Honda

Honda Bikes has been the largest motorcycle manufacturer in Japan since its production in 1955. At its peak in 1982, Honda manufactured almost 3 million motorcycles annually. In 1960 the company started exporting bikes to US. Honda distributed bikes using the slogan "You meet the nicest people on a Honda” and calling it every men’s bike, contrasting the stereotype of bikes as rowdy element which turned out to be extremely successful selling 90,000 bikes by 1963. Honda’s huge success in small span of time has always been a reason of controversies. Several explanations have been given on their strategy and reason for success. One of them was focus on leadership in the technology of internal combustion engines and production of high power-to-weight ratio engines for racing bikes. Other one is adaptability and hard work of its staff, rather than any long term strategy. The technology and expertise used in making engines was transferable into mopeds.