Honda innovation has come a long way since its inception way back in 1948 in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan. So what exactly has changed in the past couple of decades and what innovations have found their way into the modern Honda models we love to drive.
Where it all began
In February 1948, Honda was established. Let’s skip a couple of decades forward and get to the point when Honda really started to kick it up a gear. In August 1981, Honda announces the world’s first car navigation system. What a fun time to be alive. This intriguing innovation did not use GPS Satellite for navigation. It relied on helium gas that could detect both rotation and movement to map out the navigation. October 1986, Honda introduces four wheel steering or better known as All-Wheel-Drive. At this point in history, it was a world’s first and were clearly leading the innovation space of the automotive industry. In 1987, believe it or not but motorbikes did not have ABS. You had to be a very courageous and a very skilled rider to get on one of those. But thanks to this innovation, it’s a little less daring to experience exhilarating speed on two wheels. In January 1990, Honda develops seat belt pretension and front passenger SRS airbag making them the first Japanese Company to develop this technology.
It’s amazing to think after 40 years since launch, a GPS system was more thought as an essential rather than safety features. How the tides are quickly moving to safer vehicles and navigation systems are more of a “luxury” feature rather than a necessity. The realization of the importance of safety tech opened other avenues for innovation. In September 1997, Honda developed a new braking system called Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). This safety feature went on to features in all of its offerings. The need for safety innovation has sky rocketed with Honda taking a strong initiative towards it. Later on during the course of the year, Honda develops a new SRS Airbag-Type seatbelt, the “Air Belt”. Honda is at the fore front of the automotive innovation. The 90s are was a breakthrough for many safety innovations that followed.
In the year 2000, or commonly known as Y2K, Honda started the new millennium strong by being the first automaker approved by the Ministry of Transport for testing of Honda Intelligent Driver Support (HIDS) system on public roads in Japan. This is major, as technology is rapidly starting to improve quicker over time and being carried over into the automotive industry.
The new millennium has truly been an era of how differently cars are being looked at, and how much influence they have. Cars had moved away from a design element to a more tech based focused approach but now we see a perfect blend between the two and are being executed quiet well.
Current projects
Like most vehicles, Honda is working towards improving and refining their electric powered vehicles. As of now, we can hope to expect the new 2020 Honda Jazz to hit the shores of South Africa. The Honda Jazz has been a favourite and still continues to do well in the market. The new design and updated model will be much appreciated and well received.
Image source – Honda reviews specs
The 2020 Honda Jazz features a 1.5l petrol engine with 2 electric motors. This will be an Automatic transmission but there will also be a 1.5l petrol manual as well. The Jazz will have a newly designed front, side and back and a revised interior featuring a digital display instrument panel for the driver.
What innovative features have found their way into the cars?
Honda’s new line-up of vehicles feature the great innovative tech that made them the renowned Automaker they are today. There innovative safety features are adopted by many automakers today that have become a standard feature of any vehicle. These safety features include EPS (Electric Power Steering), VGR (Variable Gear Ratio) and VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) which were introduced in May 1996.
What’s next for Honda?
Honda, like many automakers are switching heavily to Hybrid and electric vehicle to meet the new emission regulations. This will help them to continue manufacturing their popular models which are loved by the loyalist fans. These vehicles will now switch to electric power plants. The big question is if the loyal fans will readily accept this dramatic change. Look out for our amazing “Get moving again” specials this month on our Honda BR-V, CR-V, Jazz and Honda amaze. Follow our Facebook Page @ https://www.facebook.com/cmhhondamenlyn to stay up-to-date with our specials. You can also contact us on 087 724 8828 to speak to one of our friendly sales executives to help you get the right Honda.
