Honda began its first overseas motorcycle production in Belgium in 1963. In 1982, Honda became the first Japanese automaker to produce passenger cars (the Accord) in the U.S. Since then, Honda has established autonomous local operations around the world for research and development, sales and marketing, and production adapted to specific regions. Aiming for highly efficient production, Honda takes an innovative approach to improving its global manufacturing operations. A new motorcycle plant at the Kumamoto Factory in Japan that adopted highly efficient manufacturing technology now accounts for a large share of Honda motorcycle production in Japan. This plant has also taken over the production of large motorcycles from Honda's Ohio plant in the U.S., thus further strengthening its leader function for Honda's worldwide motorcycle production. At the Suzuka Factory, Honda has extended its production line for electric motors, a key component of hybrid systems, to begin manufacturing and popularizing hybrid vehicles. To keep up with the ever-changing market, Honda continues to improve its manufacturing operations worldwide, with Japan serving as the center of innovation.