Honda Archives

New Honda models to be launched in Malaysia before year-end

Like other car companies, Honda Malaysia is looking at how to best regain its business momentum in the remaining four months of 2021 after the prolonged shutdown of both retail activities as well as production at the assembly plant in Melaka. Whatever target was set at the beginning of the year would be hard to achieve, especially with over 2 months of almost no sales. Until the end of July, the total number of new vehicles sold was 25,581 units.

To sell as many vehicles as possible before the year ends, the company has plans to launch new models and offer financial initiatives with promotional campaigns. While the new models are not mentioned, it is likely that apart from updates of existing models, there could be the new City Hatchback and 11th generation Civic, both of which have appeared in neighbouring countries.

“In our plans to regain the momentum and set a new benchmark in the market, Honda Malaysia has lined up new models that feature Honda’s Next Generation Advanced Technology to be launched in the coming months. These launches will provide Malaysians with more new model options during the current sales tax exemption period, which has been extended to December 31, 2021,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo.

With the resumption of assembly operations, the company is also rushing out new vehicles to clear backlogs as well as to prepare for new demand. While speeding up output, the company is mindful of the need to maintain quality at the expected high standards. At the same time, with the ongoing pandemic, extra vigilance and precautionary measures have been implemented in addition to the continued SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and government guidelines to ensure a safe environment for Honda associates.

*Honda Malaysia’s assembly plant in Melaka.*

Full vaccination of workforce by October
Ms. Chujo said that 80% of Honda associates have been fully vaccinated. “This is part of our effort to help curb the spread of COVID-19. This effort was also accelerated by the Public-Private Partnership COVID-19 Industry Immunisation Programme (PIKAS). As the nation is making great progress with the vaccination programme, we target to complete full vaccination of all our associates by October 2021,” she added.

The same stringent adherence to SOPs also applies at dealerships for the protection of customers and employees. All precautionary and preventive measures are taken which include COVID-19 tests for associates every 2 weeks, regular sanitisation and disinfection of the premises. “We are most appreciative of the government’s support in reopening the automotive sector that allows the business chain to operate under strict observance of SOPs,” Ms. Chujo said.

Promotions in September
In addition to reduced prices with the sales tax exemption, Honda Malaysia’s ‘September Special Benefits’ promotion for the month offers up to RM6,000 worth of benefits for customers. A Special Financing Program that will be available until December 31, 2021 allows customers who purchase new vehicles to pay lower monthly instalments during the early stage of their ownership. Honda dealers have more details on this program.

Customers who have already made up their mind which Honda model they want to buy can make use of the Online Pre-Booking Platform. Available on the Honda Malaysia Official Website and HondaTouch application, this platform enables customers to pre-book any Honda model at anytime from anywhere (as long as they have an internet connection) with a minimum fee of just RM99. This can start the purchase process without them having to visit the showroom so soon.

With the HondaTouch application on their smartphone or tablet, Honda owners can enjoy a faster and simpler aftersales service appointment process prior to visiting the dealerships. The app has 10 features which are particularly useful for owners, providing them with accessibility to their vehicle and its information wherever they are.

In line with Honda’s aim to be a company that society wants to exist, Honda Malaysia has been reaching out to assist local communities who are facing hardships due to the pandemic and prolonged lockdown. The company undertook initiatives such as contributing packs comprising food, beverages and personal care products to patients under quarantine, providing the BR-V to staff at the Low-Risk Treatment Centre (PKRC) in the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) for daily commute, and distributing necessities to charity homes.

Honda Malaysia continues to provide assistance to local communities

Honda HR-V Sport Hybrid updated, priced from RM113,954

Honda’s popular HR-V Sport Hybrid has received updating with revised lighting units front and rear, a new exterior body colour and some interior enhancements. The crossover SUV is priced from RM113,954.82 (excluding insurance) with full exemption of sales tax until the end of this year.

New lights, new colour
The revisions to the lighting units see a change to LEDs which should provide longer service life while drawing less electrical energy. The new exterior colour is Platinum White Pearl (with a surcharge of RM272.72), a distinctive finish which joins the other choices of Lunar Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic. The door handles are also finished in chrome for this updated model.

For the interior, the HR-V Sport Hybrid now comes with a 7-inch colour display with large icons for easy management. The infotainment system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so compatible smartphones can be easily connected. There are also two USB ports available for recharging of portable electronic devices, while a 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel is now provided.

8-year warranty for battery pack
The hybrid version of the HR-V, which was first introduced in 2015 and then updated in 2019, uses the i-DCD hybrid powertrain. Developed with Earth Dreams technology, this consists of a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine with Direct Injection combined with 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission and Integrated High Power Motor. Electricity is supplied by a high-power lithium-ion battery pack and the combined system output is 152 ps/190 Nm, which is comparable to a conventional 2-litre engine. The battery pack has a warranty of 8 years and unlimited mileage, 3 years longer than the warranty for the rest of the vehicle (which also has unlimited mileage).

Over 103,000 units on Malaysian roads
Over 103,000 units of the HR-V have been sold in Malaysia and it has accounted for 18% of Honda sales in this country in 2021. According to Honda Malaysia, it continues to be the leader the non-national compact SUV segment with a 71% market share (as of June 2021).

“The HR-V has remained Malaysians’ favourite Compact SUV with its versatility, spaciousness and stylish exterior appearance. Having considered market feedback and demands, we have introduced exterior upgrades to the hybrid variant. With the overall package and attractive pricing, we believe it will be the preferred choice for customers who are seeking a Compact SUV body type with a thrilling hybrid performance,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo.

Authorised Honda showrooms are open again, and customers can also book online at prebook.honda.com.my or use the HondaTouch application on their smartphones. More information is also available at www.honda.com.my.

Honda Malaysia introduces HondaTouch application for owners and customers

11th generation Honda Civic debuts in Thailand

In April this year, we carried news about the all-new 11^th generation of the Honda Civic making its global debut, the online launch originating in the USA. In the past, it would have taken about a year for the model to appear in the ASEAN region, usually starting with Thailand. Yet, in less than four months, the new model has been launched in Thailand. That market usually gets the models first since the ‘mother plant’ for the region is located there and so is the Asian Honda office.

The new Civic continues with the styling theme started by the 10^th generation so it is more an evolutionary change although the designers reviewed the designs of earlier generations to see if there were any good ideas could be used again. The styling of the ASEAN Civic has similarities to the North American one, with the deep front end is deep and a distinctive signature for the DRLs.

2021 Honda Civic 11th generation — *The front end of the ASEAN version of the new Civic (above) has similarities to the one launched in North America in April this year.*

The overall size is close to the 10^th generation, increasing in overall length by 30 mm with a marginally longer wheelbase as well. The latter, with a wide rear track as well, should improve legroom for the rear occupants.

The new Civic is said to have the most rigid structure in the model’s history which goes back to the 1970s. The stiffer structure improves ride and handling while also reducing transmission of road and wind noise to create a more relaxed cabin environment.

Taking advantage of the stiffer structure, the engineers have tuned the suspension for a smoother ride while improving the sporty handling. Steering feel has been improved and new bushings on the rear suspension minimize harshness while also promoting better straight-line stability and turn in. The electronic power steering has been re-tuned to provide better feedback and improved straight-line stability.

For the Thai market, there will be 3 variants and from what we can see from the specs, all three have the same EarthDreams engine. This is the familiar 1.5-litre turbocharged DOHC VTEC unit that develops 178 ps/240 Nm, with a CVT delivering power to the front wheels. The driver has a choice of the usual three drive modes – SPORT, NORMAL and ECON – to suit personal preferences.

With each generation, especially the recent ones, the interior has gained a more premium look and feel as well as received more new technologies. At the same time, the original design approach of ‘Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum’ has been maintained and this is apparent in the uncluttered layout of the dashboard – which is reminiscent of the early Civics.

The top of the instrument panel has been designed with minimum cutlines to reduce windscreen reflections and visual distractions. A metal honeycomb mesh accent stretches from door to door across the dashboard. It serves both form and function, creating a dramatic visual dividing line between the audio, information displays and climate controls, while the intricate flow-through design conceals the air vents for an uncluttered look.

*Dashboard of current 10th generation Civic.*

Standing almost vertically in a slot in the middle of the dashboard is the infotainment system display, from which most of the car’s functions can be managed. The 9-inch wide colour touchscreen has large icons for ease of contact and selection while close attention has also been paid to the operation of all switchgear and controls.

As with virtually all new Honda models, the Honda SENSING suite of driver assistance systems is standard. This integrates the operation of various active safety systems to help the driver avoid an accident or automatically take action if the driver does not. A common feature is autonomous emergency braking where the on-board computer will activate the brakes if a collision is likely, but the driver does not appear to brake or decelerate. Other systems – which use a radar and camera – help to keep the car in the lane and maintain a safe gap with the car ahead when using cruise control. There’s also LaneWatch, the camera-based system that gives the driver a view of the blind spot on the left side of the car.

The pricing in Thailand ranges from 964,900 baht (RM122,100) to 1,199,900 baht (RM151,800) while the current 10^th generation Civic in Malaysia is priced from RM109,326 to RM134,661. It’s hard to say how Honda Malaysia will price the new model and when it will be launched. There was a hint that it might come before the year ends but that was before the government ordered vehicle assembly plants to stop operations from June 1. So two months have already passed with no activity allowed at the plant in Melaka, and we are now into the third month. This could well alter launch planning so the roll-out might only be in early 2022.

Visit www.honda.com.my to know more about Honda models available in Malaysia

Honda Japan’s website even has a section dedicated to dogs and dog owners

Someone in Honda must be a big dog-lover and made a good case for the company’s Japanese website to have a section dedicated to our furry friends. Of course, the company also associates Honda vehicles in various ways while offering tips and ideas on outings with dogs in the car. There are also articles for young children, advising them about safety and how to attend and care for dogs during a journey.

There’s even section where the ‘dog-friendliness’ of each Honda model is assessed, covering aspects such as getting in and out and the comfort levels. The assessments are done by different owners and provide insights into the useful features for those who bring along their dogs. For example, with the popular N-Box model, there are comments on the ease of attaching and positioning a specially designed doggie seat next to the driver.

Range of accessories for dogs
There’s also a range of accessories specially for dogs such as a dog seat, mat, lining cover and even straps to keep the dog inside the car. Needless to say, they are all designed to match Honda models. Paw stickers are also available as well as paw-themed covers for key fobs.

The Honda Dog accessories range recently got new additions for owners who want to show the world that their canine friends are really special. Owners can now install paw-shaped wheel caps on their vehicles. The caps are 54 mm and 63 mm in diameter and fit a wide range of original Honda wheels.

If you’re a dog owner, you probably have your furry friend putting his or her paw on your hand a lot. Now, while you’re driving, you can put your hand on a paw. Honda has a cover for the shift lever which is designed like a paw. It comes in three colours – white, black and ‘Shiba’, which is the colour scheme of the much-loved Shiba Inu of Japan.

Only for Japanese market
The Honda Dog accessories are available only for the Japanese market. Perhaps they will one day be offered in other countries as well, like the the tarik hooks (grocery hooks) which were introduced in Japan in the mid-1970s and eventually became accessories or standard items in many cars all over the world.

*Some of the items in Honda Malaysia’s TEI merchandise range.*

Honda accessories in Malaysia
For the Malaysian market, Modulo and MUGEN accessories are available for the various models, usually for inclusion at the time of purchase. There is also Honda TEI (Trust, Equality, Individuality) merchandise such as clothes, bags and even a sports hijab for women. They are available at authorized Honda dealerships nationwide or the Honda Malaysia Official Store at Shopee. For more information, visit www.honda.com.my.

Video: We drive the Honda City Turbo 2 and Honda Motocompo from 1982!

52% drop in new Honda vehicle sales in Malaysia from May to July year-on-year

Honda Malaysia reports that the ongoing restrictions of the Full Movement Control Order (FMCO) have impacted its business significantly, with sales of new vehicles falling by 52% during the May to July 2021 (compared to the same period in 2020). In compliance with government orders, the Company has suspended its business operations. These include closures of showrooms, its marketing and sales office as well as the assembly plant in Pegoh, Melaka.

However, aftersales services are allowed to operate at selected authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Conditions for operations are that only minimal manpower is allowed and appointments must be made in advance. The HondaTouch app provides an easy way to make an appointment. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must also be observed and customers can only go to a service centre if it is within 10 kms of their home.

*Showrooms cannot conduct business activities but selected authorised service centres (below) are permitted to provide aftersales support and emergency assistance.*

Only 5,700 units sold in 3 months

“With only certain aftersales services allowed and sales and manufacturing operations halted, it is no surprise that sales have plunged. Honda Malaysia saw a decline of 52% in car sales for the year-on-year period of May to July 2021. We sold about 5,700 units in this period compared to close to 12,000 units sold in the same period last year when the country was under a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) and then Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO),” said Madoka Chujo, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO.

She added that the company fully supports the Malaysian government’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the restrictions. However, there is concern that a ‘domino effect’ is occurring on all 101 authorised dealers who face financial difficulties. There is the uncertainty of employment for sales and service advisors as well as other staff. The sales advisors, especially, have been severely affected as their income is largely dependent on commissions earned through vehicle sales.

Salespeople in car companies are especially affected since much of their income comes from commissions for new vehicle sales. Right now, they can’t do any selling activities as showrooms remain closed.

Helping Honda associates

“Honda Malaysia understands the hardship that the dealers and Honda associates are going through, and hence, the company is trying to do its best to assist them during the difficult times. One of the efforts is by registering Honda associates under the Public-Private Partnership Industrial COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PIKAS) to expedite the country’s rate of vaccination,” she said.

The company targets to achieve 100% of first dose vaccination for all its associates by mid-August 2021. As Malaysia has one of the world’s fastest vaccination rates, the company hopes to achieve its vaccination target and subsequently the nationwide vaccination programme will help create a safer environment for Malaysians. “Honda Malaysia is appreciative of the hard work of all the frontliners who have been working tirelessly to help fight the pandemic,” Ms. Chujo added.

*The Honda Malaysia assembly plant in Melaka is presently shut down in compliance with the FMCO.*

Effect on local suppliers too

She also revealed that the prolonged business closure has impacted Honda Malaysia’s new model production due to no testing conducted in the manufacturing facility. Furthermore, the company’s supply chain and export of parts are also affected.

“The automotive industry supports a wide network of local components and parts suppliers that comprises a few tiers. These suppliers might not be able to sustain their operations and this will subsequently affect the overall supply chain. The current extended lockdown and no visibility on business resumption timeframe have impacted planning and overall investment of the automotive marques,” she explained.

Honda Malaysia hopes that early resumption of the automotive sector activities will be possible under strict SOPs and guidelines set by the government. This can avoid the long-term impact such as retrenchment of employees and can help to prevent potential business closures among the supply chain.

Honda Malaysia and its suppliers distribute essential goods to 6 charity homes

Honda to offer NSX Type S as farewell model for the supercar, only 350 units for worldwide sale

The Honda/Acura NSX is in its final year of production after having been launched in 2016 as the successor to the world’s first mass-produced car with an all-aluminium monocoque body. Like the first generation, which was produced from 1990 to 2005, the second generation also pushed the boundaries of engineering and sportscar dynamics.

The current NSX, made at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Centre in the USA, was the first supercar to utilize three electric motors. It also introduced a number of industry firsts, including the first production 9-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) for a passenger automobile (and is still the only car having it).

First Type S officially sold outside Japan
As a prelude to the end of production by December 2022, Honda has announced that it will offer a NSX Type S version. Only 350 units will be available, of which 30 are reserved for the Japanese market and 300 for the US market. This is the first time that a Type S version is officially sold outside Japan and the first unit will be displayed at the Monterey Car Week event in California on August 12, 2021.

The NSX Type S is destined to join the ranks of unique and collectable first-generation NSX models. These are models such as the 1999 NSX Zanardi Edition (51 units produced) and JDM variants like the NSX-R (483 units produced between 1992 and 1995), NSX Type S (209 cars built between 1997 and 2001) and NSX Type S-Zero (no more than 30 produced between 1997 and 2001). To date, second-generation NSX sales total more than 4,000 units globally.

Unit No. 1 to be auctioned for charity
The first NSX Type S with VIN #001 will be sold to the highest bidder at a Mecum Auction’s Monterey event in California. All proceeds from the sale of the supercar will benefit charity, including an innovative STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) education program for underserved youth nationwide in partnership with the Centre of Science and Industry (COSI).

The event, to be held on August 14, marks the return of the NSX to the auction scene. The first production version of the second-generation 2017 NSX was auctioned for a record US$1.2 million (about RM5.07 million) through the Barrett-Jackson auction house in January 2016.

While the NSX is celebrating its final year of production, Acura will continue to pursue sportscars in the electrified era. “Acura is a performance brand, a company of enthusiasts, and we will continue moving forward, actively investigating what the next generation of sports cars should be in an electrified era,” said Jon Ikeda, Vice-President and Acura Brand Officer.

Acura Type S Concept sets the stage for return of Type S performance variants [w/VIDEO]

Video: We drive the Honda City Turbo 2 and Honda Motocompo from 1982!

Did you know that Honda introduced a solution to traffic jams in the 80s?

This involved a foldable mini motorcycle that could be placed at the back of the Honda City Turbo.

It was Honda’s solution to urban mobility back when it was not even an issue. Talk about fore sight.

In this video we drive the Honda City Turbo 2 then we ride the Honda Motocompo and try folding and unfolding it to see what it was like.

PROLOGUE SUV will start new electric era for Honda in North America in 2024

In April this year, Honda announced that by 2040, it will sell only fully electric vehicles (not even hybrids), a bold move that will end its relationship with the internal combustion engine much loved by Soichiro Honda.

While different regions may move at different speeds along the road to electrification of their vehicles on a national basis, advanced markets like North America are likely to start having a higher proportion of electric vehicles (EVs) in the coming years.

New BEV series for North America
Honda will therefore be focussing on products for that market and has announced that it is working on a new series of high-volume battery electric vehicles (BEV) to introduce in North America in early 2024. The range will be known as PROLOGUE and will be led by an all-new SUV and herald the new electrified era for the company.

The carmaker already has a range of electrified vehicles on sale, but these are mostly with hybrid powertrains, apart from the Clarity which uses hydrogen fuel cell technology to generate electricity for powering the car.

In addition to the Prologue, the company will introduce an all-electric model under the Acura brand as well. Acura currently has hybrid models as well, including the 573-bhp NSX and the new all-electric model will be a SUV as well.

*GM Ultium platform and battery pack (below).*

GM’s Ultium platform for EVs to be used
Both the Honda and Acura vehicles will utilize the highly flexible global EV platform powered by Ultium batteries developed within the strategic partnership with General Motors. The platform will be engineered to support Honda’s driving character. As part of the agreement to jointly develop electric vehicles, Honda will incorporate GM’s OnStar safety and security services into its new SUVs, seamlessly integrating them with HondaLink.

Production of the SUVs will combine the development expertise of both companies, and they will be manufactured at GM plants in North America. In the second half of the decade, Honda also plans to launch a new series of EV models based on a new e:Architecture, with development led by the Japanese carmaker. These new models will be launched in North America first, followed by other regions.

Honda’s EV History
Though EVs have grown in prominence in recent times, Honda has been involved in developing and producing such vehicles for almost 25 years. In 1997, it introduced the EV Plus, a small electrically-powered hatchback which was the first BEV from a major automaker to use nickel-metal hydride batteries instead of heavy lead-acid batteries.

Honda EV Plus 1997 — *EV Plus was produced between 1997 and 1999.*

After the limited production of the EV Plus, Honda came out with the Insight in 1999. This was one of the first volume-produced hybrids in the market. The FCX came out in 2002 and it was the industry’s first commercialised vehicle using fuel cell technology that was originally developed for the space program. The FCX was succeeded by the Clarity in 2017.

*First generation of the Insight, one of the early volume-produced hybrids. This unit was driven from Thailand to Singapore in January 2001 to demonstrate the high fuel efficiency.*

*FCX – the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) which was commercialised.*

“We know customers who have a good experience with a hybrid vehicle are more likely to buy a battery electric vehicle in the future,” said Dave Gardner, Executive Vice-President of American Honda. “Our strategy is focused on introducing a higher percentage of hybrids in core models in the near term, making a committed effort to achieve higher volume leading to the introduction of our Honda PROLOGUE.”

Honda will stop selling models with combustion engines from 2040, range to be fully electric

New Honda Civic Hatchback has global debut in America

Almost 50 years ago, when the Honda Civic was born, it was only a hatchback, the sedan coming from the beginning of the 1980s. In Asian markets, the hatchback had a subordinate position to the more popular sedan and due to limited numbers being sold, it disappeared from Malaysia (officially) after a few generations.

In markets like North America, the hatchback was more appreciated and has been accounting for about 20% of Civic sales in the USA. Like the sedan, it evolved through the generations, gaining in size and performance. The 11th generation hatchback variant has now been revealed, joining the new Civic Sedan which was launched some months back, also in the USA.

2021 Honda Civic Hatchback Gen 11 — *Comparison between rear ends of the new Civic Hatchback (above) and the Sedan (below).*

Same styling elements as latest Sedan
The overall styling follows that of the latest generation with a more dramatic roofline that gives a sleek coupe-like profile. While the front end has a similar form but a different grille (mesh with a slight concave shape) from the sedan, it is at the rear where the big differences are. There are larger side windows and a new small corner window in the C-pillar to enhance rearward visibility,

The roof line flows downwards to a lightweight composite hatch and the overall height of the car has been reduced by 50 mm by moving the hinge mechanism outwards. The design of the rear lights is different from the sedan’s and the third brake light lens spans nearly the entire width of its hatch, visually emphasizing the Hatchback’s wider rear track.

Longer wheelbase but shorter body
Compared to the 10th-generation Civic Hatchback, the windscreen pillars have been moved back by around 50 mm while the wheelbase is 35 mm longer and the rear track is 13 mm wider. However, the rear overhang is less which reduces the overall length by 124 mm but Honda says rear legroom is better in this new variant.

With the large opening at the back, additional attention was given to body rigidity. The Civic Hatchback’s structure has 19% better torsional rigidity versus the previous generation. The stiffer structure, with an aluminium front subframe, benefits ride, handling and refinement, with reductions in noise, vibration and harshness augmented with the extensive use of structural adhesives, spray-in foam in the pillars, and additional sound deadening in the firewall and under the floor.

The suspension is shared with the Sedan but Honda mentions chassis updates such as new low-drag front brake calipers, and low-friction front and rear wheel bearings to reduce rolling resistance.

Naturally-aspirated, turbo and hybrid powertrains
As with the current generation in many markets, there will be a choice of naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, including the 1.5-litre turbo unit Malaysians are familiar with. A 6-speed manual transmission will be available and for the US market, the naturally aspirated engine has a 2-litre displacement. It’s coupled with a revised CVT that has a more robust electric hydraulic pump to reduce the load on the mechanical pump, and a ball-bearing secondary shaft to reduce friction.

*The European market will get the Civic Hatchback with an e:HEV hybrid powertrain.*

For the European and probably Japanese market, Honda will also put a e:HEV powertrain in the Civic Hatchback, the hybrid powertrain meeting the objective for all European mainstream models to have electrified powertrains by 2022.

Sedan functionality with hatchback versatility
Much of the interior is the same as the Sedan with the added layout versatility of a Hatchback adding 65% more cargo space. The standard 60:40 split backrests can be quickly folded for expanded capacity and the side-pull cargo cover provides concealment of items in the boot.

Up front, outward visibility is enhanced by the repositioned A-pillars, low bonnet, flat dashboard, low cowl and outside mirrors which are now mounted on the doors. The instrument panel is designed with a minimum of cutlines to reduce windscreen reflections and visual distractions, while the new metal honeycomb instrument panel accent hides the air vents.

Like all Hondas sold today, there is the Honda Sensing suite of active safety and driver-assistance technologies. The latest version installed in the Civic Hatchback uses a new single-camera system providing a longer, wider field of view than the previous radar-and-camera based system. Combined with software advances and a new, more powerful processor, the system is capable of more quickly and accurately identifying pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles, along with road lines and road signs.

Honda Sensing also includes Traffic Jam Assist, and the new camera-based system improves on existing functionality, such as more natural brake application and quicker reactions when using Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). It also has more linear and natural steering action when using the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). Low-Speed Braking Control is supported by and front and rear false-start prevention with the addition of eight sonar sensors.

Unlikely for Malaysia
Malaysia has long been a sedan market and while there were hatchbacks too, most faded away after the 1980s. Today, the lines are blurred between sedans and hatchbacks, the latter once defined by having a blunt rear end. But while Malaysian buyers may appreciate the extra versatility a hatchback offers, many will probably get a SUV instead as it may be perceived to be more suitable in different roles.

*Early generations of the Civic Hatchback were sold in Malaysia but it was dropped from the locally-assembled range after the 1990s.*

But beyond that point, there is also the question of potential volume and as Honda Malaysia is committed to assembling products locally with high localization of parts as well, the Civic Hatchback may not have the sort of numbers for a business case. It’s not only that the Malaysian market is not as large as Thailand and Indonesia but also that a huge chunk of the market is occupied by just two brands with strong advantages. The remaining part of the market has to be shared by around 20 makes and the ‘slices of the pie’ for each is therefore small and a variant like the Civic Hatchback won’t generate enough volume.

Visit www.honda.com.my to know more about the models available in Malaysia.

Honda’s IGNITION program helps start new businesses proposed by employees

In many factories, one of the many practices where employees can be involved in improving processes or quality has been the suggestion system, for which they are rewarded if their ideas are adopted.

Honda also has a program called IGNITION which was started in 2017 by Honda R&D Co., Ltd., its research and development subsidiary. This is a business creation program where Honda employees can propose new business ideas and then implement the technologies, ideas or products to help solve societal problems and create new value for people.

Since being initiated, many applications have been received for new business ideas as well as numerous suggestions that fit with Honda’s business activities and are already being pushed internally towards commercialization.

Bringing new ideas to the market
There have also been proposals with added social value that can be implemented more quickly in the form of a start-up instead of being implemented within the Honda organization. In 2020, IGNITION was therefore expanded to include the option of bringing new business ideas to the market by setting up companies.

Ashirase system for visually impaired
The first company to emerge from the IGNITION program in this way is Ashirase Inc., which will develop an in-shoe navigation system to support the visually impaired while walking. The system, also called ‘Ashirase’, uses a smartphone app and 3-dimensional vibration device including a motion sensor, which is attached inside the shoe.

With the concept of ‘navigation which enables safety and a relaxed state of mind for the visually impaired’, Ashriase is being developed as a product which helps the users reach their destinations safely and have a more independent lifestyle.

The IGNITION program was originally for Honda R&D but is now expanded to the entire company for full-time employees in Japan to drive new business ideas. The ideas will not come from engineers but also of employees from other areas such as production, sales and even administration.

*Ashirase system uses a smartphone app and 3-dimensional vibration device including a motion sensor, which is attached inside the shoe.*

Evaluated from investor’s perspective
IGNITION works with a corporation that, as one of the jurors, evaluates the proposals from the perspective of an investor. In addition, applicants have access to advice and support from the corporation during the assessment process.

The decision on whether to market is made within 6 months and the marketing will be done by Honda itself or through the establishment of a start-up company. In order to preserve the independence of the start-up company, Honda’s equity stake is limited to a maximum of 20%.

“There are many employees at Honda who want to contribute to social development with their technologies and ideas. IGNITION is a program that promotes and develops these ideas and technologies among Honda employees and helps them create new values that contribute to solving societal problems,” explained the Head of the IGNITION Jury and Managing Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Yasuhide Mizuno (who was a former MD & CEO of Honda Malaysia).

“We are now expanding the program to all employees in Japan and offering them the additional option of starting their own business. The hurdles for starting a business are very high, but we hope that IGNITION will continue to drive the challenging spirit at Honda and enable us to create new products and experiences that go beyond our core business,” said Mr. Mizuno.

Click here for more news and articles about Honda.

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Honda

New Honda models to be launched in Malaysia before year-end

Honda HR-V Sport Hybrid updated, priced from RM113,954

11th generation Honda Civic debuts in Thailand

Honda Japan’s website even has a section dedicated to dogs and dog owners

52% drop in new Honda vehicle sales in Malaysia from May to July year-on-year

Honda to offer NSX Type S as farewell model for the supercar, only 350 units for worldwide sale

Video: We drive the Honda City Turbo 2 and Honda Motocompo from 1982!

PROLOGUE SUV will start new electric era for Honda in North America in 2024

New Honda Civic Hatchback has global debut in America

Honda’s IGNITION program helps start new businesses proposed by employees

New Honda models to be launched in Malaysia before year-end

Honda HR-V Sport Hybrid updated, priced from RM113,954

11th generation Honda Civic debuts in Thailand

Honda Japan’s website even has a section dedicated to dogs and dog owners

52% drop in new Honda vehicle sales in Malaysia from May to July year-on-year

Honda to offer NSX Type S as farewell model for the supercar, only 350 units for worldwide sale

Video: We drive the Honda City Turbo 2 and Honda Motocompo from 1982!

PROLOGUE SUV will start new electric era for Honda in North America in 2024

New Honda Civic Hatchback has global debut in America

Honda’s IGNITION program helps start new businesses proposed by employees

Archive

Proton Sales Grow By 13.6% In October

LEKAS Highway Temporarily Closed this Saturday Evening to Sunday Morning

Ford Says Goodbye to Mainstream Models, Hello to Iconic Enthusiast Cars

Rafizi: Two-Tier Pricing System for RON95 Subsidies Under Discussion

Isuzu D-Max Breaks Record with 2,000km Fuel Efficiency Feat

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