Honda operates 21 R&D facilities across America with cumulative capital investment exceeding $1.45bn since 1975
Honda is marking 50 years of research and development (R&D) operations in the United States, having opened its first American facility in Gardena, California, in 1975 to conduct market research. The automaker now operates 21 R&D facilities across eight states with a cumulative capital investment exceeding $1.45bn, which have been responsible for developing 36 Honda and Acura vehicles, 87 powersports and power equipment products, and the HondaJet aircraft.
Honda’s US R&D operations span California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio and South Carolina. Facilities include the North American Automotive Development Center in Ohio, design studios in Southern California, test tracks in California and Ohio, and Honda Aircraft Company in North Carolina.
The company’s US engineers have developed safety technologies including the Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure and airbag designs. In 2022, Honda opened a $124m wind tunnel facility in Ohio combining aerodynamics, aeroacoustics and racing testing capabilities.
Honda Research Institute USA, founded in 2003 and based in San Jose, California, conducts research into quantum technologies, carbon capture and battery technologies. Honda Aircraft Company is developing the HondaJet Echelon, designed for transcontinental flight across the US.
In a statement, Jane Nakagawa, Vice President of the R&D Business Unit at American Honda Motor Co, said: “Fifty years ago, Honda began an incredible legacy in America by taking the bold step of establishing a research function focused on creating unique products and experiences for our customers.”
Source: Honda
