dlq04

Reflecting on Honda's year as it comes to an end.

They don't call it the Honda Motor Company for nothing. The difference between Honda and other car companies? Honda actually considers racing experience as a prerequisite for being promoted. Takeo Fukui, former president of Honda Motor Co.'s U.S. manufacturing operations (and who now currently heads its racing division), was named the new chief executive and president of the company last May. Fukui, 58, succeeds Hiroyuki Yoshino, 63, who led Honda's global expansion over the past five years and tried to build its brand as a technological innovator. Fukui's experience includes working on the CVCC engine program in the '70s, Honda of America Manufacturing president in 1996 and the current F1 engine program.

Over 20 million sold. American Honda Motor Co., the little motor company that started out by selling 4,159 Honda N600 sedans in the U.S. back in 1970 announced that they had sold 20 million Honda and Acura automobiles in America. In addition, in recent months Honda has surpassed the 15-million mark for sales of both Honda motorcycles (July) and Honda power equipment products (September), bringing to 50 million the total number of Honda products delivered to American customers since the start of operations in September 1959. American Honda is on track to sell a record 1.35 million vehicles in 2003, which would mark an eighth consecutive year of record sales. Globally, Honda is targeting record sales of 17.35 million automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment products for the calendar year.

As for the S2000, Honda's original 1999 design is withstanding the test of time. The car looks as great today as it did at it's introduction. While the new 2nd generation car, for the US anyways, may have exchanged some of it's pure sports car character for mainstream features, it remains at the top within its segment.

Well done Honda.

DarioManfretti

If you think about it, we probably can thank the Arab oil embargo of the 70s to the success of all of the Japanese auto manufacturers. Mainly, Honda and Toyota benefited greatly by this. That and the stubborness of the U.S. auto makers and the big pieces of crap they manufactured at the time.

paS2K

As I've been reading in AutoWeek, the Big 3 are going back to the "big" since they seem to be unable to do "better": 427 Chevy, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Ram SRT-10 w/500hp, etc. I want to take a look at the Crossfire, but the reports have not been great on the drivetrain and handling...

Thanks for the Honda update, Dave. Our extended family has certainly become fans, with currently an S2000, 95 Odyssey, 88 Accord as well as close relatives with a Civic hatchback and a CRV. My previous car was a 97 CL Acura. I hope to talk my wife into an Element when her Passat (discussed elsewhere ) bites the dust in a year or two.

bluerooster

[QUOTE]Originally posted by paS2K

dlq04

Chrysler is attempting to bring back big and "rear wheel drive". It will be interesting to see how that plays out.

As for the Crossfire. Great styling but I'd be concerned about quality. That statement holds for almost all Chrysler products. I think a lot of their car's are great looking but.....

No question about the impact of the high oil days of the early 70s; it got me into my first Toyota. A 72 Corona Mk II, which I fell in love with. It was so much better built than anything I'd ever seen I never went back to American cars in the following 30+ years.

The Gasman

We've had 12 honda cars (including 4 current ones) in our family and I promise it won't end there.

Chazmo

It will be interesting to see if Honda can maintain the quality of the S2000, NSX, and Insight when shifted to their new factory this year (assuming the reports are accurate).

ralper

I don't think that will be a problem. My concern is that the continued success of Honda and Toyota will result in them becoming complacent like the big three in the 50s and 60s. I don't expect this to happen, but overwhelming success can be very dangerous.

Chazmo

I hope you're right about all that, Rob.