Honda Celebrates 50 Years of Motorcycle Production in Brazil With Huge Expansion Plans

Honda recently celebrated 50 years of motorcycle production in Brazil by announcing a $598 million investment in furthering its production efforts.

Photo by: Honda

By: Robbie Bacon

Nov 11, at 7:01am ET

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Honda held a ceremony in Manaus, Amazonas state, on November 5, which marked 50 years of motorcycle production in Brazil. And as much as that achievement was a cause for celebration, what the Japanese manufacturer has planned for the future in Brazil is even more exciting.

As part of the celebrations for this historic milestone and reaffirming its confidence in the growth potential of the Brazilian market, the company announced a new investment cycle for its motorcycle manufacturing operation in Brazil.

Honda will invest BRL 3.3 billion ($598.3 million) from 2026 to 2030 and expand its annual production capacity to 2.3 million motorcycles by 2029 in an effort to supply the ever-growing demand of the Brazilian market. It's worth noting that this investment is in addition to the BRL 1.6 billion ($290.1 million) investment announced last year.

The Manaus factory is responsible for all Honda motorcycle production in Brazil. Over its 50 years of operation, the plant has produced more than 33 million motorcycles, but that number should climb steeply after the newly announced investment helps speed things along. Honda's planning to build two new plants within the manufacturing complex. Each of these new plants will have its own assembly line as well as supporting manufacturing processes. Currently, Honda’s Manaus factory operates four assembly lines distributed across two production plants.

Right now, the Manaus plant produces approximately 7,200 motorcycles per day across 20 models ranging from 110cc to 1,100cc. According to Honda, this makes it "the most vertically integrated motorcycle production facility within the Honda Group worldwide". In addition to serving the Brazilian market, the operation exports motorcycles to 19 countries, including the United States, Australia, and Mexico.

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Speaking about the expansion, Toshihiro Mibe, President, CEO & Representative Director, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said, “The Manaus factory is one of the core facilities within Honda’s global motorcycle operations, distinguished by its high levels of productivity, quality, and manufacturing efficiency. Reaching this 50-year milestone has only been possible thanks to the tremendous support of our customers and business partners, as well as the dedication and commitment of our associates, to whom I express my sincere gratitude. Honda will continue investing in Brazil’s future, contributing to mobility and economic development in local communities. Building on this strong business foundation and the passion that drives this operation, we will continue advancing Honda’s growth over the next 50 years.”

Honda won't just be creating more motorcycles by 2029, but more jobs too. The expansion is estimated to create 2,000 new jobs to support the increased production. Currently, Honda employs 9,200 associates directly at the Manaus plant.