Celebrating half a century of American research, design, safety breakthroughs, and next-generation mobility progress

Torrance, California, 3 December 2025 — Honda is celebrating a major milestone, 50 years of research and development in the United States, recognizing the engineers, designers, and innovators who have shaped mobility and pushed the American automotive industry forward. With 21 advanced R&D operations across eight states, Honda’s U.S. footprint reflects more than $1.45 billion in investment and decades of groundbreaking work across automobiles, powersports, power equipment, and aviation.

What began in 1975 as a small research facility in Gardena, California, has since grown into one of the world’s most influential innovation networks. Over the past five decades, U.S. Honda R&D teams have helped create more than 36 Honda and Acura vehicles, including multiple North American Car and Truck of the Year winners, along with 87 powersports and equipment products and the industry-leading HondaJet.

According to American Honda’s R&D Business Unit vice president Jane Nakagawa, Honda’s legacy in America is rooted in forward thinking and customer-first innovation. She notes that the next 50 years will focus heavily on advanced mobility, sustainability, new materials, and emerging technologies that support evolving customer needs.

Across the country, Honda’s R&D facilities are deeply involved in automotive design, engineering, prototype fabrication, testing, aerodynamic research, and supplier collaboration. These teams have pioneered breakthrough safety technologies such as award-winning airbag designs and Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, setting new standards for crash protection and occupant safety.

Honda’s U.S. operations have also contributed to the creation of rugged light trucks, including the Passport, Pilot, and Ridgeline, as well as iconic Acura models such as the MDX, RDX, TLX, and the second-generation NSX. Powersports engineers in America have developed popular side-by-side vehicles, including the Pioneer and Talon series.

Beyond automotive advancements, Honda is accelerating its research in future-focused fields through the Honda Research Institute USA (HRI-US). Headquartered in California and Ohio, HRI-US leads work in quantum technologies, nanotechnology, carbon capture, battery innovation, recycling, software-defined mobility systems, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

The company is also expanding innovation through Honda Xcelerator Ventures in Silicon Valley, which invests in and collaborates with high-growth startups developing next-generation tech solutions.

Honda’s commitment to advanced research extends to world-class safety testing and motorsport innovation. In Ohio, the Honda Automotive Laboratories of Ohio (HALO) wind tunnel supports aerodynamics development for Honda and Acura vehicles, race cars, and even Team USA Bobsled/Skeleton athletes, helping optimize performance through aerodynamic engineering.

In aviation, the HondaJet, designed and developed in the United States, continues to lead the light jet category. Honda Aircraft Company is now developing the HondaJet Echelon, which will become the first light jet capable of nonstop transcontinental flight across the country while delivering improved comfort, efficiency, and performance.

Looking even further ahead, Honda is exploring space-related applications through its partnership with Astrobotic Technology, aimed at developing integrated power systems to support future lunar missions.

As Honda reflects on 50 years of U.S. R&D achievements, leaders say the mission remains the same: to create new value, build mobility solutions that improve lives, and drive innovation that shapes the future.