Honda opened its first U.S. research and development facility in Southern California in 1975. Now it says it conducts R&D activities at 21 U.S. locations with a cumulative capital investment of more than $1.45 billion. 

“Fifty years ago, Honda began an incredible legacy of innovation in America by taking the bold step of establishing a research function focused on creating unique products and experiences for our customers,” said American Honda Vice President of R&D Business Unit Jane Nakagawa.

Honda marked its stateside operations milestone as the Trump administration pushes U.S. and overseas automakers to produce more of their lineups here.

Today, its R&D facilities conduct a variety of research and product-development operations, including:

• Market and technology research

• Product styling

• Engineering design

• Prototype fabrication and testing

• Collaboration with parts suppliers

• Support for mass production

Aside from its R&D facilities, Honda said it operates 12 major U.S. manufacturing plants and works with 665 U.S. original equipment manufacturer suppliers. According to the automaker, it has built automobiles in the U.S. for over 40 years and last year produced in the states nearly two-thirds of all Honda and Acura automobiles sold here.