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Honda uses Insight to find path to future profits (http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20081208/162492/)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/hondainsight.jpgTatsurou Hokugou - Tech-On! (http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english) - Dec 8, 2008

This may be the end (for a while at least) of track inspired innovations. -- Ed.

Honda Motor Co Ltd announced Dec 5, 2008, its withdrawal from Formula One racing, which the company has been involved in since 2000.

The company cited difficult business conditions caused by subprime problems as the main reason for the retrieval.

"The market conditions began to rapidly change from November," said Honda President Takeo Fukui. "We consider that the 100-year-old auto market entered a new phase. And we will redistribute our resources for the development of products aimed at that new market."

In regard to Honda Racing F1 Team and Honda Racing Development Ltd, which are based in the UK, Honda will go into talks with their employees, considering sellout as an option. According to the company, 350-400 Japanese engineers have been involved in its F1 activities, and more than 1,000 engineers made contributions to… http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20081208/162492/

I used to enjoy watching F1, and I still enjoy watching shows like Top Gear when they work the cars around the track, but I think this is good news.

Priorities should be just that, not wants, but needs.

Good work Honda.

Smart move by honda. once bitten, twice shy. They will stay up there as one of the best due to their innovative thinking and ability to look towards the future instead of glaring at the present like a hypnotized duck..ehem GM.

"The market conditions began to rapidly change from November," said Honda President Takeo Fukui. "We consider that the 100-year-old auto market entered a new phase. And we will redistribute our resources for the development of products aimed at that new market."

Good management at work: looking forward and anticipating change, and quickly adapting.

The new management of the Big Three, after the old ones are canned, could learn something, as this will be their role...

Harry

Honda makes mistakes, but at least the company doesn't pretend it doesn't happen.

I'm not sure that Formula One racing was a mistake for Honda. They have gotten some very good publicity and testing from the experience. I'm sure some components have found their way into Honda's street cars. But, as they say, it is a changed world and few will criticism their choices.

I hate to see them go. I love sports car and formula racing. Racing bites hard and it really gets into the blood. Formula One has provided lots of entertainment to me through the years.

Wow. I've always bought into the "racing improves the breed concept" when it came to Honda, and attributed their fantastic engine technology to trickle down from their racing programs. I'm sure they will continue to innovate though.

They will continue racing with motorcycles.

They will still build motors for the IRL racing series.

Are they still in the American Le Mans with Acura?