Honda Canada Celebrates 50 Years

Honda Canada celebrated 50 years of growth in Canada during a commemorative ceremony at the company’s head office near Toronto.

Honda Canada has sold more than four million vehicles since incorporating on March 11, 1969 and was the first Japanese automaker to build vehicles in Canada. The ceremony launches a full year of anniversary activities designed to celebrate the milestone with customers, dealers, associates and partners.

“Honda planted roots in Canada with a vision of contributing to Canadian society. We are proud of our associates, dealers, partners and suppliers, who have played an important part in our growth and have helped improve the communities where we live and work,” said Dave Gardner, president and CEO, Honda Canada. “We’d also like to thank the millions of Canadians who are loyal members of the Honda family. We look forward to growing with you for the next 50 years.”

Four years after arriving in Canada with motorcycles and power products, Honda sold its first Civic. As the first Japanese automaker to build cars in Canada, Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM) cut the ribbon on its first manufacturing plant in Alliston, Ontario, in 1986. A second plant was brought online at the Alliston facility in 1998 to build the Honda Odyssey minivan, and in 2008, HCM began building 4-cyclinder engines at a third facility in Alliston. To date, more than eight million cars and light trucks have been built at the Alliston facility, which currently employs 4,200 associates.