UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORMFORM 20-F

OR

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 20162018

OR

For the transition period from                to                

OR

Date of event requiring this shell company report            

Commission file number1-7628

HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

JAPAN

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

No. 1-1, Minami-Aoyama2-chome,Minato-ku, Tokyo107-8556, Japan

(Address of principal executive offices)

Narushi Yazaki,Akihisa Ito, Honda North America, Inc.,

ir@hna.honda.com,ir@hna.honda.com, (212)707-9920, 156 West 56th Street, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10019, U.S.A.

(Name,E-mail and/or Facsimile number, Telephone and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

None

(Title of class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None

(Title of class)

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act,    Yes  x☒    No  ¨☐

If this report is an annual or transmission report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  ¨☐    No  x☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x☒    No  ¨☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of RegulationS-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such file).    Yes  x☒    No  ¨☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filerfiler” and large accelerated filer “in“emerging growth company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):☐

Large accelerated filer    x            Accelerated filer  ¨      Non-accelerated filer  ¨† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S.GAAP  ¨☐    International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  x☒    Other  ¨☐

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.    Item 17  ¨☐    Item 18  ¨☐

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨☐    No  x☒

PART I

Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “Registrant”, “Company” and “Honda” as used in this Annual Report each refer to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

Not applicable.

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Not applicable.

Item 3. Key Information

A. Selected Financial Data

The selected consolidated financial data set out below for each of the threefive fiscal years ended March 31, 20162018 have been derived from our consolidated financial statements that were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

You should read the IFRS selected consolidated financial data set out below together with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report.

The following table sets out information regarding the noon buying rates for yen in New York City as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York expressed in yen per $1.00 during the periods shown. On May 31, 2016,2018, the noon buying rate was ¥110.75=¥108.73=$1.00. The average exchange rate for the period shown is the average of themonth-end rates during the period.

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

C. Reason for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

D. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. If any of the risks described below actually occurs, Honda’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. In that event, the trading prices of Honda’s common shares and American Depositary Shares could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Additional risks not currently known to Honda or that Honda now deems immaterial may also harm Honda and affect your investment.

Risks Relating to Honda’s Industry

Honda may be adversely affected by market conditions

Honda conducts its operations in Japan and throughout the world, including North America, Europe and Asia. A sustained loss of consumer confidence in these markets, which may be caused by an extended economic slowdown, recession, changes in consumer preferences, rising fuel prices, financial crisis or other factors could trigger a decline in demand for motorcycles, automobiles and power products that may adversely affect Honda’s results.

Prices for products may fluctuate

Prices for motorcycles, automobiles and power products in certain markets may experience sharp changes over short periods of time. This volatility may be caused by various factors, including fierce competition, short-term fluctuations in demand caused by instability in underlying economic conditions, changes in tariffs, import regulations and other taxes, shortages of certain materials and parts, a steep rise in material prices and sales incentives. There is no guarantee that such price volatility will not continue for an extended period of time or that price volatility will not occur in markets that to date have not experienced such volatility.

Overcapacity within the industry has increased and will likely continue to increase if the economic downturn continues in Honda’s major markets, leading, potentially, to further increased price volatility. Price volatility in any of Honda’s markets could adversely affect Honda’s results.

Risks Relating to Honda’s Business in General

Currency and Interest Rate Risks

Honda’s operations are subject to currency fluctuations

Honda has manufacturing operations throughout the world, including Japan, and exports products and components to various countries.

Honda purchases materials and components and sells its products and components in foreign currencies. Therefore, currency fluctuations could affect Honda’s pricing of materials purchased and products sold. Accordingly, currency fluctuations may have an effect on Honda’s results and financial condition, as well as Honda’s competitiveness, which will over time affect its results.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

Honda is subject to various governmental regulations

Honda conducts business operations in countries worldwide. As such, changes in regulations, in these countries related to emissions, fuel economy, noise, vehicle safety, factory pollution levels, climate changeagreements, laws or other factors in these regions and countries could adversely affect Honda’s business, financial condition, or results.

Honda is reliant on the protection and preservation of its intellectual property

Honda owns or otherwise has rights in a number of patents and trademarks relating to the products it manufactures, which have been obtained over a period of years. These patents and trademarks have been of value in the growth of Honda’s business and will continue to be of value in the future. Honda does not regard any of its business operations as being dependent upon any single patent or related group of patents. However, an inability to protect this intellectual property generally, or the illegal infringement of some or a large group of Honda’s intellectual property rights, could have an adverse effect on Honda’s operations.

Honda may be subject to legal proceedings

Honda could be subject to suits, various investigations and legal proceedings under relevant laws and regulations of various jurisdictions. A negative outcome in any such current or future legal proceedings brought against Honda could adversely affect Honda’s business, financial condition or results.

Risks Relating to Honda’s Operations

Honda’s Financial services business conducts business under highly competitive conditions in an industry with inherent risks

Honda’s Financial services business offers various financing plans to its customers designed to increase the opportunity for sales of its products. However, customers can also obtain financing for the lease or purchase of Honda’s products through a variety of other sources that compete with our financing services, including commercial banks and finance and leasing companies. The financial services offered by Honda involve credit risk as well as risks relating to lease residual values, cost of capital and access to funding. Competition for customers and/or these risks may affect Honda’s results.

Honda relies on external suppliers for the provision of certain raw materials and parts

Honda purchases raw materials and parts from numerous external suppliers, and relies on certain suppliers for some of the raw materials and parts which it uses in the manufacture of its products. Honda’s ability to continue to obtain these supplies in an efficient and cost-effective manner is subject to a number of factors, some of which are outside of Honda’s control. These factors include the ability of its suppliers to provide a continued source of raw materials and parts and Honda’s ability to compete with other users in obtaining the supplies. In particular, the loss of a key supplier could affect our production and increase our costs.

Honda relies on business alliances and joint ventures with other companies

Honda engages in business operations through alliances and joint ventures with other companies in expectation of synergy effects and increased efficiency, or in accordance with requirements from the countries in which Honda conducts its businesses. However, if disagreements occur between the parties to an alliance or joint venture, or if an alliance or joint venture is changed or cancelled, it may have an adverse effect on Honda’s business, financial condition, or results.

Honda may be adversely affected by wars, terrorism, political uncertainty and labor strikes

Honda conducts business operations in countries worldwide and is exposed to risks including wars, terrorism, political uncertainty and labor strikes in those countries or neighboring regions. If such unforeseeable events occur, and operations are delayed or suspended, Honda’s business, financial condition, or results could be adversely affected.

Honda may be adversely affected by natural disasters

In order to minimize the impact on its business operations when events such as large-scale natural disasters, accidents, or the outbreak of infectious diseases occur, Honda conducts a risk evaluation of these events and constructs business continuity plans (BCPs) in each region.. However, if operations are delayed or suspended due to the occurrence of disasters, accidents, or the outbreak of infectious diseases that exceed assumptions, Honda’s business, financial condition or results could be adversely affected.

Honda’s operations rely on information systems and networks

Honda uses a range of information systems and networks relating to information services and operational support in its business activities and its products, including in areas managed by subcontractors. To protect the

confidentiality of information handled by these systems and networks, Honda implements a range of security measures both in hardware and software, such as building management systems including those of subcontractors,

information-handling procedures and training of staff. However, there is a risk of leakage of confidential information, suspension of important operations and services, improper administrative processing, or destruction or alteration of important data or other adverse developments. These may be the result of external cyber-attacks, equipment malfunction, or management deficiencies and human error, as well as natural disasters, infrastructure failures, or other unforeseen events within Honda or at its subcontractors. In such cases, Honda’s business activities and performance could be adversely affected in terms of damage to its brand image or social reputation, liability to customers or parties affected, and a loss of Honda’s competitiveness.

Honda is subject to risks relating to its obligations to provide post-employment benefits

Honda has various pension plans and provides other post-employment benefits, in which the amount of benefits is basically determined based on the level of salary, service years, and other factors. Contributions are also regularly reviewed and adjusted as necessary to the extent permitted by laws and regulations. Defined benefit obligations and defined benefit costs are based on assumptions of many factors, including the discount rate and the rate of salary increase. Changes in assumptions could affect Honda’s defined benefit costs and obligations, including Honda’s cash requirements to fund such obligations in the future, which could materially affect Honda’s financial condition and results.

Honda’s success depends in part on the value of its brand image, which could be diminished by product defects

One of the important factors behind corporate sustainability is trust and support for the Honda brand from our customers, society and the communities in which Honda conducts business operations. With respectIn order to the quality of our products, which serves as the pillar of oursupport this brand image, we recognize that our mainstay products provide personal mobilityHonda endeavors to gain the trust of society in all types of corporate activities, including ensuring product quality and touch human lives, so we place top priority on the safetycompliance with laws and security of our customersregulations, conducting risk management, and constantly striveenhancing internal controls related to further enhance the quality of our development, production and service-related activities.corporate governance. However, if for some unforeseeable reason a product defect does occur, from the standpoint of assuring the safety and security of our customers, it is possible that Honda will issue a recall or take some other action considered to be appropriate. In such an event, the Honda brand image could beis damaged, and this could adversely impact Honda’s business operations as well as our results.

Risks Relating to Honda’s ADSs

A holder of ADSs will have fewer rights than a shareholder has and such holder will have to act through the depositary to exercise those rights

The rights of shareholders under Japanese law to take various actions, including exercising voting rights inherent in their shares, receiving dividends and distributions, bringing derivative actions, examining a company’s accounting books and records, and exercising appraisal rights, are available only to holders of record. Because the depositary, through its custodian agents, is the record holder of the Shares underlying the ADSs, only the depositary can exercise those rights in connection with the deposited Shares. The depositary will make efforts to exercise votes regarding the Shares underlying the ADSs as instructed by the holders and will pay to the holders the dividends and distributions collected from the Company. However, in the capacity as an ADS holder, such holder will not be able to bring a derivative action, examine our accounting books or records or exercise appraisal rights through the depositary.

Rights of shareholders under Japanese law may be more limited than under the laws of other jurisdictions

The Company’s Articles of Incorporation, Regulations of the Board of Directors, Regulations of the Board of Corporate AuditorsAudit and Supervisory Committee and the Company Law of Japan (the “Company Law”) govern corporate affairs of the Company. Legal principles relating to such matters as the validity of corporate procedures, directors’ and officers’ fiduciary duties, and shareholders’ rights may be different from those that would apply if the Company

were a U.S. company. Shareholders’ rights under Japanese law may not be as extensive as shareholders’ rights under the laws of the United States. An ADS holder may have more difficulty in asserting his/her rights as a shareholder than such an ADS holder would as a shareholder of a U.S. corporation. In addition, Japanese courts may not be willing to enforce liabilities against the Company in actions brought in Japan that are based upon the securities laws of the United States or any U.S. state.

Because of daily price range limitations under Japanese stock exchange rules, a holder of ADSs may not be able to sell his/her shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a particular price on any particular trading day, or at all

Stock prices on Japanese stock exchanges are determined on a real-time basis by the equilibrium between bids and offers. These exchanges are order-driven markets without specialists or market makers to guide price formation. To prevent excessive volatility, these exchanges set daily upward and downward price fluctuation limits for each stock, based on the previous day’s closing price. Although transactions may continue at the upward or downward limit price if the limit price is reached on a particular trading day, no transactions may take place outside these limits. Consequently, an investor wishing to sell at a price above or below the relevant daily limit may not be able to sell his or her shares at such price on a particular trading day, or at all.

U.S. investors may have difficulty in serving process or enforcing a judgment against the Company, or its directors or executive officers or corporate auditors

The Company is a limited liability, joint stock corporation incorporated under the laws of Japan. Most of its directors and executive officers and corporate auditors reside in Japan. All or substantially all of the Company’s assets and the assets of these persons are located in Japan and elsewhere outside the United States. It may not be possible, therefore, for U.S. investors to effect service of process within the United States upon the Company or these persons or to enforce against the Company or these persons judgments obtained in U.S. courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the Federalfederal securities laws of the United States. There is doubt as to the enforceability in Japan, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgment of U.S. courts, of liabilities predicated solely upon the Federalfederal securities laws of the United States.

The Company’s shareholders of record on a record date may not receive the dividend they anticipate

The customary dividend payout practice and relevant regulatory regime of publicly listed companies in Japan may differ from that followed in foreign markets. The Company’s dividend payout practice is no exception. While the Company may announce forecasts ofyear-end and quarterly dividends prior to the record date, these forecasts are not legally binding. The actual payment ofyear-end dividends requires a resolution of the Company’s shareholders.Board of Directors. If the shareholdersBoard of Directors adopt such a resolution, theyear-end dividend payment is made to shareholders as of the applicable record date, which is currently specified as March 31 by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation. However, such a resolution of the shareholdersBoard of Directors is usually made at an ordinary generala meeting of shareholdersthe Board of Directors held in June.April. The payment of quarterly dividends also requires a resolution of the Company’s Board of Directors. If the board adopts such a resolution, the dividend payment is made to shareholders as of the applicable record dates, which are currently specified as June 30, September 30 and December 31 by the Articles of Incorporation. However, the board usually does not adopt a resolution with respect to a quarterly dividend until after the respective record dates.

Shareholders of record as of an applicable record date may sell shares after the record date in anticipation of receiving a certain dividend payment based on the previously announced forecasts. However, since these forecasts are not legally binding and resolutions to pay dividends are usually not adopted until after the record date, our shareholders of record on record dates foryear-end and quarterly dividends may not receive the dividend they anticipate.

Cautionary statementStatement with respectRespect to forward looking statementsForward Looking Statements in thisThis Annual Report

This Annual Report includes “forward looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward looking statements included in this Annual Report are based on the current assumptions and beliefs of Honda in light of the information currently available to it, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause Honda’s actual results, performance,

achievements or financial position to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or financial position expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors are generally set forth in Item 3.D “Risk Factors” and include, without limitation:

Honda undertakes no obligation and has no intention to publicly update any forward looking statement after the date of this Annual Report. Investors are advised to consult any further disclosures by Honda in its subsequent filings pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Item 4. Information on the Company

A. History and Development of the Company

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is a limited liability, joint stock corporation incorporated on September 24, 1948 under the Commercial Code of Japan as Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. It was formed as a successor to the unincorporated enterprise established in 1946 by the late Soichiro Honda to manufacture motors for motorized bicycles.

Since its establishment, Honda has remained on the leading edge by creating new value and providing products of the highest quality at a reasonable price for worldwide customer satisfaction. Honda develops, manufactures and markets motorcycles, automobiles and power products globally.

Honda’s principal executive office is located at1-1, Minami-Aoyama2-chome,Minato-ku, Tokyo,107-8556, Japan. Its telephone number is +81-3-3423-1111.+81-3-3423-1111.

Principal Capital Investments

In the fiscal years ended March 31, 2014, 20152016, 2017 and 2016,2018, Honda’s capital expenditures were ¥2,168.3¥2,860.6 billion, ¥2,579.2¥2,572.7 billion and ¥2,860.6¥2,394.6 billion, respectively, on an accrual basis. Also, capital

expenditures excluding those with respect to equipment on operating leases were ¥957.6¥893.1 billion, ¥898.0¥690.0 billion and ¥893.1¥595.4 billion, respectively, on an accrual basis. For further details of Honda’s capital expenditures during fiscal 2016,2018, see Item 4.D “Property, Plants and Equipment” of this Annual Report.

B. Business Overview

General

Honda’s business segments are the Motorcycle business operations, Automobile business operations, Financial services business operations, and Power product and other businesses operations.

The following tables show the breakdown of Honda’s revenue from external customers by category of business and by geographical markets based on the location of the customer for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2014, 20152016, 2017 and 2016:2018:

Motorcycle Business

In 1949, Honda began mass production of motorcycles with theDreamD-Type, followed by other models such as theBenly and theCubF-Type. By 1957, Honda became the top Japanese manufacturer in terms of motorcycle production volume. Honda expanded its business overseas by establishing American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in the United States in 1959. Honda first started overseas production in Belgium in 1963.

Honda produces a wide range of motorcycles, with engine displacement ranging from the 50cc class to the 1800cc class. Honda’s motorcycles use internal combustion engines developed by Honda that areair- or water-cooled, four-cycle, and are in single, two, four orsix-cylinder configurations. Honda’s motorcycle line consists of sports (including trial and moto-cross racing), business and commuter models. Honda also produces a range ofoff-road vehicles, includingall-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-sideside-by-sides (SxS).

The following table sets out unit sales for Honda’s Motorcycle business, including motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) andside-by-sides (SxS) and revenue from Motorcycle business, and the breakdown by geographical markets based on the location of the customer for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2014, 20152016, 2017 and 2016:2018:

See Item 4. D. “Property, Plants and Equipment” for information regarding principal manufacturing facilities.

For further information on recent operations and a financial review of the Motorcycle business, see “Operating Results” in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”.

Automobile Business

Honda started Automobile business operations in 1963 with theT360 mini truck and theS500 small sports car models. Honda subsequently launched a series of mass-production models including theCivic in 1972 and theAccord in 1976, which established a base for its Automobile business. In 1969, production of the mini vehiclesN600 andTN600 began in Taiwan using component parts sets. In 1982, Honda became the first Japanese automaker to begin local automobile production in the United States (with theAccord model) and later conducted local development and expanded production activities to include light truck models. In 1986, the Acura Brand was established and an exclusive sales network was launched in the United States.

Honda’s vehicles use gasoline engines of three, four orsix-cylinder configurations, diesel engines, gasoline-electric hybrid systems and gasoline-electricplug-in hybrid systems. Honda also offers other alternative fuel-powered vehicles such as ethanol, battery electric and fuel cell vehicles.

Honda’s principal automobile products include the following vehicle models:

(in alphabetical order)

Passenger cars:

Accord, Accord Hybrid, Amaze, Brio, Brio Amaze, Brio Satya, City, Civic, Civic Tourer, Civic Type R, Crider, CR-Z, Fit/Jazz Fit/Jazz Hybrid, Freed, Freed Hybrid, Freed Spike, Freed Spike Hybrid, Grace, Grace Hybrid, Greiz, Honda Mobilio, Insight, Jade, Jade Hybrid, Legend Hybrid, Mobilio, Shuttle, Shuttle Hybrid, Spirior, Acura ILX, Acura RLX, Acura TLX

Light trucks:

BR-V, Crosstour, CR-V, Elysion, Freed, Odyssey, Odyssey Hybrid, Pilot, Step WGN, Vezel/HR-V, Vezel Hybrid, XR-V Acura MDX, Acura RDX

Mini vehicles:

Acty, N-BOX N-BOX +, N-BOX Slash, N-ONE, N-WGN, S660, Vamos

The following table sets out Honda’s unit sales of automobiles and revenue from Automobile business and the breakdown by geographical markets based on the location of the customer for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2014, 20152016, 2017 and 2016:2018:

See Item 4. D. “Property, Plants and Equipment” for information regarding principal manufacturing facilities.

For further information on recent operations and a financial review of the Automobile business, see “Operating Results” in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”.

Financial Services Business

We offer a variety of financial services to our customers and dealers through finance subsidiaries in countries including Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil and Thailand, with the aim of providing sales support for our products. The services of these subsidiaries include retail lending, leasing to customers and other financial services, such as wholesale financing to dealers.

The following table sets out Honda’s revenue from Financial services business and the breakdown by geographical markets based on the location of the customer for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2014, 20152016, 2017 and 2016:2018:

For further information on recent operations and a financial review of the Power product and other businesses, see “Operating Results” in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”.

Marketing and Distribution

Most of Honda’s products are distributed under the Honda trademarks in Japan and/or in overseas markets.

In fiscal 2018, approximately 91% of Honda’s motorcycle units on a group basis were sold in Asia. Approximately 42% of Honda’s automobile units (including sales under the Acura Brand) on a group basis were sold in Asia followed by 37% in North America and 13% in Japan. Approximately 48% of Honda’s power products units on a group basis were sold in North America followed by 24% in Asia and 16% in Europe.

Sales and Service—JapanService

Sales ofIn Japan, Honda produces and sells motorcycles, automobiles, and power products in Japan are made through different distribution networks comprised primarily ofits domestic sales subsidiaries and independent retail dealers.

Motorcycles are distributed through outlets, including “PRO’S” shops and In overseas markets, Honda Dream authorized dealerships. Automobilesalso provides motorcycles, automobiles, and power products are distributed in Japan through retail dealers. A number of small power product engines are also soldits principal foreign sales subsidiaries, which distribute Honda’s products to other manufacturers for use in their products.

Sales of spare partslocal wholesalers and after sales services are mainly provided through retail dealers.

Sales and Service—Overseas

In fiscal 2016,2018, approximately 98% of Honda’s overseas sales were made through its principal foreign sales subsidiaries, which distribute Honda’s products to local wholesalers and retail dealers.

Honda mainly markets its motorcycles, automobilessells spare parts and power productsprovides after-sales services through a sales network of independent local dealers. Mostretail dealers sell one type of product, but some motorcycle and automobile dealers also sell power products. The largest regional markets for Honda motorcycles, automobiles (including the Acura brand) and power products by Honda group unit sales are Asia, North America and North America, respectively.

Honda providesdirectly or via its overseas operations, joint venture firms, independent distributors and licensees with spare parts and necessary technical information, which they in turn supply to wholesale or retail dealers, either directly or through one or more spare parts distributors.licensees.

Components and Parts, Raw Materials and Sources of Supply

Honda manufactures the major components and parts used in its products, including engines, frames and transmissions. Other components and parts, such as shock absorbers, electrical equipment and tires, are purchased from numerous suppliers. The principal raw materials used by Honda are steel plate, aluminum, special steels, steel tubes, paints, plastics and zinc, which are purchased from several suppliers. The most important raw material purchased is steel plate, accounting for approximately 42%41% of Honda’s total purchases of raw materials.

No single supplier accounted for more than 5% of the Company’s purchases of major components and parts and principal raw materials during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016.

2018.

Ordinarily, Honda does not have and does not anticipate having any difficulty in obtaining its required materials from suppliers and considers its contracts and business relations with the suppliers to be satisfactory. The Company does not believe any of its Japanese domestic suppliers are substantially more dependent on foreign suppliers than Japanese suppliers generally. However, it should be noted that Japanese industry in general is heavily dependent on foreign suppliers for substantially all of its raw materials.

Seasonality

Honda’s Motorcycle and Power product businesses have historically experienced some seasonality. However, this seasonality has not generally been material to our financial results.

Environmental and Safety Regulation

Honda is subject to various government regulations, including environmental and safety regulations for automobiles, motorcycles and power products. Such regulations relate to items such as emissions, fuel economy, recycling and safety and have had, and are expected to continue to have, material effects on Honda’s business. Honda has incurred significant compliance and other costs in connection with such regulations and will incur future compliance and other costs for new and upcoming regulations. Relevant environmental and safety regulations are described below.

Outline of Environmental and Safety Regulation for Automobiles

1. Emissions

Japan

In March 2008, to strengthen the enforcement of laws, the 2009 Exhaust Emission Standards were created after the passage of long-term regulation. Long-term targets for gasoline vehicles remained unchanged except those for direct injection gasoline vehicles, which were also required to meet the particulate matter (PM) standard. New long-term emissions targets for diesel vehicles were lowered by more than 60% from the 2005 level of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and PM standards.

In 2010, the Central Environmental Council in the Ministry of Environment reviewed the current JC08 mode for emission testing and began to consider the introduction of the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). In 2015, the Central Environmental Council ofin the Ministry of Environment decided to introduce WLTP. From October 2018, emission test based on WLTP will be obligatory instead of JC08 mode.

The United States

Increasingly stringent emission regulations under the Clean Air Act have been enacted since the 1990s by the U.S. federal government.

Under the Clean Air Act, the State of California is permitted to establish its own emission control standards to the extent they are more stringent than federal standards. Pursuant to this authority, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted the California Low Emission Vehicle Program in 1990, aiming to establish the strictest emission regulations in the world.

In March 2009, the CARB finalized the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) regulation to require 7,500 Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV) in the entire industry instead of the previous requirement of 2,500 FCV. In addition, manufacturers were required to sell a significant number of Enhanced Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (Enhanced AT-PZEV) in the market after the 2012 model year.

In August 2012, the CARB issued the Advanced Clean Car package of regulations, which included amendments to the California Low Emission Vehicle Program III (LEV III) and ZEV regulations. The LEV III regulation, which applies to 2015 and subsequent model years, tightened limits on emissions and evaporative emissions. The ZEV regulation was revised so that requirements could be satisfied by TZEV (formerly, EnhancedAT-PZEV) and ZEV alone for 2018 and subsequent model years. Also, for 2018 and subsequent model years, the credit value eligible for each ZEV category was decreased drastically, which consequently increases the required sales volume dramatically. The BEVx category, which includes battery electric vehicles with auxiliary power units, was also added as a ZEV category. Currently, many states have adopted California LEV III and ZEV regulations.

In March 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized Tier 3 regulation, the federal emission and fuel standards. Tier 3 requires gasoline fuels at a pump to have an average sulfur content of 10parts-per-million, which is already implemented in Europe and Japan. It also sets exhaust and evaporative emission standards equivalent to California LEV III. In other words, it enables auto manufacturers to sell some of the same vehicles they sell in California in states that have not adopted LEV III.

In October 2015, the CARB issued the Final Statement Of Reasons for rulemaking (FSOR), to amend the current LEV III regulation in order to align its standards further with the finalized federal Tier 3 regulation.

Europe

In 2005, the European Union created new emission standards (Euro(the Euro 5 and Euro 6)6 regulations) and comprehensive requirements for gasoline vehicles and diesel vehicles. Euro 5 was implemented in September 2009. Emission limits for gasoline vehicles and diesel vehicles were further lowered compared to the Euro 4 level for hydro-carbons (HC),hydrocarbons, NOx and PM. PM mass emission standards apply only to vehicles with direct injection engines.

Additionally, the Euro 5 regulation required limits on particle number emissions from diesel vehicles, and implemented new test measurements for PM mass emissions from gasoline vehicles with direct injection engines and diesel vehicles in and after September 2011.

The Euro 6 regulation was implemented in September 2014. Emission limits for diesel vehicles will bewere lowered even more than the Euro 5 levels for NOx and THC plus NOx. Additionally, Euro 6 requiredrequires limits on

particle numbers from gasoline vehicles with direct injection engines. The required ethanol density of test fuel willwas also be increased, starting from September 2016.

The European Commission proposed the transitiontesting cycle to measure emissions has gradually been transitioning from New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) to World Light duty Test Cycle (WLTC) beginning from September 2017.

The European Commission implemented regulations regarding the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) using Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS). The monitoring phase started from April 2016 and RDE testing with emission limits startsstarted from September 2017.2017 for NOx and PN (particulate number).

Russia

The Euro 4 regulation has been in effect from January 2010. Additionally, the Euro 5 regulation was implemented in January 2014.

Russia, together with Kazakhstan and Belarus, formed a Customs Union. The Euro 5 regulation was introduced from January 2015 to the Customs Union. Implementation for the Kyrgyz Republic started from February 2016 and for Armenia will start from January 2020.

China

China adopted Step 3 and Step 45 emission regulationsregulation for light-duty vehicles in 2005. These regulations are2017. This regulation is similar to European regulations (such as Euro 3 and Euro 4)5 regulation). Step 3 was implemented in 2007 and Step 4 was implemented in July 2010. In addition, China has promulgated rules to implement Step 5 emission regulations in 2017, based on Euro 5.

In the city of Beijing, Step 4 was implemented in March 2008 and Step 5 was implemented in February 2013. In addition, the city of Beijing is considering the introduction of Step 6 emission regulations in December 2017.July 2020, based on Euro 6 regulation. Step 6a regulations will be implemented in July 2020 and Step 6b regulations will be implemented in July 2023.

Some regional environmental protection departments are considering introducing Step 6 regulations in advance of 2019.

From the standpoint of reducingIn order to reduce dependence on foreign sources of crude oil and reducingreduce air pollution, which have becomeare viewed as serious problems, the Chinese government has implemented various infrastructure projects and subsidy policies and has been preparing the relevant National Standardsnational standards and their Certification Systema certification system in order to encourage broad use of new energy vehicles such as electric vehicle (EV), vehicles,plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV),vehicles, and fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV).vehicles.

Other Regions

India implemented BS IV (Bharat Stage IV) regulations in April 2017 and is expected to implement BS VI regulations from April 2020, skipping the implementation of BS V regulations. The BS VI regulations feature two phases. The second phase is expected to apply from April 2023 with more stringent particle number andon-board diagnostic requirements and compliance for RDE.

Malaysia is scheduled to implement Euro 4 regulation from April 2020 for new vehicles and October 2021 for all gasoline vehicles.

Thailand is scheduled to implement Euro 5 regulation from 2023 and Euro 6 regulation from 2029.

Several other Asian countries have adopted regulations which are similar to the European regulations (such as Euro 2 regulation and Euro 3)3 regulation). Some of these countriesgovernments are considering the introduction of Euro 4 regulation, Euro 5 regulation and Euro 6.

6 regulation.

Australia implemented Euro5-equivalent regulations in November 2013. In addition, Australia plans to introduce Euro6-equivalent regulations from July 2017.

January 2022.

Ukraine is scheduled to implement Euro 6 regulation from January 2018.

2020.

Turkey implemented Euro 6 regulation from January 2016.

Brazilian authorities are currently proposing new emission regulations known as PROCONVE L7 from 2022 and L8 from 2027. This regulation is a unique Brazilian regulation based on U.S. regulations. This regulation is expected to be much stricter than current regulations, but it is still under consideration by the Brazilian authorities and the implementation date is not fixed yet.

Bolivia iswas previously scheduled to implement Euro 4 regulation in August 2016.

2016, but this implementation has been postponed.

Peru iswas scheduled to implement Tier 2 regulations and Euro 4 regulation in January 2017.

April 2018.

Uruguay iswas considering the introduction of Euro 4 regulation and Tier 2 regulations in January 2018.

2. Fuel Economy / CO₂

Japan

In 2005, discussions about the “POST-2010” standard took place among the applicable ministries and industries. In February 2007, the final “POST-2010” target, or the “2015 standard”, was announced. Fuel consumption will be reduced by 29.2% compared to the 2010 target for passenger cars.

In June 2010, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) jointly established a committee and commenced a study to formulate new fuel economy standards for passenger motor vehicles for 2020. The new standards were announced in March 2013. The next term fuel economy standards improve the 2015 standards by 19.6% and adopt the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) calculation method.

Fuel specifications for E10 fuel, which is gasoline blended with 10% ethanol, were revised and included in the April 2012 announcement setting forth the details of safety standards under the Road Transport Vehicle Law. Ethanol blended fuel is a “biomass fuel”. Biomass fuel is regarded as an effective countermeasure for CO₂ reduction. CO₂ emissions after burning ethanol fuel produced with biomass resources (such as plants or wood) are not counted as CO₂ emissions under the Kyoto Protocol.

In 2015, MLIT and METI examined the new fuel economy standards for small commercial vehicles.

In autumn 2016, WLTC mode is going to bewas introduced into fuel economy standards, from autumn, 2018.in addition to JC08 mode.

The United States

The Federal Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act requires automobile manufacturers to comply with the CAFE standards. Under the CAFE standards, manufacturers are subject to substantial penalties if automobiles produced by them in any model year do not meet the average standards for each category.

In March 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the CAFE regulation standard for passenger cars and light trucks for the 2011 model year. The CAFE standard calculation of passenger cars and light trucks for the 2011 model year use a footprint prescribed in the CAFE regulation issued in 2006. The industry-wide combined average for the 2011 model year was estimated to be 27.3 mpg.

The EPA and the NHTSA jointly finalized the U.S. federal Green House Gas (GHG)greenhouse gas regulation from the 2012 model year in accordance with President Obama’s announcement. The standard for the 2016 model year is was250 g-CO₂/mile, or a 35.5 mpg industry average. In addition, a manufacturer is also deemed to comply with CARB GHG regulation if the manufacturer complies withEPA-GHG, based on an agreement among the White House, the CARB and the industry.

In March 2008, the EPA denied California’s GHG regulation waiver request. On January 26, 2009, President Obama announced that he had directed the EPA to review California’s waiver request. The EPA approved the waiver on July 8, 2009 because the CARB promised that a manufacturer was also deemed to comply with CARB GHGgreenhouse gas regulation if the manufacturer complied withEPA-GHG from the 2012 through 2016 model years.

On May 21, 2010, President Obama ordered the NHTSA and the EPA to extend the National Program for cars and light-duty trucks to the 2017 model year and beyond with the support of the CARB. On October 1, 2010, the NHTSA, the EPA, and the CARB gave the notice of their intent to conduct joint rulemaking to establish 2017 and later model year fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards. The NHTSA and EPA issued a regulation in August 2012 regarding GHGgreenhouse gas / CAFE regulations from the 2017 through 2025 model years. The standard for the 2025 model year is 163g-CO₂/mile or a 54.5 mpg industry average. The CARB also issued a regulation that is

almost nearly equivalent to the EPA’s GHGgreenhouse gas regulations in August 2012. In December 2012, the CARB amended its GHGgreenhouse gas regulation so that a manufacturer is also deemed to comply with the CARB GHGgreenhouse gas regulations if it complies withEPA-GHG from the 2017 through 2025 model years.

When greenhouse gas / CAFE regulation was legislated in 2012, the EPA and the NHTSA announced that they, in coordination with the CARB, would perform amid-term evaluationre-examining the appropriateness of limit values for 2022-2025 model years by April 2018. Accordingly, the EPA, NHTSA and CARB jointly issued a joint technical assessment report in July 2016 (a technical report, and not a decision document). CARB decided in March 2017, before the new EPA decision planned for April 2018 was announced, not to change the greenhouse gas regulations applicable for the 2022-2025 model years.

EuropeOn March 2017, President Trump issued executive order “Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth” which includes rescinding the “Climate Action Plan” announced by President Obama. Therefore, U.S. environmental regulation may be drastically reconsidered in the future.

On April 2, 2018, the EPA announced that the GHG requirement for 2022-2025 model years needs reconsideration. Together with the NHTSA, the EPA plans to propose a new standard for GHG and CAFE during 2018.

Europe

In 2008, the European parliament adopted CO₂ regulations in response to concerns related to possible global climate changes. The adopted CO₂ regulations were published by the Official Journal in June 2009.

Pursuant to the CO₂ regulations, the European Commission set a more stringent target of 130 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer for new passenger cars offered for sale in the EU from 2012. In addition, the CO₂ regulations provided manufacturers with the necessary incentive to reduce the CO₂ emissions of their vehicles by imposing an excess emissions premium if their average emission levels are above the limit value curve. This premium is based on the number of grams per kilometer (g/km) that an average vehicle sold by the manufacturer exceeding the limit imposed by the curve, multiplied by the number of vehicles sold by the manufacturer.

In 2014, a new regulation was issued, requiring more stringent regulation that targetsEU fleet-wide target of 95 g/km ofg CO₂/km for 2020.2020 based on NEDC testing procedure.

The European Commission is planning to replace the current European type-approval procedure for fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of cars based on NEDC has been gradually replaced with WLTP beginning from September 2017. During the transitional years, WLTP-measured CO₂ values are calculated to NEDC CO₂ values to check compliance to the NEDC based CO₂ target. A new WLTCWLTP based target for each manufacturer will be set from 2021.

On November 8, 2017, the European Commission proposed a new CO₂ standard beyond 2025. The proposed targets beyond 2025 and WLTP in 2017.2030 are negative 15% and negative 30%, respectively, compared to the 2021 average of all manufacturers’ EU fleet-wide target.

China

China adopted a fuel consumption regulation for passenger vehicles in 2004. Step 1 of this regulation was implemented in 2005, Step 2 of this regulation was implemented in 2008 and Step 3 of this regulation was implemented in 2012. In addition, China

will implement implemented Step 4 of this regulation in 2016.

Other Regions

India has promulgated rules to introduce fuel economy / CO₂ regulations in 2017 and 2022 in a phased manner.

Australia is considering introducing fuel economy / CO₂ regulations.

Taiwan introduced corporate average fuel consumption regulations.

Mexico introduced a proposal foris considering introducing new fuel economy / CO₂ regulations from 2018.

Brazil is considering introducing new fuel economy / CO₂ regulations from 2022.

The Province of Quebec in Canada finalized a mandate for each maker to sell a certain percentage of zero emission vehicles starting from the 2017 through 20212018 model years.year.

3. Recycling /End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) / REACH

Japan

Japan enacted the Automobile Recycling Law in July 2002, which required manufacturers to take back air bags, fluorocarbon and shredder residue derived fromend-of-life vehicles (ELV), which became effective on January 1, 2005. ELV processing costs are collected from owners of cars currently in use and purchasers of new cars.

Europe

On December 30, 2006, the European Union adopted the Regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), which became effective on June 1, 2007.

From June 1, 2008, any manufacturer or importer of chemical substances is required to submit a registration to the European Chemicals Agency, based on annual production or import quantity levels. Submitting apre-registration between June 1 and December 1, 2008 will allow the manufacturer or importer to extend the deadline for submitting the registration for existing chemical substances. The list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) is amended periodically to include new substances. Upon a request by a consumer, a supplier of a product containing SVHC must provide the consumer with sufficient information, including at least the name of the substance, within 45 days.

On February 18, 2011, the first set of substances which require authorization for use after specified dates were announced. Manufacturers using these substances in Europe must either be authorized for use after submitting an application or use substitute substances. Substances which require authorization will be added periodically.

Other Regions

Taiwan and Korea implemented automobile recycling laws on January 1, 2008, following the regulations established by the European Union and Japan. Turkey and Vietnam also implemented automobile recycling laws on December 12, 2010 and January 1, 2018, respectively. On June 23, 2017, China implemented automobile recycling laws partially following the regulations established by the European Union. In addition, China, Vietnam, India and Russia each have a plan to implement automobile recycling laws in the near future.

4. Safety

United Nations

From 2014, under WP29 (World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations), the ITS / AD Informal Working Group has been discussing the issue of Intelligent Transport System and Automated Driving. Current mainThe discussion issues areof “definition of each technical level (partially—fully automated driving) of automated driving”, “cyber security”, “privacy protection principles” ended and “amendmentits results were adopted at the 174th WP29.

Following a long discussion, Revision 3 of current road traffic law”.

Japan

In November 2007, the MLIT issued safety standards, which have been applicable from July 1, 2012, for vehicles which use high voltage electric power such as electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles, to avoid electric shocks during normal operations1958 Agreement was adopted at the 169th WP29 and post-crash. Furthermore, in 2011, they adoptedthe official document (UN Agreement) was published on October 2017. This Revision 3 was entered into force on September 14, 2017. The 1958 Agreement, an intergovernmental agreement of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) R100, which(UN/ECE) signed in 1958, aims at establishing a unified standard for vehicle’s structure and safety and environment of device and promoting reciprocal recognition. The major changes of Revision 3 are;

IWVTA is a system that develops mutual recognition of automobile certification from “unit of equipment” to “vehicle unit”. This system was amended to incorporateintroduced via Japan’s proposal, and Japan has served as the Japanese electrical safety standard.chairman and led the discussion since then. This system was adopted at the 173rd WP29, as UN R No. 0. This will be entered into force on July 19, 2018.

Japan

Japan Automobile Standards Internationalization Center (JASIC), which is organized by the MLIT and Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), among others, has started to review a proposal for the

unification of Safety/Environment Standards, vehicle categories and certification in order to promote further internationalization of standards and certifications. JASIC made the proposal to other contracting parties of the 58 / 98 Agreement in 2009 and aims at reachingreached an agreement among the contracting parties by 2017.

In January 2010, the MLIT started preparing a guideline for noise measurements regarding the danger of hybrid vehicles remaining silent and also started studying how to regulate this.

In March 2010, in a session of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP29)WP29 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Japan proposed the establishment of “a mutual certification system of international vehicle type certifications”, which was agreed upon.

In March 2010, an accident in the Unites States caused by sudden unintended acceleration prompted the MLIT to consider introducing a “brake-override system”.

In May 2011, the MLIT introduced a pedestrian leg protection standard, adopting, for the first time in the world, a flexible leg impactor that features an improved biomechanism. The impactor has been designed to better match with the human body structure and its characteristics.

In August 2013, the MLIT adopted UN R121, which regulates the location and identification of controls, tell-tales and indicators.

In November 2013, the MLIT adopted UN R125, which regulates front visibility of the motor vehicle driver.

In January 2015, the MLIT adopted UN R21, which regulates interior fittings.

In January 2015, the MLIT adopted UN R127, which regulates pedestrian safety performance.

In June 2015, the MLIT adopted UN R135, which regulates protection of passengers from a lateral pole crash.

In June 2015, the MLIT adopted UN R34, which regulates vehicle fire prevention.

In October 2015, the MLIT adopted UN R117, which regulates exterior noise of tires, the frictional force on wet road surfaces and rolling resistance.

In October 2016, the MLIT adopted UN R138, which regulates the reduced audibility of “quiet road transport vehicles”, including electric vehicles.

In February 2017, the MLIT adopted UN R139, which regulates Brake Assist Systems.

In February 2017, the MLIT adopted UN R140, which regulates Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Systems.

In February 2017, the MLIT adopted UN R141, which regulates Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS).

In February 2017, the MLIT adopted UN R142, which regulates Tyres installation.

To achieve the highest level of traffic safety in Japan, MLIT developed a strategy to introduce fully automated driving in the latter half of the 2020’s.2020s. To develop harmonized regulations for automated driving, MLIT is joining ITS / AD Informal Working Group under WP29 of the United Nations. MLIT isco-chairman of Informal Working Group together with the United Kingdom.

MLIT is considering introducing a regulation regarding “Accident Emergency Call Systems (AECS)”.

The United States

In June 2008, the NHTSA issued a final rule to revise some performance requirements andphase-in compliance schedules for upgraded side impact occupant protection standards. For both the moving deformable

barrier test and the oblique side pole impact test, manufacturers have had to comply with the revised requirements for 20% of all vehicles produced by 2010, 40% by 2011, 60% by 2012, 80% by 2013 and 100% by 2014.

In May 2009, the NHTSA issued a final rule to upgrade the vehicle roof crush standard. The rule newly introduces the “Two-sided“Two-sided Roof Test,” which imposes strength tests for both sides of the vehicle roof and increases the maximum applied load. For vehicles with a gross vehicle weight ratingGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 2,722 kg or less, manufacturers have had to comply with the upgraded requirements for 25% of all vehicles produced by 2012, 50% by 2013, 75% by 2014, and 100% by 2015. For heavier vehicles, manufacturers must comply with the standards in or afterby September 2016.

In January 2011, the NHTSA issued a final rule to prevent the ejection of occupants in rollover accidents. The rule requires “ejection mitigation countermeasure” (e.g. advanced glazing or head protection side airbag) equipment which meet with performance requirements. Manufacturers have had to comply with the new requirements for 25% of all vehicles produced by 2013, 50% by 2014 and 75% by 2015. Further, 100% musthad to comply (with carryover credit) by 2016, and all vehicles by 2017.

In April 2012, the NHTSA issued a proposed regulation that mandates installation of a brake-throttle override system. This rule was proposed to take proper measures against the following problem: a vehicle cannot be effectively decelerated/stopped in the event that the accelerator pedal cannot return to its stationary position even after the foot is taken off the accelerator pedal, because of the floor mat being caught in the accelerator pedal or any failure in the accelerator pedal. Manufacturers must comply with the new requirements within two years from September 1 of the date of publication of the final rule, which is still under consideration.

In December 2012, the NHTSA issued a proposed regulation that mandates installation of an event data recorderEvent Data Recorder (EDR) in vehicles. The purpose of this regulation is to allow for effective collision research as well as to share important data for the performance analysis of safety devices (e.g. advanced restraint devices) through the mandatory installation of EDRs. After September 2014, the NHTSA had planned to require manufacturers to install EDRs which comply with specified performance requirements, but the issue is still under discussion.

In January 2013, the NHTSA issued a proposed regulation that mandates installation of an approaching vehicle audible system. This regulation was established to reduce the number of collision accidents by enabling pedestrians and bicycle riders be aware of approaching hybrid vehicles on electric drive or electric vehicles by sound. Manufacturers were encouraged to comply with the new requirements for 30% of all vehicles produced by 2015.2015 and 60% by 2016. Further, the target is 60% by 2016, 90% by 2017, and all vehicles by 2018, respectively.

2018.

In April, 2013, the NHTSA issued the first phase of these guidelines. The Phase 1 Guidelines cover original equipmentOriginal Equipment (OE)in-vehicle (i.e., integrated) electronic devices that are operated by the driver through visual-manual means (i.e., the driver looks at a device, manipulates a device-related control with his or her hand, and/or watches for visual feedback from the device). The Phase 2 Guidelines will apply to portable and aftermarket devices that are operated through visual-manual means and will be based on the same general principles as the Phase 1 Guidelines.

In March 2014, the NHTSA issued a final rule for FMVSS No. 111, which requires that rear visibility technology be installed in all new vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds. The purpose is to reduce death and injury resulting from incidents when the driver is backing up. Manufacturers musthad to comply with the new requirements for 10% of all vehicles produced from May 2016 to April 2017, 40% from2017. From May 2017 to April 2018, 40% must comply and all vehicles by May 2018.

In September 2016, the NHTSA issued the Federal Automated Vehicles Policy for safety testing and deployment of automated vehicles. This policy comprises four sections: vehicle performance guidance for automated vehicles, model state policy, current regulatory tools, and modern regulatory tools. The vehicle

performance guidance section outlines a 15 point “safety assessment” for the safe design, development, testing and deployment of automated vehicles.

In December 2016, the NHTSA issued a proposal titled Driver Distraction Guidelines Phase 2 to reduce accidents due to driver distraction. This guideline addresses vehicle safety problems posed by driver distraction due to aftermarket and portable device usage.

In December 2016, the NHTSA issued a final rule to newly establish FMVSS141, a standard for minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles. The purpose of FMVSS141 is to reduce the number of injuries that result from electric and hybrid vehicle crashes with pedestrians by providing a sound level and sound characteristics necessary for these vehicles to be detected and recognized by pedestrians. Manufacturers must comply with the new requirements for 50% of all hybrid and electric vehicles produced from September 2018, and all hybrid and electric vehicles in or after May 2018.

September 2019.

In August 2014,January 2017, the NHTSA issued a noticeproposed regulation to start legislative work concerningestablish a new FMVSS150(vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications) standard. FMVSS150 specifies performance requirements for V2V communications capability and the inter-vehicle communication function (V2V) of passenger cars and light trucks. FMVSS150 is supposed to be newly established as V2V laws and regulations for the communication function. The mandatory equipment requirements of the communication functionV2V function. FMVSS150 applies to new passenger cars, multi-purpose vehicles, trucks, and the performance requirements are expected to be included in FMVSS150.

buses with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) or less. FMVSS150 has a provision for a scheduledEuropephase-in.

In September 2017, the NHTSA issued a voluntary guidance “A Vision for Safety” to update the Federal Automated Vehicle Policy issued in 2016. Manufacturers may demonstrate how they address the safety elements contained in this guidance by publishing a Voluntary Safety Assessment for automated driving system (SAE Level 3 through 5).

In September 2017, the NHTSA issued a final rule for FMVSS No. 305, electrolyte spillage and electrical shock protection. This update adopts various electrical safety requirements found in Global Technical Regulation (GTR) No.13, “Hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles” and other sources.

In February 2018, the NHTSA issued a final rule for FMVSS141, a standard for minimum sound requirement for hybrid and electric vehicle. The purpose of this amendment is to clarify the details of technical requirement and reschedulephase-in schedule (1 year delay).

Europe

Legislation regarding a new system called “eCall” is under considerationwas finalized in the EU and is already implemented in the Customs Union, which is organized by Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus. eCall is a system that can automatically transmit vehicle status (e.g., Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) deployment, location, direction and other information) to conventional infrastructures simultaneously with voice messages when accidents occur. Some relevant draft standards have been published in the EU.2017. The effective date of the EU eCall for new vehicle types is scheduled forbecame effective on March 31, 2018. Final standards have already been published in the Customs Union. The effective date of eCall for the Customs Union (ERA-GLONASS) was on or after January 1, 2015 for new vehicle types and is on or after January 1, 2017 for all vehicles.

In January 2016, the EU commission issued the draft regulation to significantly revise the legal framework for the EU type-approval. This draft regulation introduces a market surveillance system effective for managing the conformity of motor vehicles available on the market and adds a requirement of an expiration date for vehicle type approval. This draft is scheduled to be adopted at the end of 2016.

China

Vehicle safety regulations in China were drafted with reference to the UNECE standards and cover almost the same matters as the UNECE standards. However, these regulations also include unique provisions which take into account the distinctive characteristics of the Chinese market environment and the rules differ from the latest UNECE standards. Future safety regulations are described as follows:

Newly published GB standards (Chinese national standards issued by the Standardization Administration of China) in 2015:

2017 include:

+ Amendment to Passenger car tire

Photometric characteristics of power-driven vehicle front fog lamps;

+ Amendment to Rear registration plate lampSymbols for controls, indicators and tell-tales of Motor Vehicles and Trailers

electric vehicles;

+ Amendment to Motor Vehicle Towing DevicesElectric vehicle charging systems;

+ New energy vehicle power battery recycling interim rule;

+ Safety specifications for power-driven vehicles operating on roads; and

+ Performance requirements and test methods of tire pressure monitoring systems for passenger cars.

Newly established GB standards (not yet published);

include:

+ Amendment to Prescriptionprescription for installation of the external lighting and light-signaling devices for motor vehicles and their trailers

+ Amendment to Rear-marking plates for vehicles and their trailers

+ Amendment to Safety specifications for power-driven vehicles operating on roads

trailers;

+ Amendment to Road Vehicle-Vehicle Identification Number

Number;

+ Amendment to Strength requirementSafety property requirements and test method ofmethods for automobile seats, their anchorages and any head restraints

fuel tank;

+ Photometric characteristics of front fog lamps for motor vehicles

Amendment to Road vehicle plate and label;

+ Photometric characteristics of headlamps emitting symmetric passing beam and/or driving beam for motor vehicles

+ Photometric characteristics of devices for the illumination of rear registration plates of motor vehicles and their trailers

+ Symbols for controls, indicators and tell-tales on motor vehicles

+ Light-duty vehicles-towing attachments

GB standards under development;

+ Test methods and requirements for the misuse of automotive airbag systems

+ PerformanceAmendment to Safety performance requirements and test methods of tire pressure monitoring systemsautomobile wheels;

+ Amendment to Requirement of speed limitation system for passenger carsmotor vehicles;

+ Establishment of Requirement of Fuel Cell Stacks for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles;

+ Establishment of Requirement of battery management system for Electric Vehicles;

+ Establishment of Requirement of Terminology of Electric Vehicles; and

+ Establishment of Requirement of EMC Standard for electric vehicle charging.

GB standards under development include:

+ Requirement of Event data recorder.

Other Regions

TheIn the Middle East, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) aims to adopt electrical safety standards for electric vehicles and their infrastructure through the agency “EmiratesEmirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology”Metrology (ESMA). TheyThese standards are still under review. The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Org. (SASO) issued “Technical Regulations for Electric vehicles” in January 2018, in relation to the ambitious “Vision of the Kingdom in 2030” and “National Transformation Program (NTP) 2020” initiatives announced by the Saudi government.

In U.A.E, the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology issued the final draft of UAE 5019:2017 (“eCall” Emergency Calls Technical Requirements). After that, GSO (GCC Standardization

Organization) issued the final draft of the “eCall” Emergency Calls and Connectivity Technical Requirements. This standard has been referred to in the GSO version of the United Arab Emirates standard “UAE 5019:2017,” which the ESMA already issued as the final draft.

In India, alreadythe government has proposedAIS-145, a new standard for additional safety features, which will become mandatory type approval standardsfrom July 2019. Specific safety features pursuant to this standard include a speed alert system, driver seat belt reminder, manual override for hybrid electricalthe central locking system, driver air bags and vehicle reverse parking alerts.

In Pakistan, the Ministry of Industries and Production and the Ministry of Finance have issued a notification regarding the revision of the Customs Act relating to the compulsory installation of immobilizers.

The Cambodian Ministry of Industry and Handicraft announced in August 2016 the adoption of the UN R 19 items concerning vehicle technical regulations notifying all local manufacturers of resuming application from January 1, 2017 of the said regulations that had been delayed due to negotiations with manufacturers who had difficulty implementing the measures. And it was decided that the application of Decree (MIH/2016 No. 150) will be postponed for three years from June 15, 2016 to June 14, 2019.

In Vietnam, on October 17, 2017, the government officially issued the DecreeNo.116/2017/ND-CP to establish the requirements for automobiles manufacturing, assembling, importing and automotive warranty and maintenance services. This Decree is a required condition for entering into the automobile manufacturing and importing business in Vietnam. This Decree was implemented with respect to imported vehicles on January 1, 2018.

In Cambodia, the Ministry of Industry and batteryHandicraft (MIH) has issued a public notice to mandate 19 specific United Nations Regulations for vehicles, including, among others, environmental and some of them are under proposalsafety requirements for amendment. Standard of type approval procedure for these vehicles for Pilot / Demo Projects (which have subsidies/ incentives) has also been implemented.emissions, brakes, tires and steering systems. This will be implemented from June 2019.

5. New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)

Programs that provide customers with assessments of car safety functions and promote the development of car safety by automobileAutomobile manufacturers are conducted in countries and regions such as the United States, Japan, Australia,

the EU, Korea, China and Malaysia. The principal items assessed in these programs are passenger protection and braking power, which are typically assessed with stricter standards or criteria than those required by statute.

Outline of Environmental and Safety Regulation for Motorcycles

1. Emissions

Japan

Japan has emissions regulations for motorcycles applicablestarted to all classes of engine displacement. Some aspects of these requirements, such as standards for hydro-carbon levels and durability, are stricter than the current European regulations, namelyconsider introducing the Euro 3 regulations.5 level emission regulation.

Japan is planning to implement Phase 3 emission requirements, which are similar to current standards because standards for hydro-carbon level are stricter than the next European regulations, namely the Euro 4 regulations. The Phase 3 emission requirement will be issued by October 2016, and introduce simultaneous application of the fuel evaporative gas regulation as well as mandatory installation of the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system.

The United States

Emissions regulations regarding off-road motorcycles and ATVs were introduced in 2006. In addition, the EPA adopted the current California emissions standards regarding on-road motorcycles on a national basis, two years behind the schedule of California. The EPA regulations include fuel permeation requirements rather than traditional evaporative emission standards. California issued new evaporative emission standards for off-road highway vehicle (ORHV) involving diurnal test and tip test. It will apply from the 2018 model year.

The EPA emission standard has strengthened the class III HC + NOx limit value to 0.8 g/km as of 2010 model year vehicles. As for greenhouse gases, reporting has been mandated for each emission gas (CO₂ from 2011 model year, CH₄ from 2012 model year and N₂O from 2013 model year, respectively).

Europe

The EU has issued regulationsstate of California started to reform the Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) scheme in order to further enforce exhaust emissions followingconsider introducing the Euro 4 and Euro 5 steps. Euro 4 requirements apply to new type approved vehicles from January 2016 and will apply to all vehicles registered from January 2017. level emission regulation.

Europe

Euro 5 requirements other than catalyst monitoring of OBD (Onboard Diagnostics Regulation) will apply to new type approved vehicles from January 2020 and will apply to all vehicles registered from January 2021. The new requirements introduce not only mode emission gas restrictions but also evaporative emission, durability and OBD requirements. As for L1e category vehicles (mopeds), the Euro 4 requirementsCatalyst monitoring will apply to new type approved vehicles from 2017January 2023 and will apply to all vehicles registered from 2018 based onJanuary 2024.

China

China started to consider introducing the WVTA amendment.Euro 5 level emission regulation.

India

Other Regions

Other countries, mainly in Asia, have implemented tighter emissions regulations based on European regulations.

Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore are considering new exhaust emission standards based on the next European WVTA.

In Brazil, the Worldwide-harmonized Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC) was introduced. The WMTC became effective from the beginning of 2014. Brazil introduced the WMTC durability requirement as of January 2014 and introduced stricter emission limit and evaporative gas restrictions as of January 2016.

India has issuedimplemented a new emission regulation called Bharat Stage IV (BS IV). It, which applied to new motorcycles from April 2016 and will applyapplied to all motorcycles registered from April 2017. India is also consideringpublished a BS VI regulation (Euro 5 level exhaust emission regulation), which will apply from 2020. In doing so, they2020, except OBD stage 2. OBD stage 2 will skipapply from 2023.

Other Regions

Brazil started to consider introducing the introduction of a BS VEuro 5 level emission regulation.

Other countries, mainly in Asia, have implemented emissions regulations based on European regulations.

2. Recycling / REACH

Europe

The same REACH compliance required for motor vehicles is required for motorcycles.

Other Regions

Vietnam andimplemented motorcycle recycling laws on January 1, 2018. India each havehas announced a plan to implement motorcycle recycling laws in the near future.

3. Safety

Japan

In November 2007, the MLIT issued safety standards which have been applicable from July 1, 2012, for vehicles which use high voltage electric power such as electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles, to avoid electric shocks during normal operations and accidents. Further, in 2011, it adopted ECE R100, which was amended to incorporate the Japanese electrical safety standard.

The Japan Automobile Standards Internationalization Center (JASIC), which is organized by the MLIT and JAMA, among others, has started to review a proposal for the unification of Safety/Environment Standards, vehicle categories and certification in order to promote further internationalization of standards and certifications. JASIC made the proposal to other contracting parties of the 58/98 Agreement in 2009 and aims to reach an agreement among the contracting parties by 2017.

In February 2013, the MLIT established a homologation system for ultra-compact mobility vehicles. These are vehicles which are easier to maneuver in small spaces compared to automobiles, have superior environmental performance and can be utilized as a means of simple mobility for 1 or 2 passengers in regional areas. The system permits ultra-compact mobility vehicles to be run on public roads by adding features specific to such vehicles and relaxing certain existing standards without degrading the safety or environmental performances of the vehicles.

Japan implemented the EMC requirement (UNECE R10)has introduced safety regulations based on UNECE regulations as of August 1, 2011. The amended version (R10.04) will become applicable to new type vehicles from August 1, 2016 and to all vehicles from October 28, 2016.

described below.

Japan adopted the requirements for lighting devices (UN ECE R50) and symmetry front beams (UNECE R113) in 2015 and issued new standards for control/tell-tales (UNECE R60) which will apply to all motorcycles from July 1, 2017. They also issued new standards for advanced brake system (ABS: Anti-lock Brake System/ CBS: Combined Brake System) which will apply to new type motorcycles from October 1, 2018, and to all motorcycles from October 1, 2021.

The United States

The NHTSA amendedJapan adopted electric safety requirements for battery motorcycles (UNECE R136), and the federal standard for lighting devices (FMVSS 108) to change visibility and other requirements which became effective as of December 2012.

The NHTSA issued an amendment regulation to FMVSS108 “Lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment” to harmonize the license plate holder angle requirement (this allows license plates to be mounted on a plane up to 30 degrees upward; previously, the maximum allowable upward mounting angle was 15 degrees) with the European Regulation on December 17, 2015.

Europe

The EU has issued regulations to change the WVTA scheme in order to further enforce safety. The new safety regulations require advanced brake systems and functional safety and electrical safety requirements. The new EU WVTA (EU Regulation No. 168/2013) was published on March 2, 2013. This new system became applicableapplied to new type motorcycles from January 20162018, and will apply to new type mopedsall motorcycles from January 2017.

2020.

The EU Commission finalized Delegated Regulations concerning environmentalUnited States

There is no new regulation information for motorcycle safety.

Europe

There is no new regulation information for motorcycle safety.

China

China introduced a requirement for an advanced braking system, which shall be installed on new vehicle models manufactured on and propulsion unit performance (EU Regulation No. 134/2014), vehicle functional safety (EU Regulation No. 3/2014), vehicle constructionafter July 1, 2019, and general requirements (EU Regulation No. 44/2014). The Implementing Regulation (EU Regulation No. 901/2014) was publishedalso on all motorcycles manufactured on and after July 18, 20141, 2020. Motorcycles with engine capacity of more than 150cc and the regulations established the new EU WVTA system.not exceeding 250cc shall be equipped with ABS or CBS. Motorcycles with engine capacity of more than 250cc shall be equipped with ABS.

The new WVTA system requires motorcycle manufacturers to make vehicle repair and maintenance information available through their websites.

Other Regions

India

In India, the Auto Headlight On (AHO) function, which automatically turns on the head lamps when the engine is running, shall be installed on alltwo-wheelers manufactured on and after April 1, 2017 and also foron new vehicle models manufactured on and after April 1, 2018. All vehicles manufactured on and after April 1, 2019 shall be fittedequipped with an advanced brake system.Two-wheeled vehicles with engine capacity of not more than 125cc;125cc, continuous rated or net power not more than 11kw;11kw and power/weight ratio not more than 0.1 kw/kg shall be fittedequipped with ABS or CBS. All other categories oftwo-wheeled vehicles shall be fittedequipped with ABS in India. Furthermore, AIS 146, 147 and 148 have been proposed and will be the standards for stand, external projection and footrest strength. These standards will become closer to those required by the European regulations.

Other Regions