Honda 2009 Annual Report Download - page 17

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Further Advancement of Motorcycle Business
The motorcycle business has performed solidly, even in the midst of the severe
economic environment following the global financial crisis. Historically speaking,
motorcycles have been strong in challenging times, and they have been a
propelling force for Honda’s growth and expansion and one of its major
strengths. Especially in Asia, South America and certain other regions,
motorcycles are essential for meeting daily transportation needs, and they are
expected to show solid growth in the long term. We are working to increase
our capabilities to respond flexibly to changes in the business environment by
further strengthening our motorcycle business. Honda offers many models
ranging from commuter models that provide daily transportation needs to
large-scale models that meet individual rider tastes and preferences. Among
these, the Super Cub C100 is a regular part of riders’ daily lives in a total of
160 countries. Sales of the Cub series had reached a cumulative worldwide
total of 60 million motorcycles by the end of April 2008, and the Super Cub has
become the model that symbolizes Honda.
Going forward, we will offer models worthy of the Honda brand that,
following in the Super Cub tradition, will enable us to create new categories
and new markets.
During the first half of the first decade of the 21st century, Honda introduced a
production system that could respond flexibly to demand for a diverse range of
models. Following that, Honda expanded its overseas production bases to
create a global, mutually complementary production system. Last year, in North
America, we began operations at our Indiana plant in the United States and at
our new engine plant in Canada. Also, in Asia, we began production at a
second automobile plant in Thailand.
Our goal is to focus on creating a “mature, flexible production system” that
will provide us with advanced flexibility to respond nimbly, first to fluctuations in
the economy and then to other changes and developments in the operating
environment. In addition to offering even higher-quality, more-attractive
products to our customers around the world in the years ahead, we will be
working to innovate with technologies and production systems that maintain
our high standards of craftsmanship.
Advancement of Honda’s Global Flexible Production System and Capabilities
Annual Report 2009 15