Honda Australia celebrates its 50th birthday in 2019, marking half a century since the company was first established locally on 4 February 1969.
Honda products have been distributed around Australia by a variety of private companies since the 1950s.
But the brand’s official local presence began when Honda Motor Company in Japan sent Mr. Hidehiko Shiomi to Melbourne to setup a unified, national representation for Honda in Australia.
“Honda Australia was in fact a subsidiary set up primarily to sell cars, but it has since grown with the global Honda brand to deliver a wide range of products and services that help make people’s lives more enjoyable,” said Honda Australia Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Hiroyuki Shimizu.
From cars and motorcycles to generators, lawn mowers and marine engines, Honda’s diverse range of products have been enjoyed by millions of Australians over the past 50 years.
To mark such a significant milestone, a unified Honda Australia has created a one-off collection of some its current iconic performance products, resplendent in striking gold bodywork as the traditional symbol of a 50th Anniversary.
“We thought about how we could celebrate our birthday and our unique diversity in a bold and fun way. I mean, who has ever seen a golden mower or generator before.” said Mr. Shimizu.
“To Honda, performance means more than speed – each product is designed to perform at a level that exceeds the expectations of the customer.
We’re looking forward to showcasing these amazing golden products around the country throughout 2019, so stay tuned for more information on that front.”
In images and video footage set against a quintessentially Australian backdrop, the
Honda Australia ‘golden era of performance’ lineup covers everything from generators to supercars.
It will feature seven of Honda’s latest and greatest products including:
- NSX hybrid supercar
- Civic Type R high-performance hot hatch
- CBR1000RR Fireblade motorcycle from the Supersport range
- CRF450L next-generation motorcycle from the Enduro range
- CRF50F Kids Fun bike, Honda’s best-selling off road model
- HRU19 Buffalo Premium lawn mower, proudly designed and assembled in Australia
- EU22i Generator, the world’s best-selling Super Quiet, leisure generator
The celebratory golden collection of products will be used throughout the year to inspire, thank and connect with Honda Australia customers.
“Achieving 50 years of longevity and continuity in business is a significant milestone, but none of this would be possible without our people.
Over the past 50 years, Honda products have undoubtedly become a necessity to the agricultural market, with Aussie farmers relaying on Honda’s 4-wheel ATV and SXS machines in day-to-day operations of farms all over the country.
More so, Honda ensure development of their products cater specifically to the extreme and unique conditions down under.
The release of the Pioneer 700 is a prime example of Honda’s conscientious effort to provide the best tools to farmers with a unique specification side-by-side destined only for the Australasian market.
Senior Honda SXS/ATV engineers conducted extensive research; in conjunction with several farming communities in Australia, to further understand what was needed for an ‘Aussie Side x Side.’
Technology is also at the forefront of Honda’s product development, with continuing efforts to provide farmers with industry setting tech to make their jobs easier.
The release of the Pioneer 1000-LE saw Honda offer the first ‘intelligent’ 4WD system in the SXS market, primarily geared at encouraging ease of use for farmers.
The new “I-4WD” system (Intelligent 4-wheel drive) offers brake traction control, hill-start assist, and electronic brake force distribution and combines the 4-wheel drive and diff-lock functions into a single selection mode.
Honda Motorcycle and Power Equipment Managing Director, Mr. Robert Toscano, is pleased to see both Honda subsidiaries partner for this special milestone.
“Honda products have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of modern Australia over the last 50 years – take the CT110, more commonly known as the Australia Post, ‘postie bike’, that has helped deliver the mail to Australians across the country for generations,” said Mr. Toscano.
“I am proud to have been a part of the journey so far and it’s fantastic for us to celebrate this together, we look forward to the future and the next 50 years of Honda in Australia.”
The next 50 years
The future for Honda Australia will be one focused on advancing the joy of our customers in their daily lives through mobility.
Honda will continue to develop and bring to market advanced technologies, creating value and mobility like no other brand.
“We are striving to be leaders in the areas of environment and safety, and will continue to invest heavily to become a company that leads efforts to realise a carbon-free and collision-free society,” said Honda Australia Managing Director and CEO, Mr Shimizu.
“What is crucial to us in the midst of the technology evolution, however, is that we don’t lose the human touch.
Electrification, connectivity and autonomous developments are all in the future, but we must always ensure that we connect with our customers and deliver an experience that reflects the heartbeat of Honda.
“Delivering joy and connecting with our customers will always be a priority for Honda Australia.”
Lofty goals, yes, but Honda has always believed in the power of dreams.
For further information on 50th Anniversary models go to: www.honda.com.au
Honda Australia has partnered with Melbourne-based specialists Vinyl Wraps and Graphics to conceptualise and produce the striking gold bodywork on each of the products.
A gold chrome film was laminated with a clear satin film to help disperse reflections, resulting in a unique and refined finish that changes tone with the prevailing light source.
“Given the thickness of the vinyl wrap and the intricate profiles of the bodywork, this was a complex project across a diverse range of products, but we are thrilled with the results,” said Matt Czerny, Managing Director of Vinyl Wraps and Graphics.
“We worked closely with the Honda Australia team on the design, with the gold theme
highlighted with some satin black accents, such as on the badging and wheels of the NSX. And it’s not every day you get to work on a golden generator, everyone who’s seen it wants one.”
