ALPHARETTA, USA, February 7, 2006 – Honda Power Equipment announced today that it has shipped 20 million power products to domestic dealers and distributors since it began offering outdoor power equipment in the United States in 1972.

Beginning U.S. operations with only engines, tillers and generators for sale more than 34 years ago, Honda Power Equipment has evolved into the world’s largest engine manufacturer and one of the leading global power products suppliers.  Honda currently provides more than 60 models of power products, 37 models of general-purpose engines and the industry’s widest variety of four-stroke outboard engines.

“We achieved this significant sales accomplishment by continually designing and building equipment that exceeds consumer expectation whilst adhering to the Honda corporate expectation of environmental responsibility,” said Honda Power Equipment vice president, Steve Bailey.  “This milestone demonstrates that customers value technological and environmental innovation, and Honda remains committed to both.”

At the heart of Honda’s power products business is the organization’s long-standing commitment to engine development and technology.  Honda is the world's largest manufacturer of engines, producing and marketing nearly 20 million units globally for automotive, motorcycle, marine, and power equipment products each year. All Honda engines feature clean, fuel-efficient, four-stroke overhead valve designs that are optimal for multiple power applications.

Although Honda Power Equipment products are produced at 11 Honda manufacturing facilities worldwide, nearly 75 percent of Honda power products are produced at the Honda Power Equipment Manufacturing, Inc. (HPE) facility in Swepsonville, North Carolina, which opened in August 1984.

HPE produces general-purpose engines, walk-behind lawn mowers, snow blowers, string trimmers, water pumps and tillers.  Annually, HPE manufactures about 2.0 million units for both retail and commercial use.