global honda

Japan
Japan plays a key role as the center of Global Honda, honing our edge in advanced technology.

Building a framework of craftsmanship as Honda's model for the world
Our Japan headquarters plays a key role in global operations by working to develop advanced technologies and coordinate worldwide business efforts for optimal performance. This role continues with construction of a new R&D facility opening in 2009, further strengthening Hondaﾕs prowess in value-added research and enhancing Hondaﾕs reputation for distinctive ingenuity. In the manufacturing sphere, a new engine plant opens in 2009, followed by a new automobile factory in 2010, and we are also boosting production of automobile automatic transmissions at our Hamamatsu Factory. In the motor-cycle area, where manufacturing being consolidated at our Kumamoto Factory is the most advanced operation of its kind in the world, Honda focuses on high-efficiency, high-quality production systems to meet worldwide demand. Honda shares this expertise and know-how in all technical fields with our pro-duction facilities throughout the world, enhancing advanced craftsmanship wherever we operate.
Unique Honda initiatives on display in the Japanese market
Japan plays an important role as a major world market for Honda innovation. For example, the majority of motorcycles sold in Japan are equipped with electronic fuel-injection control, which improves fuel efficiency and environmental performance. In our automobile business, Honda launched a full model change of the Fit in 2007. By November of the same year, with the enthusiastic support of a wide range of customers, domestic sales of the Fit passed one million units. In our power products business, domestic sales of the compact household cogeneration unit launched in 2003 reached 50,000 units in July 2007. Also in the same year, Honda commenced sales of the next-generation non-silicon thin-film solar cell developed with proprietary technology, accelerating efforts to counter global w