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Soichiro Honda founded Honda Motor Co. and turned it from a small motorcycle workshop in 1948 into Japan's leading automaker by 1975.
His engineering innovations established Honda's reputation for technical excellence.
A big success was the Super Cub motorcycle that sold over 100 million units worldwide.
Honda also failed with the poorly-received Honda 1300 sedan in 1969.
The company grew from manufacturing 500 motorcycles in 1949 to producing 32 million engines annually by 1980.
Kiyoshi Kawashima is a major reason that Honda transformed from a regional motorcycle manufacturer into a major global manufacturer.
After succeeding founders Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa in 1960, he recruited engineer Kihachiro Kawashima to establish Honda's U.S. operations.
Honda became the world's top motorcycle producer and developed the engineering capabilities that would later revolutionize car manufacturing.
As Honda's president from 1983 to 1990, Tadashi Kume’s tenure was known for technological breakthroughs.
He launched the CVCC engine in the Civic, making Honda the first to meet U.S. Clean Air Act standards.
His decision to develop the Accord led to its 16-year reign as North America's top-selling Japanese car.
Honda's global production doubled, matching rivals Toyota and Nissan.
At the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, Kume personally demonstrated the Acura NSX by revving its engine.
As Honda CEO, Kawamoto led the company from 1990-1996.
He shifted from sedans to launch successful SUVs like the CR-V and Odyssey minivan.
He split Honda into three clear units—cars, motorcycles, and power equipment—while giving regional offices control over their operations.
These changes drove Honda's North American sales up 9% and boosted company profits.
From 1998-2004, Yoshino rejected industry mergers in favor of independent innovation.
He launched three key products: the FCX fuel-cell car, Asimo robot, and Fit compact.
His focus on technological self-reliance helped Honda maintain its reputation for engineering excellence.
Takeo Fukui focused on technology over market share.
He invested heavily in R&D, leading to the successful HF120 jet engine and advances in environmental technology.
His emphasis on engineering excellence and product quality helped Honda expand manufacturing capacity and win awards for sustainability initiatives.
As Honda CEO from 2009-2015, Takanobu Ito led Honda R&D before becoming chief executive.
Honda faced quality control issues, including major airbag recalls.
He responded by expanding manufacturing in Thailand and Indonesia, aiming to double Asian sales.
Under CEO Hachigo, Honda set clear electrification targets: two-thirds of global car sales to be electric vehicles by 2030.
He expanded Honda Sensing Technology for autonomous driving and formed key partnerships with GM and Hitachi Automotive to advance both electric and self-driving capabilities.
Since becoming CEO in 2021, Toshihiro Mibe has pushed Honda toward electric vehicles and autonomous driving.
He set a specific target: electric vehicles must comprise two-thirds of Honda's global sales by 2030.
Mibe launched plans for a self-driving taxi service in Japan using Cruise Origin vehicles.
He frames these changes through Honda's traditional "Power of Dreams" motto, connecting employee innovation to company growth.
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