Honda Strengthens Commitment to Brazil with Major Investment in Motorcycle Production
Moto Honda da Amazônia Ltda., Honda’s Brazilian subsidiary responsible for the production and sales of motorcycles and power products, has announced a significant new investment to strengthen its manufacturing operations in the country. The company will allocate approximately 1.6 billion reais (around USD 300 million) over a four-year period, from 2026 to 2029, to expand and modernize its motorcycle production plant in Manaus, Amazonas State. This strategic move aims to respond to the robust and growing demand in Brazil’s motorcycle market while preparing for future expansion opportunities.
Nearly Five Decades of Production in Manaus
Honda’s relationship with Brazil spans almost half a century. The Manaus plant, which began operations in 1976, has grown into one of the company’s most important motorcycle manufacturing hubs worldwide. Today, the factory produces 19 different models, ranging from small commuter bikes of 110cc to larger motorcycles of 1100cc. With an annual production capacity of 1.4 million units, the plant has become a cornerstone not only for Brazil but also for Honda’s international motorcycle business.
Over the years, the facility has manufactured more than 31 million motorcycles, serving both domestic and export markets. Honda exports motorcycles made in Manaus to 17 countries, including key markets such as the United States, Australia, and Mexico. This broad global reach underscores the plant’s importance in Honda’s worldwide supply chain.
Rising Demand in Brazil’s Motorcycle Market
In recent years, Brazil’s motorcycle industry has experienced strong and sustained growth. This surge has been fueled by two main factors: the need for affordable personal mobility and the expansion of commercial delivery services, particularly in urban areas. For many Brazilians, motorcycles have become a reliable, cost-effective, and flexible transportation solution, especially in congested cities where traffic congestion makes cars less practical.
The rapid rise of app-based food delivery and e-commerce has also contributed to the surge in demand. Motorcycles are essential for delivery drivers, offering speed and efficiency in navigating city streets. As these trends continue to expand, Honda sees a strong case for boosting its production capacity to meet the evolving needs of Brazilian consumers.
Expansion and Modernization Plans
To respond to this anticipated demand, HDA will introduce a series of initiatives between 2026 and 2029. The investment program includes:
- Expansion of production capacity with new equipment to enable higher output.
- Optimization of production processes through modified line layouts that increase efficiency and flexibility.
- Improvement of internal logistics systems to streamline movement of parts and finished products within the factory.
By implementing these measures, Honda expects the Manaus facility to operate with greater responsiveness to market changes and to be better prepared for future product lineup expansions. As a result, the company projects that production capacity will rise to 1.6 million units annually by 2026. This growth will also generate approximately 350 new jobs, adding to the nearly 9,000 employees already working at the Manaus site.
Honda’s Commitment to Brazil
Speaking about the announcement, Arata Ichinose, President of Moto Honda da Amazônia Ltda., emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to Brazil and its people.
“Honda believes in Brazil’s potential and continues its commitment to the sustainable development of local communities. Through nearly 50 years of production in Manaus, Amazonas, we have earned the deep trust of the Brazilian people by providing high-quality products and supporting their daily mobility. This new investment reaffirms Honda’s unwavering belief in Brazil, its business partners, and the domestic market. We will continue to place our customers at the center of our business, prioritizing sustained growth, job creation, and meeting the needs and expectations of Brazilian consumers as we strive to further strengthen our operations.”
Ichinose’s remarks highlight Honda’s broader mission beyond motorcycles. The company positions itself not just as a manufacturer but as a partner in Brazil’s social and economic development. Job creation, long-term community involvement, and customer satisfaction remain at the heart of its strategy.
Moto Honda da Amazônia: Company Overview
- Established: July 1975 (production began in November 1976)
- Headquarters: Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil
- Capital: 2.14 billion reais
- Ownership: 100% owned by Honda South America Ltda.
- Representative: Arata Ichinose, President
- Scope of Business: Manufacturing and sales of motorcycles and power products
- Annual Production Capacity: 1.4 million units (to expand to 1.6 million units)
- Current Product Lineup: Includes popular models such as the CG160, Biz125, POP110i, NXR160 Bros, XRE190, Elite125, ADV160, PCX160, CB300F Twister, CRF300F, XRE300 Sahara, XR300L Tornado, Hornet500, NX500, CB650R, NC750X, CRF1100, CB1000, and TRX420.
- Employees: Approximately 9,000 (as of October 2025)
