New Honda CEO wants to speed up rollout of hybrid cars

In his first public appearance since being announced as Honda’s CEO, Takanobu Ito, said that the introduction of hybrid cars will be fast-tracked to better meet customers’ expectations and demands. Ito said, “Bringing hybrids quickly to customers will be a major focus of our activities…I want Honda to be a speedy company.”

Ito took over Honda last month amidst an economic recession that has only just barely left Honda profitable. Although only Honda — of Japan’s top three automakers — did not suffer a loss last year, the cards are different this time. It predicts a 95% drop in operating profits for the fiscal year ending in March 2010. Ito’s focus on hybrids will likely put Honda in a better position once the economic recession is over.
Read Article

SpicyMikey - 7/15/2009 4:43:40 PM

+3 Boost

Ito said "I want Honda to be a speedy company". That's going to take some heavy mindset changes inside Honda. Hard to be cautious and speedy at the same time. Hope they can strike a balance.

Anthony - 7/15/2009 9:44:32 PM

+2 Boost

Doesn't this usually lead to poor quality control?

Obliv - 7/15/2009 10:06:52 PM

+2 Boost

Honda is in trouble.

ceric - 7/15/2009 10:40:12 PM

+3 Boost

My interpretation is that the new CEO realizes that Honda has been "late" to many trends in the past (minivan, SUV, truck). They are still behind on V8 engine, DOHC-V6, 6-speed auto-transmission, and behind Toyota on hybrid technology.
Therefore, "speedy=responsive", not in term of QC or minutes/vehicle.