In October 1946, Soichiro Honda established the Honda Technical Research Institute in Hamamatsu, Japan, to develop and produce small 2-cycle motorbike engines. Two years later, Honda Motor Company, Ltd. was born, and in 1959 Honda opened its first storefront in Los Angeles with six industrious employees.

One of the unique features of Honda's structure is that it is actually made of three companies. Honda R&D is responsible for research and development of Honda's innovative products. Honda Motor produces, sells and services the products. Honda Engineering is responsible for the development of manufacturing processes, systems and equipment used to build Honda products. It is a major supplier of all types of manufacturing equipment and tools including machining, casting, forging, stamping, painting, welding and assembly. Each of these companies has the goal of producing the highest quality products at a reasonable cost. However, each has different responsibilities in achieving this goal. This 3-tier approach makes Honda Motor Company unique in the automotive industry.

Honda Engineering Co. Ltd. (EGJ) was established in Japan in 1970. In addition to Honda Engineering North America, Inc. (EGA), EGJ also has branches in China, Europe and Southeast Asia. Honda Engineering North America, Inc. (EGA) was established in Ohio as a wholly owned subsidiary of EGJ in 1985 and became a separately incorporated company in 1988. Currently EGA also has branches located at the Honda manufacturing plants in Alabama (EGA-L) and Ontario, Canada (EGA-C) and supports all of Honda's manufacturing plants in North America.