Honda's Philosophy

Honda requires that their Sales professionals take a very comprehensive course about Honda, its products, technology and philosophy.   Part of the course suggested that we take time to go over Honda's philosophy with customers.   

Crafted by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa, the Honda philosophy forms the basis for all of our corporate activities.

The founder's of Honda believed deeply that a company must bring about benefits to society. The major initiatives that drove Honda are:

• Environment
• Safety, and 
• Society.

The car that put Honda on the map in the United States what the Honda 

Honda introduced a car that was able to achieve 40 MPG back when 20 MPG was considered high efficiency.  Back then, the Volkswagen Beetle was one of the most popular small cars and it got about 20 to 25 MPG.  The Ford Pinto got from 25 to 33 MPG.  

While most other car companies claimed it would be impossible to meet new pollution standards, Honda was not waiting for government to set standards. Honda was working on ways to improve car pollution back in the 1960s.  Honda introduced the CVCC engine that was the first to meet the new stringent pollution standards without needing a catalytic converter.   

Honda cars are among the highest rated cars available in terms of safety.  When compared to other competitors, after considering all other factors, Honda cars are almost always rated highest for safety in their class.  

Honda works to develop technology that will benefit society.   Honda's research in robotics, best demonstrated by Honda's Asimo.  The technology has led to many medical advances to help humans with disabilities.

The following comes from Honda's website and outlines the Honda Philosophy.   When you come to see me about your next car, please remember that you are supporting a company that is based on positive philosophies to benefit all of society.

It comprises a set of values that are shared by all Group companies and their employees, where everyone at Honda work to realize this philosophy and regard it as not only words, but as the foundation of their actions and decisions. Specifically, it consists of fundamental beliefs in terms of respect for the individual and the Three Joys, the company principle, and management policies.

Company principle

Maintaining a global viewpoint, we are dedicated to supplying products of the highest quality yet at a reasonable price for worldwide customer satisfaction.

Fundamental beliefs

Respect for the individual

Initiative

Initiative means not to be bound by preconceived ideas, but think creatively and act on your own initiative and judgment, while understanding that you must take responsibility for the results of those actions.

Equality

Equality means to recognize and respect individual differences in one another and treat each other fairly. Our company is committed to this principle and to creating equal opportunities for each individual. An individual's race, sex, age, religion, national origin, educational background, social or economic status have no bearing on the individual's opportunities.

Trust

The relationship among associates at Honda should be based on mutual trust. Trust is created by recognizing each other as individuals, helping out where others are deficient, accepting help where we are deficient, sharing our knowledge, and making a sincere effort to fulfill our responsibilities.

The Three Joys

The joy of buying

The joy of buying is achieved through providing products and services that exceed the needs and expectations of each customer.

The joy of selling

The joy of selling occurs when those who are engaged in selling and servicing Honda products develop relationships with a customer based on mutual trust. Through this relationship, Honda associates, dealers and distributors experience pride and joy in satisfying the customer and in representing Honda to the customer.

The joy of creating

The joy of creating occurs when Honda associates and suppliers involved in the design, development, engineering and manufacturing of Honda products recognize a sense of joy in our customers and dealers. The joy of creating occurs when quality products exceed expectations and we experience pride in a job well done.

Management policies

• Proceed always with ambition and youthfulness.
• Respect sound theory, develop fresh ideas and make the most effective use of time.
• Enjoy your work, and encourage open communications.
• Strive constantly for a harmonious flow of work.
• Be ever mindful of the value of research and endeavor.

A contemporary hero is someone who brings the most happiness to the most people in society

Some people might think that business management is about devoting yourself to making money, but this is not true. What's more important is the kinds of preparations you can make in the near future for the coming era. I think these preparations determine whether or not you're running the company well. Honda overcame difficulties in pursuing the combustion principle that started with our participation in the TT Race, and finally succeeded, passing on our achievements in the next era. So we didn't waste all our hard work and the difficulties we faced were not for nothing. They say, "No pain, no gain" and "No pleasure without pain," right? As for the matter of fulfilling your social responsibility, I think it's a question that corporations naturally have to address. An automaker should develop cars that do not cause pollution, as part of its responsibilities as a member of society. It's something you do as a matter of course. But in the real world, we often come across people trying to avoid doing what they should. I suspect that such unreasonable and unnatural behavior turns into a cause of conflict in many cases. I hope Honda will continue to be a company properly fulfilling its social responsibilities and that each Honda associate will be a person fulfilling all the responsibilities required of him or her as a member of society. If we can keep up this effort, I believe we'll be able to achieve lasting growth as individuals and as a company. We talk of heroes, but I think contemporary heroes are a different breed from heroes in the old days. I believe a contemporary hero is someone who brings the most happiness to the most people in society. Anyhow, regardless of the age you live in, respect for the individual is something that should always be the top priority.
(1973 Honda Company News (No. 134) "Special Event for Honda's 25th Anniversary: Discussion with President: Point of Origin of the 25 years")

Bunmi Barnes                                                   bunmisellscars@gmail.com

obarnes@hondaofchantilly.com

Main: 703-633-4200

Honda of Chantilly

4175 Stonecroft Blvd.
Chantilly, VA 20151
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