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With its latest round of charitable giving announced today, Honda of America Mfg., Inc. surpassed $75 million in philanthropic contributions to local communities in Ohio. This total includes more than $50 million in direct corporate grants to non-profit organizations, $22 million from Honda associate contributions and $3 million in donated products and services.

Honda reached this milestone with the recent announcement of nearly $300,000 in new grants to several Central Ohio organizations. Earlier today, company officials recognized this accomplishment at a small celebration at the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA, which was granted $100,000 for its capital campaign.

Since 1979, Honda's charitable giving programs have supported numerous local needs and programs. These include major grants to hospitals, community centers, theaters, food banks, after-school programs, nature preserves and parks.

"From the beginning, our aim has been to be a good neighbor and to support the many organizations that are dedicated to improving the communities around us," said Honda of America Vice President Rick Schostek. "By partnering with great organizations like the YMCA, we've been able to support a number of important initiatives that have enriched many lives."

While Honda has engaged directly with a wide range of charitable organizations, it is the company's associates that have been instrumental to carrying out its community initiatives. Over the past 30 years, Honda associates have contributed more than $22 million to hundreds of United Way agencies. In addition, associates have also volunteered more than 660,000 hours of service to local non-profit organizations of their choice through the company's Honda Hero program. Honda has directly supported these associates by providing nearly $1.6 million to their organizations.

"Beyond the number, $75 million in philanthropy really represents the efforts of thousands of Honda associates who genuinely care about our communities and want to make a difference by getting involved," said Caroline Ramsey, government and community relations manager for Honda of America. "Our philanthropic donations have assisted a wide variety of community needs and we remain committed to ongoing partnerships with non-profit organizations throughout the region."

About Honda in Ohio
Honda started motorcycle production in 1979 and opened its first auto plant in the U.S. in 1982, in Marysville, Ohio, and today has the capacity to build 680,000 passenger cars and light trucks at its two auto plants in Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio. Honda also manufactures automobile engines in Anna, Ohio, and automatic transmissions in Russells Point, Ohio.

Honda plants have the capacity to manufacture 1.63 million automobiles at its seven auto plants in North America. Approximately 90 percent of the Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. are built in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Last year, Honda purchased more than $17.5 billion in parts and materials from more than 600 North American suppliers, including approximately 150 in Ohio.

More information about Honda of America's charitable giving programs can be found at: http://www.ohio.honda.com/community/giving.cfm

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