus to production associates every year since 1986.
● The People's Republic of China becomes the newest export country for ACCORDs
built at the Marysville Auto Plant, making a total of more than 65 countries
receiving HAM-built products.
● Honda announces production expansion at the East Liberty and Marysville Auto
Plants totaling 40,000 units by 2001, bringing total HAM auto production capacity
to 680,000 units a year. The additional units will be achieved through further
process refinements and efficiencies.
● HAM named to the "100 Best Companies To Work For In America" list featured in
Fortune magazine. HAM is the only automaker on the list.
● Strong Arm Wrestlers NH-Circle team from the Anna Engine Plant receives the
Governor's Cup in the Large Plant Division at the Ohio Manufacturers' Association
annual Case Studies in Team Excellence competition in December. Three of the four
teams in the final round in the Large Division are from HAM. A team from HAM
supplier, Findlex Corp., wins the Small Plant Division.
● HAM sets record-level auto production for calendar 1997, up 2 percent to 648,268
units.
● Driven by strong sales of HAM-built ACCORD and CIVIC models, American Honda
annual sales jump 11.8 percent over 1996 to 940,386 units, breaking the previous
record of 854,879 set in 1990.
● ACCORD repeats as the best-selling car in the U.S. in 1997 to retail customers for
the ninth straight year, according to R.L. Polk registrations.

1996
● Takeo Fukui becomes president and CEO of Honda of America Mfg. replacing
Takeshi Yamada.
● The new VALKYRIE custom power cruiser motorcycle is unveiled at the Chicago
Motorcycle Show. Based on the Gold Wing GL1500, the new VALKYRIE begins
production at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant in April 1996. The Anna Engine Plant
will supply the 1520cc 6-cylinder engines.
● Automobile magazine gives the "Automobile of the Year" award to the new 1996
CIVIC and awards "Technology of the Year" to the CIVIC Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) version.
● Car and Driver names the Honda CIVIC to its "10 Best Cars" list.
● Production of the TRX FOREMAN 400 begins at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant. It is
the first ATV to feature an in-line drivetrain that reduces friction losses and
increases agility.
● The International Standards Organization (ISO) awards Anna Engine Plant its 9002
certification, a globally recognized quality assurance standard. The Anna Engine
Plant is the first engine plant in North America and the sixth Honda plant worldwide
to receive ISO 9002 certification.
● Mass production of the new Acura CL begins at the East Liberty Auto Plant on
February 19. Built on the same production line as the CIVIC Sedan and Coupe, the
new luxury sports coupe is the first Acura model to be designed, engineered and
built in the United States. With its start-up, East Liberty Auto associates
successfully complete their unprecedented assignment -- launch of three new
models (CIVIC Sedan, CIVIC Coupe, Acura CL) and two platforms within six
months.
● Rider magazine names the GOLD WING "Best Luxury Touring" motorcycle.
● Production of CIVIC 4-cylinder engines begins at the Anna Engine Plant for export
to support production of CIVIC autos at the new Honda do Brasil plant near Sao
Paulo.
● Automobile magazine names the ACCORD one of the "Ten Most Significant
Automobiles" of the last ten years.
● Motorcyclist magazine names the VALKYRIE "Best Cruiser" and the GOLD WING
"Best Full Dress Tourer."
● Honda's Automobile Strategy for the Americas, first announced in 1994, is
expanded, increasing Honda's cumulative investment in North America to more
than $4 billion.
o Anna Engine Plant increases annual engine production 50 percent from
750,000 to 900,000. Production of nearly all automatic transmissions
(650,000 a year) in the U.S. for vehicles made in North America will be at
newly established Honda Transmission Mfg. located at Russells Point, Ohio
(formerly Bellemar Parts Industries).
o An additional seven suppliers to support automatic transmission production
will add 790 jobs in Ohio and Michigan while increased engine components
production will add three new suppliers and generate 440 new jobs.
o Domestic parts procurement and content levels continue to increase. The
domestic content of the 1996 CIVIC is 92 percent; 1996 ACCORD, 90
percent; and the new Acura CL, 91 percent.
● Takeo Fukui is named president of Honda of America Mfg. replacing Takeshi
Yamada who returns to Japan.
● The 1 millionth vehicle built at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant-- a 1997 GOLD WING
ASPENCADE -- is produced during the 8th annual Honda HomeComing July 26. The
annual "Ride for Kids" event raises a record $72,313 to benefit pediatric brain
tumor research in the U.S.
● Production begins Sept. 4 at the Anna Engine Plant for the first Honda V6 engine
manufactured in the U.S. The smallest, lightest and most powerful engine in its
class, this all-new high-tech LEV V6 is built exclusively at the Anna Engine Plant.
● For the second consecutive year, HAM associates contribute more than $1 million to
local United Way organizations in the counties of their choice; associate and
matching company funds total $1,196,455 (10 percent above the 1996 total of
$1.07 million) to 75 Ohio counties and 16 counties in other states.
● The Honda Hero volunteer program marks its first anniversary with more than
1,000 HAM associates involved in community organizations and projects.
● American Honda is the leading exporter of automobiles from the U.S. for the third
consecutive year. The ACCORD and CIVIC are the #1 and #2 U.S.-built export cars.
● Production of the new VALKYRIE TOURER motorcycle starts at the Marysville
Motorcycle Plant.
● Marking the growing importance of HAM in Honda's worldwide organization, HAM
hosts the first Honda NH-Circle World Convention to be held outside Japan. More
than 300 circle members and advisors from 16 countries attend as well as Honda
Motor Co. President and CEO Nobuhiku Kawamoto and most of the Board of
Directors.
● HAM's 5 millionth car built at Marysville Auto Plant on Nov. 14, a 1997 ACCORD EX
Sedan.
● Family Circle magazine names the Honda ACCORD its "Family Sedan of the Year."
● The ACCORD was the number one selling car to retail customers for the 8th
consecutive year, beating Ford Taurus by 2-to-1 according to R.L. Polk.

1995
● Acura debuts the CL-X Coupe at the North American International Auto Show in
Detroit. This U.S.-developed concept car previews the new Acura CL, designed in
the U.S. for exclusive production at HAM's East Liberty Auto Plant.
● Start of a $200 million expansion for the addition of a new V6 engine at the Anna
Engine Plant. The 175,000-square foot addition is slated for completion in February
1996 with V6 engine production beginning in September 1996. The addition will
house a new production line to accommodate 4- and 6-cylinder engines, raising the
plant's capacity to 750,000 engine and drivetrain units per year -- more than 30
percent of Honda's worldwide drivetrain capacity. The all-new V6 engine will power
the new Acura CL Coupe built at HAM's East Liberty Auto Plant as well as the new
Honda minivan to be built at Honda of Canada Mfg. in 1998.
● The California Air Resources Board certifies a prototype Honda ACCORD engine as
meeting its ultra-low emissions vehicle (ULEV) exhaust level requirements.
● HAM receives Ohio's Exporter of the Year Award from Gov. George Voinovich in May
for exporting more than 105,500 cars to 38 countries in 1994. In 1995, Honda
exports 87,835 ACCORD and CIVIC models to a record 56 countries.
● R. L. Polk names Honda the #1 car brand in overall owner loyalty for the third
consecutive year. Honda continues as #1 in import owner loyalty for the 16th
consecutive year.
● The Marysville Auto Plant receives the Silver Plant Award from independent
research firm J.D. Power & Associates. The award is based on responses from new
car owners to its Initial Quality Study. The Gold Award goes to a Canadian plant,
making Marysville Auto Plant the leading manufacturing plant in quality in the U.S.
● Anna Engine Plant celebrates its 10th anniversary of production on July 2.
● The one millionth CIVIC produced at HAM rolls off the line at the East Liberty Auto
Plant Aug. 18. The export model CIVIC Coupe is bound for Germany.
● American Honda sells its 10 millionth car in the U.S. on July 17 -- a 1995 CIVIC
Sedan. HAM invites the 10 millionth customer, Donna Andrews, to trade for a free
new-generation 1996 CIVIC Sedan built at the East Liberty Auto Plant. She and her
family come to the East Liberty Auto Plant and take delivery of the new CIVIC,
driving it off the assembly line herself. Since CIVIC production began in 1972, HAM
has manufactured 10 percent of cumulative CIVIC production.
● The 1996 new generation CIVIC Sedan is launched at the East Liberty Auto Plant,
followed by the Coupe and export models by year's end. Featuring a more powerful
1.6-liter 16-valve four-cylinder engine built at the Anna Engine Plant, the new Civic
offers more interior space and luxury; enhanced safety features and performance;
reduced noise and no price increase.
● The new 1996 CIVIC receives certification as a low emission vehicle (LEV) from the
California Air Resources Board. This marks the first time a mass produced gasoline
engine receives LEV certification.
● Honda's Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is introduced on the new 1996
Honda CIVIC -- the first time this technology has appeared on a product in the
compact car category.
● The CIVIC is classified as a domestic car by the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) with an EPA domestic content of 92 percent.
● HAM associates pledge over $1 million to the 1996 United Way Campaign. Funds go
to 66 of Ohio's 88 counties plus counties in 6 other states.
● HAM launches its Honda Hero Volunteer program to support associates in their
volunteer activities for not-for-profit organizations in their communities. The Dollars
for Doers program is also established where Honda Heros who volunteer at least 50
hours in a 12-month period at a qualified organization are eligible for a $200 grant
to that organization.
● Honda announces the development of a new natural gas powered CIVIC for
production as a 1998 model. It will feature the cleanest ever internal combustion
engine.
● HAM completes its first assignment as a lead support Americas operation as
production begins on November 15 at the new Honda de Mexico auto plant near
Guadalajara, Mexico.
● Japanese auto writers give the new 1996 CIVIC its prestigious "Car of the Year"
award.
● Honda announces the expansion of the Honda of Canada Mfg. plant in Ontario to
accommodate production of a new minivan in fall 1998. Manufacturing support and
supplier parts development -- including the V6 engine -- will come from HAM.
● HAM realizes a production increase of 11 percent in 1995 from 498,710 to 552,995
cars.
● The new CIVIC leads American Honda to an overall sales gain of 1.5 percent for the
year.
● The ACCORD continues as the best-selling car in the U.S. to individual retail
customers for the seventh consecutive year and the Honda CIVIC becomes the
best-selling small car in the U.S. for 1995 according to R.L. Polk registrations.
● Marysville Motorcycle Plant production increases 21 percent to 128,107 units from
105,716 in 1994.

1994
● Takeshi Yamada becomes president and CEO of Honda of America Mfg. replacing
Toyoji Yashiki.
● The ACCORD is named "Import Car of the Year" by Motor Trend magazine in the
February 1994 issue. This is the first time the ACCORD has received this award
from Motor Trend, though other Honda and Acura automobiles have won in the
past.
● Car and Driver magazine names ACCORD one of its "10 Best Cars," the tenth year
on the list.
● The ACCORD is named "Best Import Sedan" by television magazine MotorWeek.
● HAM increases export production of automobiles to a record 75,000 units to 30
countries, including right-hand-drive models to the United Kingdom, Australia and
Japan.
● Right-hand-drive CIVIC Coupes begin export to the United Kingdom in February,
where it is praised for its "faultless build quality" by England's CAR magazine.
● The SHADOW American Classic Edition (ACE) becomes the newest exclusive
product at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant in April. The new 1100cc cruiser reflects
the classic V-twin motorcycle styling and features custom paint and decal
variations.
● HAM-built FOURTRAX off-road ATV models capture a record 31% of the ATV
market.
● Acura announces that it will design, develop and manufacture a new luxury car in
the United States, the first luxury car produced by a Japan-based automaker in
America.
● Takeshi Yamada becomes president of Honda of America Mfg., replacing Toyoji
“Tom” Yashiki who returns to Japan.

1993
● Honda announces that it will enter the PPG IndyCar World Series in 1994. A new
subsidiary, Honda Performance Development, Inc. is established to supply engines
for the new racing effort.
● HAM produces the three millionth car on January 21, a special 10th Anniversary
ACCORD model to commemorate 10 years of U.S. auto production. The 10th
Anniversary ACCORD Sedan debuts at the Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 4.
● HAM's two millionth engine -- a 2.2 liter ACCORD 4-cylinder -- is produced at the
Anna Engine Plant on January 29.
● HAM receives the U.S. Department of Defense "Pro Patria" award for support of its
associates in the National Guard and Reserves. The Pro Patria award, which is
issued annually to one company in each state, is the highest award given by the
U.S. Department of Defense to civilian companies.
● Honda R&D North America breaks ground for a new research facility dedicated to
Honda lawn and garden products in Swepsonville, North Carolina on February 12.
● HAM is profiled in the book entitled The 100 Best Companies To Work For in
America. The authors praise HAM's teamwork, associate involvement and job
security.
● The new generation 1994 ACCORD Sedan, Coupe and Wagon are launched at the
Marysville Auto Plant. This is the most complex launch in the history of the U.S.
auto industry. All three models, for both American and export markets, underwent
full model changes within a six month period. This is the fifth full model change
HAM associates have completed within eleven years--all without plant shutdowns or
layoffs.
● The 1994 Honda ACCORD is named "Car of the Year" in Japan in December, the
most prestigious award in the Japanese auto industry.
● Honda R&D North America completes the second phase of the expansion of its Ohio
Center and officially moves to the new facility in Raymond, Ohio. Capital
investment in the new Ohio Center now totals $52 million.
● Fortune magazine names the 1994 ACCORD "Car of the Year" in the publication's
13th annual "Products of the Year" issue in December.
● The 1994 edition of The Car Book reported that the Honda ACCORD is "tops in
resale value," retaining 81 percent of its value after four years.
● The Honda DREAM Solar car wins the third World Solar Challenge race in November
in Australia with a record time of thirty-five and a half hours.
● Honda becomes "Ohio's Car Company." With increasing production at the East
Liberty Auto Plant, half of all the cars made in Ohio are manufactured by HAM.

1992
● Toyoji "Tom" Yashiki becomes president and CEO of Honda of America Mfg.,
replacing Hiroyuki Yoshino who returns to Japan.
● The CIVIC VX 3-door Hatchback is named "Design of the Year" by Automobile
magazine in the January issue. The magazine's editors called the CIVIC VX "the
definition of state-of-the-art in economy car design."
● Exports of HAM-built CIVIC and ACCORD models expand to 18 countries for 1992,
including right-hand-drive versions of ACCORD Coupe and Wagon for sale in Japan,
Australia and the U.K.
● Prevention magazine names the Marysville-built ACCORD Coupe "Import Safe Car
of the Year" in February.
● Honda R&D North America opens on March 9 a $27 million expansion of its Ohio
Center facilities, including a new test center. At the same time, Honda R&D
announces a new $25 million expansion of its Ohio Center to include facilities for
administration, purchasing and engineering.
● Production of ACCORD at the East Liberty Auto Plant is cancelled to introduce the
all-new 1993 CIVIC Coupe on September 2, 1992. The new CIVIC is designed and
developed by Honda R&D North America associates at the Los Angeles Center and
the Ohio Center with production tooling developed by Honda Engineering North
America in the U.S. The 1993 CIVIC Coupe becomes the third model -- joining the
ACCORD Coupe and Wagon -- to be produced exclusively by Honda in North
America. The new CIVIC will be exported to world markets in both left-hand-drive
and right-hand-drive models.
● HAM celebrates its 10th Anniversary of automobile production in the United States
in November. With more than 10,000 American associates, and production
exceeding 450,000 automobiles, HAM becomes the third largest manufacturer of
automobiles in the United States.
● HAM ships its 100,000th vehicle overseas since it began exporting from the United
States in 1987. In all, HAM exports about 11 percent of the cars manufactured at
the Marysville Auto Plant and the East Liberty Auto Plant. In 1992, HAM exported
55,850 Ohio-built cars to 18 countries, including Japan, making the ACCORD the
best-selling U.S. export car and Honda the second largest exporter of automobiles
from the United States.

1991
● HAM-built GOLD WING GL 1500 is named a "benchmark" motorcycle by Cycle
magazine in January issue. "The Wing defines touring," said Cycle. "For 15 years, it
has been the standard for touring machinery."
● HAM's one millionth engine -- a 2.2 liter ACCORD 4-cylinder -- is produced at the
Anna Engine Plant on Feb. 14. The Anna Engine Plant now produces more hightech
modern engines than any other single engine plant in North America,
producing 500,000 engines per year with aluminum block and head, 4 valves per
cylinder, overhead cam and fuel injection.
● HAM-built GOLD WING named "Top Luxury Touring Motorcycle" by Rider magazine.
● The ACCORD WAGON becomes the first HAM-built car to be exported to Europe as
exports to the United Kingdom and Germany begin in March. Japan exports of the
Wagon began in February, and French models follow in April. The ACCORD
WAGON becomes the second right-hand-drive model in mass production at the
Marysville Auto Plant.
● HAM-built GOLD WING Interstate is named "Ten Best Buys" by Motorcyclist
magazine and the GOLD WING SE is named "Benchmark Bike" by Cycle magazine.
● HAM's 500,000th vehicle -- the GOLD WING Aspencade -- is produced at the
Marysville Motorcycle Plant on May 10.
● Demonstrating its flexibility, the East Liberty Auto Plant begins production in June
of the ACCORD Sedan, a completely different platform, in addition to the CIVIC
Sedan.
● Hiroyuki Yoshino, president of HAM, is recognized by Automotive News as an "All-
Star" in the manufacturing division. The magazine said, "His Ohio plant builds the
top-selling car in the United States and began shipping Accords to Europe in
March."
● Soichiro Honda, Honda Motor Co. founder and supreme advisor, dies Aug. 5 in
Tokyo at age 84.
● The ACCORD is named "Import Family Car" of the Year by Family Circle magazine
in October.
● The East Liberty Auto Plant begins production of the all-new 1992 CIVIC Sedan on
Oct. 1, capping a year in which the plant completed the successful start-up of
second shift, introduced the ACCORD to mass production, and completed a model
change to the ACCORD. No other U.S. auto plant has completed a full-model
change less than two years after starting production.
● HAM announces its participation in the nationwide voluntary toxics reduction
program sponsored by the U.S. EPA which calls for a 50 percent reduction in 17
specific chemicals by 1995.
● The SHADOW 1100 returns to production at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant on Nov.
1, adding a unique new custom paint program which allows the customer to select
one of 24 different color and logo combinations produced at the factory.
● A Bonus Sharing payment of $1,601 (average) is paid to HAM production associates
in November, making HAM's bonus payments the highest in the U.S. auto industry
for four of the last five years.
● HAM makes good on its pledge to "Keep The Team Together" by posting no layoffs
or plant closings in 1991 during one of the most difficult sales periods in the U.S.
auto industry.
● The ACCORD becomes the best-selling car in America for the 1991 calendar year
with sales of 399,297. This is the third straight year that the ACCORD has been #1.

1990
● HAM-built ACCORD and CIVIC models are named to Car and Driver magazine's "10
Best Cars" list in the January, 1990 issue. The ACCORD is the only car named to
the list nine straight years, or for every year the magazine has published its "10
Best" list. The CIVIC earns Car and Driver honors for the third consecutive year.
● The Honda CIVIC is named one of Automobile magazine's "1990 All-Stars."
● The HAM-built ACCORD is named one of the "Eight Most Significant Cars of the
'80s" by Autoweek magazine (Jan. 1, 1990).
● Production of right-hand-drive models of the ACCORD Coupe begin at the Marysville
Auto Plant in January for export to Japan. The Marysville Auto Plant becomes the
first U.S. auto plant in the United States to build both right-hand-drive and lefthand-
drive cars on the same production line.
● Honda Power Equipment Mfg. begins in February the export of approximately
50,000 lawn mower engines a year to Honda France Industries for use in lawn
mowers sold throughout Europe, and export of 12,000 lawn mowers a year to
European markets and Japan.
● A new TRX FOURTRAX 200cc model is added to exclusive production in the
Marysville Motorcycle Plant in February and exports begin later in the year.
● HAM-built GOLD WING named "Top Luxury Touring Motorcycle" by Rider magazine.
● HAM-built GOLD WING named one of "Ten Best Motorcycles" by Cycle World
magazine and "Best Touring Bike" by Motorcyclist magazine.
● In July, the Anna Engine Plant achieves capacity of 2,100 engines per day, or
500,000 per year.
● Honda R&D North America announces plans to construct 81,000 square feet of new
facilities adjacent to the TRC and near 93,000 square feet of existing facilities at
Marysville. The $27 million expansion is designed to further increase Honda R&D
North America's capability to design and develop Honda products for North
American markets and for export worldwide. Groundbreaking is scheduled for
August 1990 with completion by the end of 1991.
● Full responsibility for CIVIC Sedan production in the U.S. is moved to the East
Liberty Auto Plant effective with 1991 model production on Sept. 4, 1990.
● The ACCORD Wagon begins mass production on Nov. 20, 1990. The ACCORD
Wagon becomes the first Honda automobile to be designed, engineered and
manufactured exclusively in the United States. The ACCORD Wagon is exported to
Japan, Europe and other countries.
● The ACCORD Sedan and Coupe are named "Best Sedan and Coupe," $10,000 -
$17,000, by Road & Track in December issue.
● The Honda ACCORD is the best-selling car in America for calendar year 1990 with
sales of 417,179. This is the second straight year the ACCORD has been #1.

1989
● HAM-built ACCORD and CIVIC models are once again named to Car and Driver
magazine's "10 Best Cars" list. The ACCORD is the only car named to the list eight
years running. The CIVIC earns Car and Driver honors for the second consecutive
year.
● Honda Engineering North America produces the first major set of stamping dies
manufactured in the U.S. for a new Honda automobile. The stamping dies are used
in production of the CIVIC 3-door Hatchback built at Honda of Canada Mfg. in
Alliston, Ontario.
● Production of the TRX FOURTRAX 300cc utility vehicle begins in the Marysville
Motorcycle Plant in June. A 4-wheel-drive version is added in July. HAM is the
exclusive manufacturer of these 4-wheel utility vehicles, and exports began in the
fall.
● HAM-built GOLD WING named "Best Touring Bike" by Motorcyclist magazine.
● Honda announces export of HAM-built autos to Korea and Israel, adding to HAM's
growing list of countries receiving U.S.-built ACCORD and CIVIC models (Canada,
Taiwan, Japan).
● HAM celebrates 10th Anniversary in September. In the decade since production
began on Sept. 10, 1979, HAM associates have produced nearly two million
motorcycles and automobiles.
● All-new 1990 ACCORD begins mass production on Sept. 14, 1989, marking the
third time in seven years that HAM associates have accomplished a full model
change without interruption of regular production.
● With the launch of the 2.2 liter ACCORD engine at the Anna Engine Plant, Honda
becomes the first U.S. automaker to equip its entire line of automobiles with hightech
modern engines (aluminum block and head, 4 valves per cylinder, overhead
cam and fuel-injection).
● The new 1990 ACCORD is named one of the "Top 10 New Car Buys" by Motor Trend
magazine.
● At the introduction of 1990 Honda autos on September 19, American Honda Motor
Co. announces the new ACCORD Wagon, which will go on sale in the fall of 1990 as
a 1991 model. The ACCORD Wagon is the first Honda automobile developed solely
in the United States by Honda R&D North America with production tooling by Honda
Engineering North America, based in Marysville, Ohio. The ACCORD Wagon will join
the ACCORD Coupe as the second model manufactured exclusively by HAM.
● Honda founder, Soichiro Honda, is inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in
Midland, Michigan, on June 26 as its first Japanese member.
● Additional engines and components enter production at the Anna Engine Plant
including 2.2 liter 16-valve ACCORD engines, casting and machining of pistons and
bearing caps as well as production of automatic transmissions and driveshafts.
● Production of CIVIC Sedan begins at the new East Liberty Auto Plant on Dec. 18.
● The Honda ACCORD is the best-selling car in America for the calendar year 1989
with sales of 362,707 units --the first time a non-Big Three car has captured the
title.

1988
● Hiroyuki Yoshino becomes president and CEO of Honda of America Mfg. replacing
Shoichiro Irimajiri.
● The Honda ACCORD is again named one of "10 Best Cars" by Car and Driver
magazine in the January issue, an award it was first given in 1982 as an import car
and continued through 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988 as a domestic
model produced in Marysville, Ohio. In the 1988 list, five of the 10 cars listed are
manufactured by Honda, including the HAM-produced CIVIC as well as the
ACCORD.
● In January, HAM produces the first ACCORD Coupe for export to Japan. The first
cars go on sale in Japan in April. A total of 5,385 ACCORD Coupes were sold and
registered in Japan in 1988, making Honda the number one exporter of U.S.-built
cars to Japan, exceeding Ford, General Motors and Chrysler.
● New HAM-built GOLD WING GL1500 named "Motorcycle of the Year" by Motorcyclist
magazine.
● HAM begins exporting U.S.-made GOLD WING motorcycles to Japan in March.
Already exported to 14 other countries, GOLD WING sales in Japan reached 500
units in 1988.
● Honda breaks ground for the new East Liberty Auto Plant.
● Honda of America produces its 1,000,000th vehicle, a 1988 CIVIC Sedan, on April
8. The car is powered by a 16-valve 4-cylinder OHC fuel-injected engine
manufactured at the Anna Engine Plant.
● Hiroyuki Yoshino becomes president of Honda of America Mfg., replacing Shoichiro
Irimajiri who returns to Japan.
● Mass production of ACCORD and CIVIC front and rear suspension and brake
components, including front disc and rear disc and drum brakes, begins at the Anna
Engine Plant in November.
● Cylinder head production for the CIVIC engine begins at the Anna Engine Plant in
November.
● Assembly of driveshafts for ACCORD begins at the Engine Plant in November.
● Takeo Fujisawa, co-founder of Honda Motor Co., dies Dec. 30 in Tokyo at age 78.
● Casting and machining of CIVIC engine cylinder sleeves begins at Engine Plant in
March.

1987
● In January, Honda announces plans to commence full-scale production of ACCORD
and CIVIC auto engines, drivetrains, suspension and brake parts at the Anna
Engine Plant. Plans call for a $450 million investment and a projected 2,000
associates, with full-scale production of 500,000 engines in 1991.
● Honda North America, Inc. is established on March 2. Headquartered in Torrance,
Calif., Honda North America will oversee the operations of Honda's 13 subsidiaries
in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
● Expansion of the Anna Engine Plant begins with groundbreaking ceremonies on
June 26.
● Honda cars named number one and number two in Customer Satisfaction Index
(CSI) compiled by J.D. Power and Associates.
● Honda ACCORD named one of "10 Best Cars" by Car and Driver magazine for the
sixth consecutive year.
● HAM-built GOLD WING named "Best Touring Bike" by Cycle World magazine.
● Honda announces plans to export U.S.-made GOLD WING motorcycles to Japan
beginning in January 1988.
● Honda announces on Sept. 17 a Five-Part Strategy for establishing a self-reliant
motor vehicle company in the United States. Those points include:
o Export of 70,000 automobiles to Japan and other countries.
o Increase in U.S.-based research and development to support design,
engineering and development of new models for the American market and
increased U.S. parts sourcing.
o Expansion of Honda Engineering's activities in the United States, to design
and manufacture production tooling for autos, motorcycles and engines built
in the U.S., including equipment for stamping, welding, injection molding
and assembly automation.
o Increase in domestic content to 75 percent.
o Construction of a second U.S. auto plant and further expansion of engine
manufacturing in Ohio.
o The new $380 million Auto Plant will begin operations in December 1989,
employ 1,800 associates and manufacture 150,000 cars per year at full
production. The $150 million Engine Plant expansion at Anna, Ohio, will
supply engines for the new Auto Plant and will employ an additional 500
associates.
● Export of HAM-built ACCORD Sedans to Taiwan begins in November.
● Production of first U.S.-made ACCORD Coupe, designed for the U.S. market, begins
December 22, making HAM the only manufacturer of the ACCORD Coupe.
● The first HAM-built automobile, the 4-door ACCORD, built on Nov. 1, 1982, is put
on permanent loan in September to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich., for
a display on the history of the automobile in America.
● The Honda ACCORD becomes the third most popular auto in the United States.

1986
● Honda ACCORD named one of "10 Best Cars" by Car and Driver magazine for the
fifth consecutive year.
● $10 million renovation of Marysville Motorcycle Plant begins in February.
● Honda launches Acura Division in U.S. with new LEGEND and INTEGRA models.
● Operations begin at new Plastics Department bumper expansion on April 24,
thereby increasing bumper production capacity to supply increased production at
Marysville Auto Plant and new Honda of Canada Auto Plant near Alliston, Ontario.
● Expansion of Marysville Auto Plant to 2.2 million square feet is completed,
permitting production capacity to reach 320,000 cars in 1987 and 360,000
ACCORDs and CIVICs in 1988.
● Production of first U.S.-made CIVIC Sedan begins on July 24 at Marysville Auto
Plant.
● Honda named number one in Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) compiled by J.D.
Power and Associates.
● HAM-built GOLD WING named "Best Touring Bike" by Cycle World magazine.
● Production of the first Honda auto engine built in the U.S., the 1.5 liter CIVIC 4-
cylinder engine, begins on Sept. 23 at the Anna Engine Plant.
● Honda of America produces its 500,000th vehicle, a 1987 ACCORD LXi.
● Honda of Canada Mfg., Inc. begins auto production on Nov. 3 with ACCORD.
● The ACCORD becomes the fifth best selling auto in the United States.

1985
● Honda Engineering U.S. operations established in May at the Marysville Auto Plant
site.
● Honda ACCORD named one of "10 Best Cars" by Car and Driver magazine for the
fourth consecutive year.
● Honda Research and Development branch in Ohio begins expanded operations at
separate Marysville site.
● Honda announces $40 million expansion of the Engine Plant to produce auto
engines for the 1.5 liter CIVIC in the fall of 1986.
● Production of first American-made Honda engine, the GL1200 for the GOLD Wing
motorcycle line, begins on July 22 at the new Anna Engine Plant.
● Associates at Marysville Auto Plant accomplish first-ever rolling major model
change in U.S. auto industry for all-new 1986 ACCORD, without plant shutdown or
layoffs common to the auto industry, while engaged in the most complex plant
expansion project in Honda's history.
● A 1986 ACCORD 3-door Hatchback is the first car built on the newly constructed
Line Two at Marysville Auto Plant on Dec. 13.
● HAM becomes fourth largest manufacturer of automobiles in the U.S.

1984
● Shoichiro Irimajiri becomes president and CEO of Honda of America Mfg. replacing
Kazuo Nakagawa.
● Honda announces $240 million expansion of Marysville Auto plant, to produce
CIVIC Sedan in 1986.
● Plans unveiled for a $30 million Engine Plant at Anna, Ohio. Honda says that if the
manufacture of motorcycle engines proves successful, it will manufacture auto
engines at the Anna plant.
● Plans announced for a $42 million Plastics Department bumper expansion at HAM's
Marysville site.
● Shoichiro Irimajiri becomes president of Honda of America Mfg., replacing Kazuo
Nakagawa who returns to Japan
● Honda Power Equipment Mfg., Inc. begins production of power lawn mowers Aug.
15 at a new plant in Swepsonville, North Carolina.
● Honda ACCORD named one of "10 Best Cars" by Car and Driver magazine for the
third consecutive year.
● American operations of Honda Research and Development established in Torrance,
Calif., in September.

1983
● Honda ACCORD named one of "10 Best Cars" by Car and Driver magazine for the
second consecutive year.
● Honda becomes sixth largest manufacturer of automobiles in the United States.
● Honda ACCORD named one of "12 Best Enthusiast Cars" by Road & Track
magazine.

1982
● Production begins at the Marysville Auto Plant on Nov. 1.
● Honda ACCORD is named one of the "10 Best Cars" by Car and Driver magazine.

1980
● Honda announces plans on Jan. 11 to construct a $250 million Auto Plant of one
million square feet next to the Motorcycle Plant in Marysville.
● Production of the GOLD WING motorcycle is transferred from Japan to the
Marysville Motorcycle Plant in May, marking the first of many exclusive products to
be made at HAM.

1979
● Production begins at Honda's Marysville Motorcycle Plant on Sept. 10. The CR250R
motocross model is the first model manufactured.

1978
● Ohio Governor James A. Rhodes and Honda of America Mfg. President Kazuo
Nakagawa break ground for the Marysville Motorcycle Plant in a ceremony on April
3.

1977
● On Oct. 11, Honda announces plans to construct a $35 million Motorcycle Plant in
Marysville, Ohio. The company says that if the Motorcycle Plant proves successful,
it will construct an automobile manufacturing plant on that site.

1976
● Honda ACCORD introduced to the United States.

1975
● Honda CIVIC with CVCC engine becomes first automobile to comply with 1975 U.S.
Clean Air Act.

1974
● Honda creates the luxury touring motorcycle with the introduction of the GL1000
GOLD WING. A water-cooled, overhead cam, opposed four-cylinder model, it is the
largest motorcycle ever made in Japan.

1973
● Honda founder, Soichiro Honda, retires as president of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
● CIVIC model with CVCC engine introduced in the United States. Named Road Test
magazine's "Import Car of the Year."

1971
● Honda develops the revolutionary CVCC engine (Compound Vortex Controlled
Combustion) which does not require a catalytic converter to pass U.S. "clean air"
statutes effective in 1975.

1970
● Honda introduces its first car to the United States, the N600 Sedan.

1969
● Honda pioneers the modern 4-cylinder motorcycle with its CB750.

1968
● Honda sells one million motorcycles in the United States.

1965
● In only its second year of competition, a Honda Formula One racing car wins the
Mexican Grand Prix.

1964
● Honda achieves leadership position in the U.S. motorcycle market in both sales
volume and dollars.

1962
● Honda introduces its first automobile in Japan, the S500 sports car.
● Honda stock first issued in the United States in December.

1961
● Honda sweeps the 125cc and 250cc classes at the Isle of Man TT races, only two
years after its initial participation, astonishing the European racing hierarchy.

1960
● Honda opens its first automated assembly plant in Japan, the Suzuka Factory.

1959
● Establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., marking Honda's entry into the
American motorcycle market.
● Honda's sales reach 55 million, making it the world's largest motorcycle
manufacturer.
● Honda captures the team award in the 125cc class at England's prestigious Isle of
Man TT races with the RC142 racer in its first Isle of Man appearance.

1958
● Introduction of the 50cc four-stroke Honda SUPER CUB. Production reaches 3,000 a
month in only six months.

1957
● Honda opens first Research & Development Division in its Shirako factory.

1955
● Honda becomes Japan's largest volume motorcycle manufacturer.

1951
● Introduction of the 146cc DREAM motorcycle with Honda's first four-stroke engine.

1949
● Honda introduces lightweight 50cc, two-cycle motorcycle.

1948
● Honda Motor Co., Ltd. established.

1947
● Honda introduces its first engine, a two-cycle auxiliary engine for bicycles.

1946
● Honda Technical Research Institute established by Soichiro Honda.