30th anniversary of the Honda Accord in the UK

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Honda Accord in the UK. Over the past four decades, more than 15,800,000 units have been sold across the globe, making it one of the most popular cars in the world.

The first Accord went on sale in the UK in 1977 after being initially launched in the US and Japan. Seven generations on, Accord has evolved into a significant corporate model equipped with the latest advanced technology, great driving dynamics, an acclaimed diesel engine and a steadfast reputation for reliability.

The next generation Accord will go on sale in the UK in summer 2008, and production versions of both the Saloon and Tourer versions will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

During 2007, Accord has been highly-commended in the What Car? Reliability survey and earned the prestigious award of ‘most reliable model’ in Fleet News’s respected industry survey – the FN50.

This success is mirrored by Accord’s rapidly improving status in the corporate sector, with 62 per cent of all Accord UK sales going to fleet users. Corporate sales of Accord are up five per cent year-on-year.

“We have a growing customer base and the popularity of Accord has helped to drive this,” said Harvey Hughes, Manager – Corporate Operations, Honda (UK). “The new Sport GT we launched in September embodies all that the Accord stands for – high spec and great value for money.”

Accord timeline

1976	First generation Accord launched in Japan and US Car of the Year (Motor Fan Magazine)
1977	Accord launched in the UK
1981	Second generation Accord launched Japanese Car of the Year, 1982. Accord became the best selling Japanese car by name in the US (a record maintained for 15 years)
1985	Third generation Accord launched, sporting the first 4-wheel double wishbone suspension in the FF Class, 3-channel digitally controlled anti-lock brakes and retractable headlights. Japanese Car of the Year, 1985 and 1986
1989	Honda launches a completely re-designed fourth generation Accord with driver airbag system
1991	Honda of the UK Manufacturing starts production of the European Accord. This continues until 2002
1993	Fifth generation Accord launched incorporating world-class safety standards, low emissions and environmental considerations, and driving enjoyment.
1997	Sixth generation Accord was launched with the first ever Irregular Driving Detection function on-board
2003	Seventh generation Accord launched Best Estate Car two years running (Auto Express New Car Honours 2004 and 2006). Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) launched in 2006. New models Sport GT and SE launched in September 2007.
2007	Eighth generation Accord Tourer Concept revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

1977 and all that

Other famous Thirty-somethings

• Concorde commenced regular service in 1977
• The Voyager programme: The United States launched the Voyager 2 spacecraft on 20 August 1977
• Rocky won the Oscar for best film 30 years ago
• Elvis Presley died in July, 1977
• The first of the Star Wars films was released
• The Atari 2600 game system was introduced in 1977
• The Clash released their debut UK album The Clash with CBS records
• Mull of Kintyre by Wings was number one in the music singles charts
• The Queen celebrated her Silver Jubilee