ROME – Honda celebrates the first fifty years of Italy, in its Italian factory in Atessa and announces a new model. Founded on 13 September 1971, it was the first factory established in Val di Sangro (Chieti), in Abruzzo, and today it represents an industrial center of excellence, one of the most important in central and southern Italy. Initially the factory was called IAP Industriale and motorcycles from overseas were assembled inside, while in 1976 production was started on site with the small CB 125. In 1985, however, exports to European markets began, followed by those to the Japanese motherland with the NS125 model. The doubling of the production area dates back to 1996 and the factory currently covers an area of approximately 140,000 square meters.
Fifty years after its foundation, Honda Italia, with its range of models (the SH 125, 150 and 350, the Forza 125 and 350, and the CB125F) and with cutting-edge machinery and highly qualified personnel, constitutes a site reference manufacturing company of Honda in Europe for the motorcycle sector.
After the first day of celebrations reserved for the leaders of the Japanese brand and the authorities, who were present, among others, Katsuhisa Okuda, president of Honda Motor Europe, Hidenobu Nishida, president of Honda Italia, Giulio Borrelli, mayor of Atessa and Marcello Vinciguerra, plant manager, on Saturday there will be an event dedicated to employees and their families. “I want to congratulate Honda Italia on its fiftieth anniversary – said Okuda – I visited the production plant for the first time: I immediately noticed order and organization and saw the great motivation of everyone towards their work.
Over the years there have been many changes that have made the level of competitiveness of Honda Italy ever higher, today the only Honda two-wheeler production site in Europe, and from this year the parent company of the other European production sites, in order to achieve great goals. This fiftieth anniversary is the result of a strong collaboration between Italian associates, Japanese staff and the territory. My thanks is for everyone. We continue to bring joy to the many customers who are waiting for the products of excellence made in Honda Italy! My expectations on Honda Italia are very high ”. At the end of the celebratory ceremony, President Okuda signed a special version of the bestselling SH125 50th Anniversary scooter customized with the tricolor livery. (mr)
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