Honda was founded in 1946 by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa. Initially, the company was started as a technical research institute and later became the Honda Motor Company in 1948. The company began producing motorcycles and quickly gained fame with models like the Honda Cub. As Honda expanded, it moved into automobile manufacturing, releasing its first car, the T360 mini truck, in 1963. The 1970s brought Honda global acclaim with the introduction of the Honda Civic, a car known for its fuel efficiency during the oil crisis. Throughout the following decades, Honda continued to innovate with vehicles like the Accord, CR-V, and, more recently, hybrid and electric models. The company's commitment to R&D and technology has cemented its position as a leader in the automotive industry.