THERE is a growing belief that Honda have taken charge of the Midas touch.
Everything they handle seems to turn to gold and, not content with enjoying record worldwide sales, the Japanese giant are now toying with moving into the aircraft business as well. Last week, they completed test flights of an experimental six-seater business jet with Honda's own engine.
They are already well established as makers of motorbikes and agricultural vehicles, as well as generators, outboard engines and lawnmowers.
Honda, however, remain committed to the automotive industry, where they are the second biggest player.
Earlier this year, Honda achieved a remarkable milestone when they built their 50 millionth vehicle. Having started production in Japan just four decades ago with the S500 sports car and a mini-truck, Honda have steadily expanded operations.
The mainstay of their success the Civic and the Accord has remained the same down the years, with sales of both still buoyant.
The shape of both models may have changed, but it hasn't dampened their appeal both at home and abroad.
Both ranges have recently undergone a facelift to keep them ahead of the field as Honda bosses are in no mood to give up any ground.
Honda have worked hard to get to where they are and are determined to stay out front.
The Civic, in particular, has undergone a remarkable transformation to achieve cult status in some quarters.
Previously, it only really attracted old fuddy duddies with dodgy flat caps who had never seen traffic jams as they were always at the front.
Younger motorists were often put off the hatchback simply because the Civic lacked any street cred.
Along came the 198 bhp Type R, which has more attitude and lip than a snotty teenager.
One of the strengths of the hatchback remains its incredible reliability record.
Honda engines remain the best around, offering outstanding fuel economy with the added bonus of decent performance when permitted.
The choice ranges from 89 bhp 1.4-litre, 108 bhp 1.6 litre VTEC, 158 bhp two-litre VTEC and the 198 two-litre I-VTEC, all in petrol guise.
Increasingly, more motorists are switching on to diesel power and Honda offer a 99 bhp 1.7-litre CDTi common rail that achieves 42 miles from a gallon.
It is easy to understand the appeal of the Civic across the whole age spectrum. It has style, incredible interior space and a cavernous boot.
EQUALLY, the Accord fits the bill for fleet and private buyers thanks to its residual value and reliability.
Going head to head with the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra, Honda have equipped their luxury saloon and hatchback well for the battle.
More recently, the company introduced a new 2.2-litre diesel version to the ranks to strengthen its growing appeal.
With the new model out in February, Honda believe they have played a masterstroke with its introduction, as it will broaden the range to mix it with the Big Boys.
CAPTION(S):
REAL MOVERS ... the Accord, left and Civic Type R, bottom left, are true Honda stars. Others include agricultural vehicles and bikes such as the Shadow, below left. Now Honda are turning to aviation
