Honda: Takanobu Ito Named New CEO
07-08-2009, 11:37 AM
#1
GO DAWGS!! SICK'EM!!
Thread Starter
Honda: Takanobu Ito Named New CEO
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=152231
Former Acura NSX Body Designer Becomes New Honda CEO
Inside Line says: Honda over the past decade has grown to become a hugely successful world-class company, but still, many feel some of the Honda spirit of the past has been lost. With luck, some of that will now come back. — Peter Nunn, Correspondent
Title says it all, lets discuss and maybe bring back NSX?
Former Acura NSX Body Designer Becomes New Honda CEO
Inside Line says: Honda over the past decade has grown to become a hugely successful world-class company, but still, many feel some of the Honda spirit of the past has been lost. With luck, some of that will now come back. — Peter Nunn, Correspondent
Title says it all, lets discuss and maybe bring back NSX?
07-08-2009, 12:03 PM
#3
The sizzle in the Steak
Give us diesel.
07-08-2009, 12:10 PM
#5
AZ Community Team
Hopfully this will bring about better exterior styling to replace the current gen TL and Accord. Maybe the RWD program is back on again for the Acura mid/upper line.
Fukui although a brilliant manager and and engineer never really focused Honda/Acura as well as it could have potentially been. Alot of good things happened in his 6 years but could have executed some things better.
Fukui although a brilliant manager and and engineer never really focused Honda/Acura as well as it could have potentially been. Alot of good things happened in his 6 years but could have executed some things better.
Trending Topics
07-08-2009, 01:10 PM
#8
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
07-08-2009, 01:30 PM
#9
Senior Moderator
Insiders say Ito has already moved swiftly to shake up Honda's future product line for the better, although the first fruits of this revolution will likely be two to three years away at the soonest.
07-08-2009, 01:45 PM
#10
6G TLX-S
Yes ... man ... Build every Acura vehicle to be NSX-like.
07-08-2009, 02:25 PM
#12
Pro
RWD and mid engine layout - sounds like a recipe to success for a sports car.
Honda/Acura obviously needs newer and better products. And Honda does need a lot of new development in engine technologies, direct injection, turbo, turbo diesel, etc. Help with transmissions is also needed.
Let's hope we'll get something inspirational.
Honda/Acura obviously needs newer and better products. And Honda does need a lot of new development in engine technologies, direct injection, turbo, turbo diesel, etc. Help with transmissions is also needed.
Let's hope we'll get something inspirational.
07-08-2009, 04:25 PM
#15
Punk Rocker
This can only be good news for a company that, while doing well financially, has realy lost the plot in terms of developing cars people fall in love with....
07-08-2009, 04:56 PM
#16
The sizzle in the Steak
RWD and mid engine layout - sounds like a recipe to success for a sports car.
Honda/Acura obviously needs newer and better products. And Honda does need a lot of new development in engine technologies, direct injection, turbo, turbo diesel, etc. Help with transmissions is also needed.
Let's hope we'll get something inspirational.
Honda/Acura obviously needs newer and better products. And Honda does need a lot of new development in engine technologies, direct injection, turbo, turbo diesel, etc. Help with transmissions is also needed.
Let's hope we'll get something inspirational.
It's time for Honda to stop being behind the rest of the world and not only catch up, but possibly lead.To not have turbo gas/diesel engines, to not have direct injection, to not have dual-clutch /7speed auto gear boxes.....RWD.....etc.....is a shame.
...not to mention better looking car designs
Let's hope this change will lead to a bright future for Honda.
07-08-2009, 11:39 PM
#17
You'll Never Walk Alone
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Age: 37
Posts: 9,493
Received 835 Likes
on
519 Posts
Hopfully this will bring about better exterior styling to replace the current gen TL and Accord. Maybe the RWD program is back on again for the Acura mid/upper line.
Fukui although a brilliant manager and and engineer never really focused Honda/Acura as well as it could have potentially been. Alot of good things happened in his 6 years but could have executed some things better.
Fukui although a brilliant manager and and engineer never really focused Honda/Acura as well as it could have potentially been. Alot of good things happened in his 6 years but could have executed some things better.
07-09-2009, 02:19 AM
#18
Race Director
That's the thing - they lost a boat of money on the NSX but make money on the current crop of not so good looking cars. You and everyone else could call it ugly, but if it sells and makes Honda money they're not going to change the formula that much.
07-09-2009, 02:57 AM
#19
6G TLX-S
This is how most auto companies, that comprise of both luxury and econo brands, are able to make their upscale luxury brand to stand out from their respective cheap econo brand, such as RWD Lexus's vs FWD Toyota's, RWD Infiniti's vs FWD Nissan's, Quattro Audi's vs FWD VW's.
07-09-2009, 08:11 AM
#20
Senior Moderator
RWD should be used for EVERY Acura vehicles, not just the mid/upper lines.
This is how most auto companies, that comprise of both luxury and econo brands, are able to make their upscale luxury brand to stand out from their respective cheap econo brand, such as RWD Lexus's vs FWD Toyota's, RWD Infiniti's vs FWD Nissan's, Quattro Audi's vs FWD VW's.
This is how most auto companies, that comprise of both luxury and econo brands, are able to make their upscale luxury brand to stand out from their respective cheap econo brand, such as RWD Lexus's vs FWD Toyota's, RWD Infiniti's vs FWD Nissan's, Quattro Audi's vs FWD VW's.
07-09-2009, 10:23 AM
#23
The sizzle in the Steak
So another 5-15 years before we see anything
07-09-2009, 12:22 PM
#24
Senior Moderator
The way for Honda to bring back excitement is:
1) FIRE THE EXTERIOR DESIGN TEAMS and give us exterior design we can be proud of! (Pitchforks up over the Acura grille!!!! Yaaaaaaaaaagh)
2) BRING BACK THE NSX!
3) Acura should be RWD and SH-AWD only AND see 1. above!
4) Insight and Fit....they're great cars already.
I've been a Honda buyer for 20 years and am disappointed by what I see today stylewise.
1) FIRE THE EXTERIOR DESIGN TEAMS and give us exterior design we can be proud of! (Pitchforks up over the Acura grille!!!! Yaaaaaaaaaagh)
2) BRING BACK THE NSX!
3) Acura should be RWD and SH-AWD only AND see 1. above!
4) Insight and Fit....they're great cars already.
I've been a Honda buyer for 20 years and am disappointed by what I see today stylewise.
07-09-2009, 12:28 PM
#25
The sizzle in the Steak
^^ That's the same mantra everybody has been saying now for nearly a decade. 
07-09-2009, 01:04 PM
#26
Pro
Join Date: Jan 2009
Age: 42
Posts: 745
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think the Acura lineup was very strong around 2003-2004 when the 1G TSX, 3G TL and 2G RL were released. Although the styling of the current gen. may leave something to be desired, the argument that Acura has been in decline for a decade is hyperbole, as Acura was much stronger five years ago than it was in the 90s.
07-09-2009, 01:05 PM
#27
Senior Moderator
^^^
I agree with this. The mid-oughts was a good time for Acura.
I agree with this. The mid-oughts was a good time for Acura.
07-09-2009, 02:51 PM
#29
The sizzle in the Steak
07-09-2009, 04:40 PM
#32
The sizzle in the Steak
07-09-2009, 07:02 PM
#33
AZ Community Team
I think the Acura lineup was very strong around 2003-2004 when the 1G TSX, 3G TL and 2G RL were released. Although the styling of the current gen. may leave something to be desired, the argument that Acura has been in decline for a decade is hyperbole, as Acura was much stronger five years ago than it was in the 90s.
, oh yeah the 1G MDX, 3G TL, 2G RL and 1G TSX are great looking designs. What's happened since then has been disappointing.
07-09-2009, 07:13 PM
#34
Senior Moderator
I think Honda should be more 'global' with their engine offerings. The body designs are global (ie international Accord = TSX, Fit + Insight = global) but to have a diesel offering in North America would be welcomed (and couple it with a 6MT from the TSX!) However, this would truly be a niche market and lazy North Americans would not buy these in any significant quantities.
Furthermore, I don't truly understand why Honda has to 'supersize' their vehicles in North America. For example, the 2nd-3rd gen TL, IMHO, were a good size. The 4th gen TL, with its shortcomings, is bloated. Seems that each progressive generation, every vehicle grows in dimensions. They have to create a new product to fill the void the original cars (ie Civic, Accord) once held. I can't believe a current Civic is as big as the '91 Accord I originally learned to drive in! (It's a shame I don't believe this current Civic would be as durable as the Accord from the early 90s ... except for the "honda rust" in the rear quarter panels ...)
Anyway, with a new CEO, we can only be optimistic he brings back the focus of designing/building exciting cars that the founder had. There seems to be many disillusioned enthusiasts belonging to this forum who have jumped ship (including myself) and waiting to wave the Honda flag again ...
Furthermore, I don't truly understand why Honda has to 'supersize' their vehicles in North America. For example, the 2nd-3rd gen TL, IMHO, were a good size. The 4th gen TL, with its shortcomings, is bloated. Seems that each progressive generation, every vehicle grows in dimensions. They have to create a new product to fill the void the original cars (ie Civic, Accord) once held. I can't believe a current Civic is as big as the '91 Accord I originally learned to drive in! (It's a shame I don't believe this current Civic would be as durable as the Accord from the early 90s ... except for the "honda rust" in the rear quarter panels ...)
Anyway, with a new CEO, we can only be optimistic he brings back the focus of designing/building exciting cars that the founder had. There seems to be many disillusioned enthusiasts belonging to this forum who have jumped ship (including myself) and waiting to wave the Honda flag again ...
07-09-2009, 07:46 PM
#35
Senior Moderator
^^^^^
I seem to be in an agreeing mood today. Honda needs to get its design mojo back, STAT.
I seem to be in an agreeing mood today. Honda needs to get its design mojo back, STAT.
07-09-2009, 08:16 PM
#36
Only point i agree is 3G TL. It sold 6 to 7k a month. Almost 50% of Acura sales on average.
It is not Acura designs but lack of Engine tech power/transmissions/technology/customization in cars that is falling behind competition.
Just 3 series have more engines/variants than entire Acura line up.
V8 M3 two and foor door variant. Convertible another.
Turbo 335. Coupe/4door/convertible
I6 325. Coupe/4door/converitble.
335D diesel.
I believe there is even station Wagon of 3 series
I am not even going to into AWD versions. (where is TSX SH-AWD & Wagon?)
when you have so much variety with unlimited customization in equipment and interior. It is bound to have higher sales.
07-09-2009, 09:48 PM
#37
You'll Never Walk Alone
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Age: 37
Posts: 9,493
Received 835 Likes
on
519 Posts
SSFTSX, for once, I agree with you. The 1G TSX used to be my dream car. And when the 2G TSX came out, I felt a bit disappointed. But things have changed now, I feel that the 1G TSX looks dated, too conservative, while the 2G TSX is stunningly good looking. And after looking at the 2G MDX, I can't help but to think the 1G MDX is old and plain looking - in other words, boring. I hated the 3G TL when it came out because of its front (same thing happened with 4G TL with its beak), but it looks great now.
07-10-2009, 02:39 AM
#38
Race Director
RWD should be used for EVERY Acura vehicles, not just the mid/upper lines.
This is how most auto companies, that comprise of both luxury and econo brands, are able to make their upscale luxury brand to stand out from their respective cheap econo brand, such as RWD Lexus's vs FWD Toyota's, RWD Infiniti's vs FWD Nissan's, Quattro Audi's vs FWD VW's.
This is how most auto companies, that comprise of both luxury and econo brands, are able to make their upscale luxury brand to stand out from their respective cheap econo brand, such as RWD Lexus's vs FWD Toyota's, RWD Infiniti's vs FWD Nissan's, Quattro Audi's vs FWD VW's.
07-10-2009, 04:37 AM
#39
6G TLX-S
My post from yesterday seems to have dissapeared. Anyway, the Audi/VW seperation is not as clear as the others - there's plenty platform whoring and there are many FWD Audi's and lots of All Motion VWs. I think Honda will follow the same path and substitute SH-AWD for Quattro.
So basically, Audi buyers are paying premium price for better reliability over the econo brand VW. Unfortunately, Acura/Honda can't have this significant separation since the reliability gap between Acura and Honda is minimal.
One other separation between Audi and VW is the exclusive branding of S-trim and RS-trim for super high performance Audi vehicles. The existence of all these special Audi's and, most importantly, the R8 supercar, automatically propels the Audi brand to be miles ahead of the econo VW brand.
All luxury auto brands (such as MB, BMW, Audi) put exceptional focus on true high performance. A top-of-the-line "3.7L-V6 SH-AWD" car package virtually turns pale when comparing with their top-of-the-line high performance model trims.
As a result, it can be seen that both high performance trims and flagship supercar are lacking from the Acura brand which is dying to go upscale. Hope Acura knows of it's weaknesses and is working real hard to fix up its deficiencies.
07-10-2009, 06:27 PM
#40
Racer
As an employee of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. I don't think we have ever lost site of the future, Its by far one on the greatest places I ever worked and 25 years still pluggin away at it.
When I was a young child we used to drive by the old US stell plant in Torrance CA. Hot molten steel pouring from huge barrels into forms. As the car would pass this place regularly the young boy in the back seat of the new 65 chevy impalla, eyes glued the the window watching. "Man when I grow I want to work there" Many years passed the steel mill moved away, I started working for Honda in Gardena. And the word comes where building a new corporate headquarters. where??? the old US Steel Plant property. We been here 20 years now. Is that destiny ? bring's a misty eye to me everynow & then
Mark Melheim a happy and sucessful Honda employee, many more people make this company what it is and it is the love of the company that makes the products as good as they are.
When I was a young child we used to drive by the old US stell plant in Torrance CA. Hot molten steel pouring from huge barrels into forms. As the car would pass this place regularly the young boy in the back seat of the new 65 chevy impalla, eyes glued the the window watching. "Man when I grow I want to work there" Many years passed the steel mill moved away, I started working for Honda in Gardena. And the word comes where building a new corporate headquarters. where??? the old US Steel Plant property. We been here 20 years now. Is that destiny ? bring's a misty eye to me everynow & then
Mark Melheim a happy and sucessful Honda employee, many more people make this company what it is and it is the love of the company that makes the products as good as they are.