HONDA is celebrating the milestone of having produced 100 million cars, pick-ups and trucks since it started production in 1963.

The Japanese company's first venture into the industry was with the T360 mini truck and the S500 sports car, and a year later Honda employed all of the company's production technologies and know-how and constructed the first Honda plant dedicated to automobile production in Sayama City.

The next model roll of the production line was the iconic S600 roadster.

Since then Honda has increased its annual production volume, enlarging its line-up and exporting the brand to a wide range of countries.

Honda's current line-up in the UK concentrates on global models such as the Jazz small hatchback and Civic family hatchback and estate which is built in Britain at Honda's Swindon factory.

It also has a wide range of other models including the HR-V and CR-V SUVs, both strong best-sellers in their respective segments along with the latest incarnation of the NSX supercar.

Honda now has 34 automobile production facilities on five continents.

Takahiro Hachigo, president and CEO of Honda Motor, said:"Thanks to the support from our customers around the world, Honda was able to deliver 100 million automobiles. The passion of our company founder who wanted to help people in their daily lives and pursue the joy of driving has been inherited by Honda associates as the original starting point of Honda automobile manufacturing.

"Striving to meet the next 100 million customers, Honda will continue delivering increasingly attractive products."