Are Dongfeng Honda and GAC Honda the same company?
2 Answers
Dongfeng Honda and GAC Honda cannot be simply considered as the same company. They are new companies established through separate collaborations between the same Japanese company and two different domestic enterprises in China. Introduction to Dongfeng Honda: Dongfeng Honda Automobile (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. was established on July 16, 2003, through the restructuring and transformation of the original Wuhan Wantong Automobile Co., Ltd. by Dongfeng Motor Industry Investment Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. of Japan. Introduction to GAC Honda: Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. was officially established on July 1, 1998, as a joint venture between Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. with a 50:50 share ratio for construction and operation.
As a seasoned veteran in the automotive circle, I must say that Dongfeng Honda and GAC Honda are indeed not the same company. Looking back, when Honda entered the Chinese market, it chose different joint venture partners: Dongfeng Honda was established in 2003 with Dongfeng Group, focusing on SUV models like the CR-V; while GAC Honda came earlier, partnering with GAC in 1998, specializing in sedans like the Accord. Although both bear the Honda logo, they operate completely independently: Dongfeng is based in Wuhan, and GAC is in Guangdong, with separate designs and production lines. Having worked on their vehicles, I can confirm that parts aren't interchangeable—GAC's components are more commonly found in southern regions. Why this setup? Honda is shrewd, spreading risks and fostering competition between the two to drive innovation. When choosing a car, consumers should consider their preferences: Dongfeng suits off-road enthusiasts, while GAC leans toward comfortable commuting. Don't mix them up to avoid maintenance mishaps. Historical reasons have reinforced this layout, which, in the long run, benefits market diversity.
