B1. The Honda Story

From Bicycle to Car: The Honda Story

Honda had a dream as a boy. He never gave up on it, even when life was hard.

When Honda was very young, he saw his first car. It drove past his village. It left dust in his eyes and dreams in his heart. From that day, he wanted to make machines that moved fast and free. But his path was not easy.

He first fixed bicycles. When he was 30 years old, he opened a workshop. There, he made car parts called piston rings. He tried to sell them to Toyota. But they said, "These are not good enough. Come back when they're better.”

Honda sold his wife's jewelry to pay for night school. He studied engineering. He worked day and night to improve his rings. The next time he showed them to Toyota, they said yes! Honda's business grew for a short time. But in 1941, Japan entered World War 2.

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In 1944, Honda's factory was bombed and most of it was destroyed. After he repaired it, there was an earthquake which destroyed it again. Many people would quit, but not Honda. He sold the scrap metal and started again.

After the war, Japan was poor. Roads were broken and there was little fuel. People needed cheap ways to travel. Honda put an engine on his wife’s bicycle. Neighbours laughed at how loud it was, but soon everyone wanted one! He opened Honda Motor Company in 1948.

Honda tested his new motorbikes through rain, mud, and rough roads. His hands hurt. Oil and dirt covered his clothes. But he did not stop. His bikes were a big success! By 1959, Honda was the top motorcycle maker in the world. Next, Honda wanted to make cars!

In 1972, Honda released the Civic. It was a small car that became very popular, making Honda a world-famous brand.

Honda’s story shows: no goal is too big if we keep fighting for it.