History

In October 1946, Soichiro Honda (本田 宗一郎, Honda Sōichirō) established the Honda Technical Research Institute in Hamamatsu, Japan, to develop and produce small 2-cycle motorbike engines. Two years later, Honda Motor Company, Ltd. was born, and in 1959 Honda opened its first storefront in Los Angeles with six industrious employees.

The first production automobile from Honda was the T360 mini pick-up truck.[citation needed] Powered by a small 356 cc straight-4 gasoline engine, it was classified under the cheaper Kei car tax bracket.[citation needed]

The first production car from Honda was the S500 sports car.[citation needed] Its chain driven rear wheels points to Honda's motorcycle origins.[citation needed]