By Tessa R. Salazar
Inquirer
TOKYO, Japan–If it moves, we’ll build a better one.
That, in a nutshell, seems to be what Honda is keen on doing in the near (and not-so-near) future. Takeo Fukui, president and CEO of Honda, in a 15-minute interview with members of the Philippine motoring media, revealed the carmaker’s plans on not limiting itself to two- and four-wheeled contraptions.
After coming out with such environmental vehicles such as the Civic 2.0GL, Stream, Partner 4WD, the CR-V, Elysion Prestige and Crossroad models in 2007, which Honda claims have all attained fuel-efficiency ratings mandated in its 2011 standards, Fukui says Honda is now developing a jet engine, and more Asimo-like household robots.
Q: After cars and motorbikes, what’s next with Honda?
A: The first delivery of the jets will be on 2010. Unlike automobiles and motorcycles, we have to have a longer perspective and outlook when it comes to the airplane business. First we work on the jets, and then would be Asimo. We are to supply Asimo to ordinary households.
Q: So, will Honda go seriously into the aviation industry?
A: When it comes to our jet business, we have to think of this long term, so we have to put in place a long-term strategy and make it a good business for us. Only after that will the next step be on making Asimo as a business.
Q: Can you genuinely reconcile F1 motorsports with environmentalism, considering that motorsports require large amounts of fuel and tires?
A: I think we might save some fuel if we’re going to stop formula racing, but people don’t live thinking about the environment only. You need to enjoy your life. That’s what we’re here for, and therefore we think that we need to have motorsports for the sake of enjoyment. That’s the reason we need to have Formula 1 racing. Comparatively, the amount of gasoline consumed in by all 22 teams on Formula 1 races over one year is half the amount of gasoline that a single trip from Tokyo to Frankfurt would require on a plane. Thanks to Formula 1, billions of people around the world are enjoying themselves.
Q: After a quite disappointing season in Formula 1, what are your plans for next year?
A: I think because of my age, my memory is starting to fail, I’ve forgotten everything about this season (laughter). But for some strange reason my memory is very clear about the year before that. I remember especially very well the Hungarian Grand Prix (laughter). I think this season we have come to understand what we need to work on technically and also we have reinforced the engineering team. We’re thinking most likely next season you’ll start to see the results and we’ll be on the top positions where Honda is supposed to be.
Q: You have any plans of changing your driver lineup, include a Japanese driver?
A: Next season we’re planning to stick to the current driver lineup.
Q: What’s your timetable for commercial production of diesel-fed Hondas and what Honda models will first run on clean diesels?
A: The definition of clean diesel is very difficult because diesel on sale in Europe now is already clean. But then in the United States and Japan the regulations that are being said to be put in place and the NOx level that is required there is extremely stringent, meaning we cannot just bring the European cars into these markets. Therefore, we need to overcome these technical challenges so that we can clear the requirements in both the United States and Japan. We’re hoping to be able to launch diesel engines within two years (in these markets).
Q: At the other end of the spectrum is the Asian market, where diesel fuel quality is low. How will you approach this?
A: As you say, for clean diesel, sulfur content needs to be reduced. Unless you can do so, we cannot serve clean diesel in these markets. Japan has already complied, Europe also. The United States has come close to meeting these requirements but it requires a lot of money. You need to invest, and eventually there will come a time the Philippines has to make that investment.
Q: Do you see Honda participating in the F1 and the 24-hour Le Mans using diesel engines?
A: For the Formula 1 races they have their own unique standards and I donít think that we will be able to use diesels for the time being. For Le Mans it’s not time for us yet to seriously be a challenger there. We think Formula 1 is the pinnacle, the most difficult race of all.
Q: When do you expect us to see fuel cell cars on the streets?
A: At the motor show, we have on display the concept model, and based on that model next year we will be launching fuel cell vehicles, but it will be just in Japan and the United States. We could be selling some tens of thousands of these within maybe 10 years.
