Honda began in 1946 as the Honda Technical Research Institute, building engines and tools. The name was changed to Honda Motor Company in 1948. American Honda Motor Company was established in 1959, selling motorcycles in Los Angeles. American Honda began selling automobiles in the U.S. in 1970, and in 1982 Honda became the first Japanese manufacturer to produce cars in the U.S. In 2003 Honda reached approximately 17 million customers worldwide in its three core lines of business: motorcycles, automobiles and power equipment.
