Excellence shaped over time
Since 1971, Honda Italia Industriale has been an integral part of Italy’s and Europe’s manufacturing history.
A journey built on people, innovation and quality—born from a global vision and grown within the local area, generating an ever‑increasing impact over the decades, both socially and in terms of quality.
A story that belongs not only to the past,
but continues every day through work, research, development and all‑round sustainable investment.
Honda Italia was born from an insight: to bring to Italy and Europe an industrial model founded on discipline, method and a people‑centred approach.
Over the years, this presence has become deeply rooted in the local area, contributing to the development of the Val di Sangro and becoming a benchmark in scooter production for Europe.
A journey built step by step, with continuity and a long‑term vision.
The story of Honda Italia Industriale is also the coming together of two cultures.
On one side, the precision, method and continuous improvement that define the Japanese industrial philosophy.
On the other, Italian creativity, flexibility and know‑how.
It is from this balance that a manufacturing model has emerged—one capable of evolving over time while consistently maintaining a strong focus on quality.
Every moment of our history is the result of people’s contribution.
Different skills, shared responsibilities and the ability to improve every day.
It is through daily work that our story takes shape, through actions repeated with care and precision.
A growth that is never individual, but always collective.
At Honda, innovation is not limited to processes, technology or the optimisation of every aspect.
It is an approach that begins with people and translates into continuous improvement—an improvement that extends across every area and is driven every day by the ideas of our Associates.
Every step forward builds on what has come before, in a journey where experience and the future come together.
The growth of Honda Italia Industriale is closely linked to the local area in which it operates.
A relationship built on collaboration, education and skills development, which has helped make Abruzzo and the Val di Sangro a point of reference for industry at an international level—combining remarkable longevity with the enthusiasm of the very first day.
An example of how a global vision can take shape—and above all come to life—through local work, skills and commitment, with the active involvement of stakeholders from across different fields.
The story of Honda Italia Industriale is made up of milestones, but above all of continuity.
A journey in which every moment represents a step towards what lies ahead.
Here we tell the story of our first 55 years – but the best is yet to come.
HONDA ITALIA TIMELINE
HONDA ITALIA TIMELINE
2024
The CB125F evolves and transforms into the CB125R.
2024
SH turns 40
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the launch of the first iconic SH scooter, a limited edition of the SH Vetro was produced, branded “40th Anniversary”.
2024
Production of the SH Vetro
Born from an idea by an Associate at the Atessa plant, the SH Vetro stands out as an icon of design and sustainability, featuring a semi‑transparent body.
2022
Production of the ADV 350
The Honda scooter range is further expanded with the ADV350.
2021
Honda Italia turns 50
2021 marked our 50th anniversary—years of dreams and achievements, of research, innovation, synergy with the local area and the enhancement of people.
2021
Production of the SH 350
The new SH350i is the perfect companion for daily commuting and for leisure journeys, even on extra‑urban roads.
2020
Production of the Forza 350
The GT scooter range is further expanded with the FORZA 350. It embodies the commitment, expertise and dedication of Honda Italia’s Associates.
2020
Production of the CB 125 F
A versatile and safe entry‑level motorcycle: the right way to enter the world of two wheels. Production of the new CB125F begins.
2020
Honda Italia in the Paddocks
For the third consecutive year, Honda Italia has created customised SH scooters for MotoGP and Formula 1 riders.
2020
Production of the SH 125/150
Euro 5 compliant, the new eSP+ engine delivers increased power compared to the previous version, with improved acceleration and response, as well as lower fuel consumption.
2019
Production of the CB 1000 R Limited Edition
The CB1000R Limited Edition, with only 350 units produced, is the result of the collaboration between the R&D, Sales and Honda Italia Industriale teams.
2017
The CEO’s visit
A special day for Honda Italia, as its production plant in Atessa (CH) welcomed Mr Takahiro Hachigo, President and CEO of Honda Motor Company since 2015.
2016
Reaching 1 million SH units
Honda Italia celebrates the milestone of 1 million SH units produced.
2014
Production of the Forza 125
A new scooter makes its debut at the Honda Italia plant: the Forza 125, designed for European customers seeking more from a 125 cc scooter.
2008
Production of the CB1000R
“Every achievement is a starting point, not a destination.” With these words, Mr Fukui, President & CEO, celebrates the first CB1000R— a large naked bike entirely conceived and developed in Italy.
2004
Foundry department inauguration
Inauguration of the foundry department, completing the Honda production site in Italy.
2003
Production of the ABS (CBF 5/600)
The Atessa Honda Italia plant begins production of ABS models (CBF 500/600).
2001
Production of the Hornet 600
For the first time, a large‑capacity motorcycle was built outside Japan. It was the year of the Hornet 600, the first four‑cylinder naked bike. Production at the Abruzzo plant would go on to serve the entire European market.
2001
Honda Italia as a benchmark
The strategic importance of Honda Italia is established with the transfer of production of the best‑selling Hornet 600 to Italy.
2000
Production of the @ – DYLAN – PSI
Production of highly successful 125/150 cc scooters: @ and Dylan Psi.
1996
Production of the Transalp XL600
The company surpasses the remarkable milestone of over 160,000 vehicles produced in a single year and begins production of the Transalp XL600.
1998
Production of the Pantheon
The “Pantheon” is introduced, the first Euro 1 scooter tested in the innovative Emissions Testing Laboratory.
1996
Production of the SH50/SH100
The SH: the model destined to become the flagship of our plant.
1996
Expansion of the production area
Expansion of the production area to 140,000 m², with the addition of new warehouses and a new production line.
1995
Production of the Power GV 100KI Motor
Production of the Power GV 100KI engine begins.
1995
Production of the CB500
The CB500 enters production, offering a perfect harmony of handling and power.
1994
Production of the NX650 Dominator
The NX650 Dominator arrives—the first large‑capacity Honda motorcycle ever produced in Europe.
1993
Production of the “Bali”
The “Bali” enters production, the first scooter entirely Made in Italy.
1992
Production of the “Vision”
The “Vision” is produced, designed to ensure performance and safety.
1988
Produzione NSR125R
At Honda Italia, production begins on a milestone in the 125 road bike market. A forerunner of modern naked sport bikes, it introduced a major innovation in chassis design: the first “Made in Italy” aluminium frame.
1987
Production of the NS125R
The parent company requested a special version for the Japanese market: this led to the creation of the NS125R Adriatico, which retained the design of its Italian counterpart but featured a tricolour livery. A total of 1,146 units were produced.
1985
Production of the NS125F
The NS125F, a dominator of both the market and the “Sport Production” races reserved for production‑based models, became the quintessential sport motorcycle for Italian riders.
1983
Production of the XL125R
The first units of the XL125R Paris‑Dakar roll off the Honda Italia plant: a special version of the XL125R inspired by the single‑cylinder bikes fielded by Honda in one of the rallies destined to become among the most famous in the world: the Paris–Dakar.
1982
Production of the XL 125
The first “true” motorcycle produced by Honda Italia specifically for the Italian market, also featuring locally manufactured components. With the XL125, the enduro motorcycle trend was born in Italy.
1980
Production of the CB 125 E
Production begins with a single‑cylinder road bike, marking the start of the manufacturing journey. It is the first example of a “glocal” product: conceived in Japan but refined for the local market.
1971
Honda Italia Industriale is established
Honda Italia Industriale S.p.A. is founded in Atessa, originally named I.A.P. Industriale S.p.A. (Industria Automotoagricola Produzione).
