Honda 2009 Annual Report Download - page 38

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Due to the current economic situation, there are concerns that the
economies of Japan, the U.S. and Europe will experience a down-
turn. In addition, the pace of economic growth of Asian countries
outside of Japan is expected to slow down. Moreover, given the
many uncertainties in the global business environment in which
Honda operates, including political and economic instability, fluctu-
ations in oil and raw material prices, and volatility in the currency
and financial markets, Honda expects that this will continue to be
an extremely challenging environment in which to do business.
With these circumstances in mind, Honda seeks to further
strengthen its corporate structure by making it more flexible and
dynamic and therefore, better able to meet the needs of its cus-
tomers and society as a whole as well as respond to changes in
the business environment. Also, in order to improve the competi-
tiveness of its products, Honda will endeavor to enhance its R&D,
production and sales capabilities. Furthermore, Honda will continue
to enhance its reputation in the community through Companywide
activities. Honda recognizes that further enhancing the following
specific areas is essential to its success:
In connection with its efforts to develop the most effective safety
and environmental technologies, Honda will continue to be innova-
tive in advanced technology and products. Honda aims to create
and introduce new value-added products to quickly respond to
specific needs in various markets around the world. Honda will also
continue its efforts to conduct research on experimental technolo-
gies for the future.
Honda will establish and enhance efficient and flexible production
systems at its global production bases and supply high quality
products, with the aim of meeting the needs of its customers in
each region.
Honda will remain proactive in its efforts to expand product lines
through the innovative use of IT and will show its continued com-
mitment to different customers among the world by upgrading its
sales and service structure.
In response to increasing customer demand, Honda will upgrade
its quality control by enhancing the functions of and coordination
among the development, purchasing, production, sales and service
departments.
1. Research and Development
2. Production Efficiency
3. Sales Efficiency
4. Product Quality
Honda is working to develop safety technologies that enhance ac-
cident prediction and prevention, technologies to help reduce the
risk of injuries to passengers and pedestrians from car accidents,
and technologies that enhance compatibility between large and
small vehicles, as well as expand its line-up of products incorporat-
ing such technologies. Honda will reinforce and continue to ad-
vance its contribution to traffic safety in motorized societies in Ja-
pan and abroad. Honda also intends to remain active in a variety of
traffic safety programs, including advanced driving and motorcy-
cling training programs provided by local dealerships.
Honda will step up its efforts to create better, cleaner and more fu-
el-efficient engine technologies and to further improve recyclables
throughout its product lines. Honda will also work to advance fuel
cell technology and steadily promote its new solar cell business. In
addition, Honda will further its efforts to minimize its environmental
impact. To this end, Honda sets global targets to reduce the envi-
ronmental burden as measured by the Life Cycle Assessment*, in
all areas of business, spanning production, logistics and sales.
In addition to continuing to provide products incorporating Honda’s
advanced safety and environmental technologies, Honda will con-
tinue striving to enhance its social reputation by, among other
things, strengthening its corporate governance, compliance, and
risk management as well as participating in community activities
and making philanthropic contributions.
Through these Company-wide activities, Honda will strive to
become a company whose presence is welcomed by our share-
holders, customers and society.
7. Continuing to Enhance Honda’s Social Reputation
and Communication with the Community
6. The Environment
5. Safety Technologies
*Life Cycle Assessment: A comprehensive system for quantifying the impact
Honda’s products have on the environment at the different stages in their life
cycles, from material procurement and energy consumption to waste
disposal.
Annual Report 2009
36
Preparing for the Future