[dropcap]H[/dropcap]onda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that Honda began local production of the Accord sedan on July 10, 2015 in Nigeria, West Africa where the automobile market is expected to expand in the future.
Honda Automobile Western Africa Limited (HAWA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda in Nigeria, established a new plant by installing automobile production facilities and equipment within the property of the existing Honda motorcycle production plant and began Accord production with annual production capacity of 1,000 units. This new plant is Honda’s first automobile production plant in Africa.
Honda began motorcycle production and sales in Nigeria in 1980. Since then, Honda has been evolving its businesses in order that they take root in this region. In 2013, Honda established a local automobile business subsidiary and began the import and sales of Honda automobiles. Based on its longstanding commitment to “build products close to the customer” and by leveraging its knowledge and technique amassed through motorcycle business, Honda begins local production of automobiles for the customers of Nigeria.
Honda views Africa as a new growth market. Honda has been expanding its motorcycle, automobile and power products business in the southern part of Africa through its local subsidiary established in South Africa in 2000. In Kenya, in the eastern part of Africa, Honda established an automobile business office in December 2011, followed by the establishment of a motorcycle production and sales subsidiary in March 2013.
Honda will continue strengthening its global production system and capability in order to deliver products that satisfy customers in all regions around the world.
Commenting on this development, Yoshi Yamane, Senior Managing Officer and Director, Honda Motor Co. Limited said “Establishment of the first Honda automobile production plant in Africa is an epoch-making challenge for us. This production operation incorporates know-how Honda has amassed through its long history of motorcycle business in this market, and we could re-discover the strengths of Honda at the spot of manufacturing operations. I expect that this initiative will lead to a great leap in our automobile business in Nigeria and become a first step toward expansion to the entire African market.”
