Honda 2007 Annual Report Download - page 41

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Safety Technologies
Honda will develop safety technologies to enhance
accident prediction and prevention, technologies to
help reduce injuries to passengers and pedestrians
from car accidents, and technologies for enhancing
compatibility, while expanding our lineup of products
incorporating such technologies. The Zest mini-car,
introduced in March 2006, was the first mini-car to
achieve the maximum rating of six stars in the 2006
New Car Assessment*1 collision safety tests for over-
all collision safety performance in both the driver’s
seat and the front passenger’s seat. Honda has long
advanced real-world safety research that even takes
pedestrians into account. The Company employs the
world’s first indoor omnidirectional collision test facility
to more accurately recreate actual collision condi-
tions. Honda continues to pursue its own safety goals
above and beyond regulatory standards.
licensing systems in Japan. These had been
extended to 24 other countries as of March 31, 2007.
For motorcycles, in Thailand and Indonesia we
have introduced a new training device for safe driving
called Riding Trainer, and we held seminars at
dealerships to provide safety advice. In Turkey, we
worked to develop motorcycle safety promotion
activities, such as by expanding course offerings and
class days for our popular workshops held in a traffic
education center.
For automobiles, in April 2006 we began develop-
ing a Russian version of the Rainbow Dealer System,
which certifies dealerships that satisfy Honda’s safety
criteria. In Vietnam, we have been particularly focused
on road safety activities, educating dealership sales
staff as role models for safe driving.
By listening closely to opinions from our customers
and society at large, Honda is seeking to further
extend its safety developments in the future.
Omnidirectional collision testing
Source: Japan’s National Agency for Automotive Safety
& Victims’ Aid
At the Bukit Batok Driving Centre in Singapore, we have
introduced a children’s traffic safety education program
developed in Japan and opened a motorcycle school for
children and their parents.
Safety Initiatives
As a manufacturer of mobility products, Honda is committed to making products that provide high levels of
safety, not only for drivers and passengers but also for pedestrians. At the same time, we engage in activities
that promote safe driving and actively work to solve issues related to traffic systems.
To create a mobility society with fewer traffic accidents and greater comfort, Honda is pursuing safety for all
people through technology and education based on the idea of living in safety and harmony.
Promoting Safer Driving
Honda intends to enhance its contribution to traffic
safety in mobility societies, including Asian countries.
Honda also intends to remain active in a variety of
traffic safety programs, including advanced driving
and motorcycle training provided by local dealerships.
Our activities to promote safer driving include
reflecting the characteristics of traffic information and
*1: The New Car Assessment is an automotive safety assessment car-
ried out by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation and
the National Agency for Automotive Safety & Victims’ Aid. The overall
evaluation of collision safety performance is a battery of three tests: a
full-wrap frontal collision test, an offset frontal collision test and a side
collision test. Vehicles are assessed by point values calculated for
each test method employed, the points for the three tests are added
together, and the sum is expressed as a graded rating from one up
to a maximum of six stars.