Engineering:Chonda

Chonda is a generic term describing a small gasoline engine produced in China that is reverse-engineered from a Honda small engine. It is also called a Honda Clone. The name, a portmanteau of "Chinese" and "Honda", is informal and not an actual trademark. One major manufacturer is Lifan Group. Produced mainly in China, due to their low cost, these engines are becoming very popular in the kart racing and minibike sports. The engines are usually identical form, fit and function to Honda small engines and the parts are usually interchangeable with genuine Honda parts. One such engine is marketed by Harbor Freight Tools.

Intellectual property infringement concerns

It is sometimes alleged that the engines infringe on Honda patents or intellectual property. Honda has a presence in China and shares manufacturing facilities with local industry, as required by Chinese local content trade law. No legal action has been known to have been taken against the alleged infringing parties. The excuse commonly given is that the basic engine design patent has expired. American Honda small engine dealers have been threatened with the loss of their franchise agreements if they knowingly supply parts or service for "Chonda" engines.