This year marks Honda Canada’s 50th year in the country. Honda is the first Japanese automaker to build vehicles in Canada and a committed contributor to Canadian society.
Earlier this year, Toshiaki Mikoshiba, chairman and CEO of Honda North America, and Dave Gardner, president and CEO of Honda Canada, hosted a commemorative ceremony at Honda Canada’s head office in Markham, Ontario, to mark the company’s half century in Canada. A full calendar of activities and events are planned for Honda Canada associates, dealers and customers to continue the celebration throughout the year.
Gardner is responsible for all business operations at Honda Canada Inc., including the Honda and Acura automotive divisions, Honda motorcycle, power equipment, ATV and engine businesses. Celebrating 30 years with Honda this year, Gardner is looking toward the future while celebrations continue.
“Honda planted roots in Canada with a vision of contributing to Canadian society,” said Gardner. “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. We would 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.”
Manufacturing
To date, Honda Canada total investment exceeds $4.7 billion in Canadian operations and each year sources almost $2.1 billion in goods and services from Canadian suppliers.
Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM) opened its first plant in Alliston, Ontario, in 1986, with a second plant opening in 1998, offering a present-day total production capacity of approximately 400,000 units annually. Ten years later, an investment of $154 million was made in a third manufacturing facility to produce four-cylinder engines, with an output of approximately 260,000 units each year.
HCM production serves Canada and the United States. Our 4,200 production associates have built more than 8 million cars and light trucks, including the Honda Civic, Canada’s best-selling passenger car for the past 21 years.
Independent Dealer Network
Honda Canada has a national network of more than 600 independent automotive, motorcycle and power equipment dealers, and employs more than 19,000 associates directly and indirectly across the country in manufacturing, sales offices and dealerships.
Contributing to Canadian society
Established in 2005, the Honda Canada Foundation (HCF) was created to support local communities across Canada through various annual philanthropic activities and funding to nonprofit registered charities where Honda customers and associates live, work and play. Each year more than $2 million is disbursed to groups in need and more than 6 million Canadians have benefited from charitable programs funded by Honda Canada and the Honda Canada Foundation.
Environment
Honda Canada has remained committed to sustainability in all aspects of its operations and services. A recent $492 million investment will modernize HCM’s manufacturing facilities and further reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
As early as 1998, Honda Canada achieved ISO 14001 certification and 2007 saw a zero-waste-to-landfill manufacturing benchmark implemented. In 2010, the company’s head office received LEED Gold certification. By supporting the Canadian economy through investment and jobs, playing a role in environmental protection initiatives and acting as a strong community leader, Honda Canada has become a company that Canadians truly appreciate.
For more information, please visit: www.hondacanada.ca
