Nigeria – The company has started production of its Accord model with an annual capacity of 1,000 units, having established automobile production facilities at the site of its existing motorcycle plant in the West African country. This is Honda’s first car plant in the continent and follows its commitment to “build products close to the customer”.
Honda began motorcycle production and sales in Nigeria in 1980 and views Africa as a new growth market. The company has been expanding its motorcycle, automobile and power products business in the region through its local subsidiary in South Africa (established in 2000) and motorcycle production and sales subsidiary in Kenya (2013).
Yoshi Yamane, senior managing officer and director of Honda Motor commented: "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."
He continued: "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."
