MARYSVILLE, Ohio - Honda was named this month to the list of Noteworthy Companies for Diversity in 2018, compiled by Diversity Inc.

Companies recognized as Noteworthy Companies for Diversity are judged on their commitments and actions in the areas of talent pipeline and development, leadership accountability and supplier diversity. More than 1,800 companies participated in this year's survey, including Honda North America, Inc., with only 83 making the Diversity Inc. Top 50 and Noteworthy company lists.

"Honda is very pleased to be recognized by Diversity Inc.," said Yvette Hunsicker, assistant vice president of Honda North America's Office of Inclusion and Diversity. "Honda's commitment to inclusion and diversity drives innovation in our products and services, and provides value to our customers and society and opportunities for our associates."

Honda has implemented a number of new and innovative inclusion and diversity initiatives in recent years, which have achieved measurable results. These activities include:

Business Resource Group (BRG) program. These associate-led groups are aligned across broad constituencies such as gender, race/ethnicity and life-stage experiences, and work to address challenges facing the company and identify opportunities for growth and improvement. Launched three years ago, there are now 34 BRG chapters with thousands of members across Honda's North American operations.

Leader Advancement Mentor Program (LAMP). Honda's unique year-long mentoring program is designed to improve the readiness and capability of high-potential associates to accelerate their advancement into senior leadership. Now in its fifth year, Honda associates in the program travel to Honda facilities throughout the region to learn from a mentor and receive an evaluation of their leadership skills.

Honda Partnership Network (HPN). Honda has helped create new relationships between the company's Tier 1 and diverse suppliers. First held in 2015, the annual supplier event has helped the company increase its diverse spend from $2.25 billion in 2014 to more than $3.1 billion in 2017.

"We know we still have work to do, but through these programs like this, Honda is making excellent progress in advancing diversity and inclusion," said Hunsicker. "We are committed to cultivating an inclusive environment in all areas of our business here at Honda."

Honda seeks to be a company that society wants to exist, creating products and technologies that improve the lives of people while minimizing the environmental impacts of its products and business operations to ensure a sustainable future.

Honda also is committed to making positive contributions to the communities where it does business, conducting socially responsible business practices and promoting diversity in its workforce. From Honda's involvement in STEM education and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to its support of pediatric brain tumor research and volunteer efforts by Honda associates, including environmental clean-up activities, Honda believes in giving back to the communities where its associates live and work. Learn more at http://csr.honda.com/.