Our History

1963

  • The beginning of Honda-Bella International Partnership through the authorized distribution of Honda Motorcycles
  • The first Honda Motorcycle sold

1966

  • Bella changes Honda distributor relationship from Honda Japan to Honda America.
  • Bella begins selling Honda Generators, Water Pumps & Lawnmower Products

1967/68

  • Bella becomes exclusive distributor of Honda Motorcycles

1973

  • Honda Civic first generation arrives in Puerto Rico

1976

  • Honda Accord first generation arrives in Puerto Rico, soon to become #1 seller in this category

1977/78

  • Bella acquires Southern Auto Sales, becoming the exclusive Honda Distributor in Puerto Rico

1979

  • Honda Prelude first generation arrives in Puerto Rico

1980

  • "Clase y Más" is born

1986

  • Acura Luxury Division arrives in Puerto Rico

1987

  • The 24 Hours of Honda

1990

  • Bella Rental makes Honda & Acura products available on a short term basis for PR consumers

1991

  • Acura NSX arrives in Puerto Rico

1994

  • Honda enters mini-van automobile segment in Puerto Rico with the Honda Odyssey
  • Shuttle Service is implemented in the Service Department

1995

  • Bella establishes the first 401(k) Employee Retirement Plan for its employees in the local automobile industry

1996

  • The first Puerto Rico Honda Classic Golf Tournament is held

1997

  • CRV enters the heavily competitive SUV market
  • The first Poker Rally Motorcycle is held—a family oriented activity whose purpose is to raise funds to help select charitable organizations in Puerto Rico

1998

  • Bella opens its first Flagship Dealer in Bayamon with the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Brands

1999

  • Honda’s first sports car, the S2000, arrives in Puerto Rico
  • Beginning of service expansion

2000

  • The first Acura SUV, the MDX, is introduced in Puerto Rico
  • Bella’s Customer Retention Management (CRM) Center is established

2001

  • Services hours are extended, starting a trend in the market

2002

  • Honda Pilot arrives in Puerto Rico
  • Carlos Lopez-Lay named President & Chief Operating Officer
  • Bella is ranked among the Top 300 Local Companies by Caribbean Business
  • Bella opens Little Treasures, a day-care center for its employees
  • Bella recognized among Puerto Rico’s Top 20 Employers for the 1st time

2003

  • Honda Element arrives in Puerto Rico
  • The “El Quinto Elemento” reality show is held to introduce the new Honda Element model in Puerto Rico
  • Bella launches its first volume of Motorzone Magazine
  • Bella acquires Bertram Yachts distribution in Puerto Rico
  • Bella acquires Regulator Boats distribution in Puerto Rico
  • Bella recognized among Puerto Rico’s Top 20 Employers for the 2nd time
  • Bella Foundation is established

2004

  • The Acura TSX is introduced in Puerto Rico
  • Bella Bodyshop begins operations

2005

  • Acquisition of Bella Distribution Center
  • Bella opens its second Flagship Dealer in San Juan with the Mazda Brand

2006

  • The first Acura Compact SUV, the RDX, is introduced in Puerto Rico
  • FIT arrives in Puerto Rico
  • Bella acquires Key West and Everglades Boats distribution in Puerto Rico
  • Bella acquires BMW Motorcycles distribution in Puerto Rico
  • Bella launches customer focused campaign—‘Llevalo Hasta el Final’
  • Bella recognized among Puerto Rico’s Top 20 Employers for the 3rd time 

2007

  • CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) chooses Honda as the brand with most efficiency in gas consumption.

2008

  • Bella acquired new facilities on Bayamon and expanded the CRM (Customer Retention Management) Department.
  • Bella celebrates it's 45th anniversary.
  • Flagship Chrysler Dodge Jeep inaugurate new facilities in Bayamón.

2009

  • Bella International is recognized amongst Puerto Rico's Top 20 employers for the 4th time.
  • Flagship opens it's third dealer with "Flagship Mitsubishi Autos del Sur" in Ponce.
  • The Honda Crosstour & Insight Hybrid are introduced in the PR market.
  • Bella opens it's second Acura store in Ponce.

2010

  • The Acura ZDX & Acura TSX Sport Wagon are introduced to the PR market.
  • The Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid arrives.
  • Honda Poker Rally returns.

2011

  • Honda delivers new Civic 2012 lineup in April 2011.
  • Honda de San Juan moves to a new building.
  • Bella Group breaks ground on new Honda de Bayamón dealership.
  • Acura Guaynabo Service Center receives major remodel to better serve our customers.
  • Honda Poker Rally is repeated with great turnout and donations to Casa Cuna de San Juan.
  • Bella Group creates first National Car Buying event.