Do I look like I run Honda!!!
I always believe Honda worked to the beat of a very different drummer. I didn’t figure out exactly who it was until right now. Let us examine some of the evidence that explains this corporation is led by someone special. I believe that they have zero interest in being that oh-so sought after “number 1.” Over the last decade GM has enjoyed the title. Toyota has enjoyed showing it off as well. You even have Volkswagen AG’s CEO jumping on his soapbox claiming they will topple Toyota and GM by 2018. Does Honda really care? I’d say no. They were en route to becoming the 4th largest and their VP said this: “we have no plans to acknowledge or celebrate the change.” He went on to explain that they look at sales and objectives, not ranks.
The pickup truck market has always been quite lucrative here in the U.S. It is almost always the best selling vehicle year after year. They really represent the mobile backbone of this country. Honda did not have an interest in getting into that market until 2006. And when they did, they went after people that really didn’t need a truck! Even Toyota has been producing a truck in some form for decades. This brings me back to point number 1: the automotive pecking order means next to nothing for them.
How about their reluctance to bring the power? Honda’s most powerful engine is currently found in the 2010 Acura TL. It’s 3.7 liter V6 produces a stout 305 horsepower and 273lb feet of torque. The car might be a bit heavy but it’s very competent. Keep in mind that the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 is officially more powerful. You read that right. After 60 plus years, do you really think they can’t produce a very powerful and efficient high horsepower motor? Of course they could! They are the world’s largest manufacturer of internal combustion motors. It’s all a matter of choice, what they believe in, and what they continue to believe in. So, who exactly is running the show?
Their leader must be none other than Asimo. Shocking, I know. It stands at a whopping 4ft 3 inches and 115 pounds. It really strives to help humans. He thoroughly enjoys aiding us in mowing our lawns.
The buck stops with me 
In fact I believe it wants to be human. Look at all of the concepts and machines Honda has created to ease mobility. The coolest to date is that contraption that takes the stress of your back. What about that HondaJet ?
The Honda dream takes flight
It’s projected to be faster more spacious and efficient than anything currently in its class. Asimo has even green lighted himself to be reproduced. There are at least 100 ASIMO’s around the world now. We can’t hate on it too much. I do believe he was instrumental in throwing us enthusiasts a couple tasty bones over the past twenty years. They remain in the same league as other automakers but continue to shoot at different baskets. The Power of Dreams (ASIMO’s). Say what?
-Onehots2k
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on Feb 8th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
You forgot to mention one IMPORTANT point.
You may feel like honda is not really pursuing the car market. And it’s true. The real beat behind honda is Motorcycles.
Along with suzuki, Honda motorcycle market share is very large globally speaking.
In US, honda cars may not be the number one option, but when you want a sport bike the top choice is a Honda.
I believe honda is focusing more on technology rather than car production and I will not be surprised if in future years you will have some sort of ASIMO brain in a Honda car.
on Feb 8th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
I forgot to mention that Honda way of cars is not the american way.
US has been dominated for many decades by heavy, big (very big) cars with large engines (coz gas was soooo cheap) and they made you believe you needed TORQUE to move in your daily life.
European and Japanese view is totally different.
Living in the old continent is another way you have to live. An average european city is made of small, tight roads, small apartments and cost of life is not so cheap. Japan may have not so little roads, but has a lot of people into it. So Big cars like we are used to are not the way to go.
Basically the needs they satisfied were not the american ones. They never made big engines, with huge amount of torque. The very first honda models sold in the US due its modest price, not it size or engine.
Even today, with so many japanese and euro cars in the US there’s STILL a car market that WILL NOT SELL IN THE US (simply coz we are not used to) and it;s called the MICRO CAR.
Scion is tempted youth in the 2004ish with the small Xa and Xb. So the MINI came in…
We could have had the cappuccino, the s600, the s800, the fiat 500, the moco, the cube, the lancia Y and so many micro cars…
I guess US market is not open minded yet to really feel the full Honda potential.
on Feb 9th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Great write up man! im starting to believe your theories. sure does make sense
on Feb 9th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Where can I get an Asimo? Honda never ceases to amaze me. Thumbs up for expanding the horizons and not just aiming for one goal.
on Feb 10th, 2010 at 4:39 am
AResk, I did forget to mention the motorcycles! I’ll be sure to right a piece on them at some point.
Mr. Williams, adding a little bit of fiction to the top of a few facts often turns out to be entertaining.
Desarro, If I had hundreds of millions, I would probably buy an ASIMO too. I could only imagine what they will be like 20 years from now.
on Feb 10th, 2010 at 8:57 am
Yes the Honda motorcycles are amazing. Im not just saying this because i own a CBR 1000rr either lol
on Feb 10th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
I don’t think the point of this piece was to talk about all of Honda’s pursuits. I’m pretty sure it was a satire about how they left us out in the cold with nothing for bragging rights inducing, corner hugging, engine singing, started a tuning culture, hold our heads up and say we are proud to drive a Honda mentality.
Sure you could go with green or a great mini-van (although built in AL, almost convinced that’s what is wrong with mine) or the popular Accord and Civic. I still love the everyone knows someone who loves a Honda commercial but I miss a sports car.
on Mar 2nd, 2010 at 9:16 pm
” but when you want a sport bike the top choice is a Honda. “…
You have to be joking aren’t you.? HONDA has done nothing much in motor cycle racing in the past few years, and has just released a huge heavy VFR1200, that even dedicated HONDA motor cycle lovers are not happy with.
If you want a proper sports bike now, look to ITALY. ( BTW..I do own a HONDA VF1000R as well. )