Honda achieved international success in the automotive industry mostly because of the timely introduction of its exceptionally popular model, the Civic and its viewpoint towards conservation of resources. Prior to 1973, Honda was primarily known as one of the largest manufacturers of inexpensive and straightforward motorcycles. It had previously introduced automobiles in the local Japanese car market but the cars were too small for the American Markets tastes.
The United States was in the middle of an energy crisis and people were searching for ways to decrease expenses and unnecessary costs. The high gasoline prices created a severe inflationary pressure on middle income and less privileged families, . The Civic turned out to be a timely answer to many Americans prayers, with its fuel-efficient engine and compact shape. A car that could comfortably accommodate four people and considerably reduce fuel consumption was an offer not to be missed.
Apart from the key factors of fuel economy and its shape, the Civics success was in part also due to its enjoyable ride and handling with reasonable speeds on the motorways. The initial Civics had water-cooled, four-cylinder engines, and were available as two and three door, front-wheel drive hatchbacks. In spite of the smaller size, Americans found it a reasonable compromise when weighed with higher petrol costs. Its rapid growth in reputation encouraged Honda to move ahead and launch additional variations of the Civic in the United States car market.
The Civics growing acceptance in the United States led to the introduction of a new four-door, five-speed wagon. With each passing year, new efficiencies and designs were added such as low emissions, larger engine compliant with the regulatory demands at that time. A sportier look was introduced and its styling was constantly improved and refined. Car buyers were attracted by its groundbreaking and inimitable features and this helped profits rise progressively.
In a move to further strengthen its position across different segments of the car market, Honda soon introduced two higher end, trendy cars to draw a more profitable and upscale crowd. The Accord and Prelude helped to penetrate a yet untapped part of the automotive industry, while the Civic was perpetually improved and included upgraded features and trims that were not offered by other cars in the same class. Honda held steadfast to its ideology of resource preservation and its reputation remained largely unscathed at a time when awareness of the dangers of carbon emissions was becoming increasingly wide spread.
Due to its originality and appropriately timed launch into the car market, the Civic succeeded in establishing a name for itself and has earned several awards for the top performing car in its category. Honda’s meticulously designed interior and exterior, superb handling, fuel economy and high quality manufacturing at reasonable prices has helped retain its top position in the global automotive industry. If its past accomplishments can be used as indicators for the future, the Civic is here to conquer the international car markets for eons to come.