The 25 People Who Matter
1. Takeo Fukui
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. president/CEOGlobal vision pays off in a depressed market2008 Rank: 22
Why he's first: The high-profile hydrogen fuel-cell car being test-marketed, Chrysler Turbine-like, in California. And there's a clear hybrid strategy that undercuts Toyota in price by relying on the simpler Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). Mainstream Hondas tend to be small and midsize I-4- and V-6-powered cars and crossovers. Even Honda's sole pickup is a unibody V-6. No wonder sales aren't so bad.
Early Fukui: He visited Michigan for his first time in November 1974 to get an emissions test of the Civic CVCC. "What I remember most," Fukui says, "is that the EPA inspector congratulated me for achieving the industry's top rating for fuel economy."
Up next: 2010 Insight five-door hatchback, a fuel-efficient $18,000 car. Also Fit hybrid and maybe the Acura TSX 2.2-liter diesel.
"Caution" signs: On-again/off-again work on a V-8 is on again. Not the best timing, but probably necessary for the next Acura RL and the NSX replacement. In typical Honda fashion, its P.R. department wouldn't confirm an Automotive News report quoting Fukui on the new engine. If Honda goes forward with a V-8, it will be low-volume and probably among the most efficient eight-cylinder engines ever built.
Bring out the safety car: After spending hundreds of millions to be a backmarker, Honda has put up its Formula 1 team for sale.
Fukui says: "The foundation of our efforts is the Honda Company Principle that has guided our business for more than 50 years. Maintaining a global viewpoint, with products of the highest quality, at a reasonable price, for worldwide customer satisfaction."
We say: It's working. Honda is a right-size automaker with right-size cars.
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