Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit recently named Toshio Kuwahara as its new president and general manager effective April 1, 2014, replacing Tatsuya Natsume, who has been assigned a new post in Brazil.
No longer a stranger to the Philippines and our market, Mr. Kuwahara has been in the country since 2009, serving as the Senior Assistant Vice President for the brand’s Marketing and Sales division. Having worked closely with both HCPI and the Honda Cars dealerships for almost five years has given Kuwahara a better grasp of our market’s tastes in vehicles, and he aims to have more products that suit the Filipino market, as well as to provide a better dealer experience. “As one of Honda’s thrust, we always make it a point to satisfy our customers in every aspect of their transactions with us. It is crucial that we know their wants and how we can deliver them”, he said. “I am very privileged to be given a bigger responsibility for the same market. Rest assured that it is my goal to provide vehicles that the Filipino customers dream of having. I anticipate that what our team has been developing for years are spot on” he added.
When asked about his concrete plans for HCPI during his first year, Mr. Kuwahara was quoted saying, “we will keep you very busy this year. Expect new Honda models to be available in the market soon. You will actually see the all-new City very soon.”
Aside from the all-new Honda City, Mr. Kuwahara revealed that two new vehicles, another model change, and several facelifts are in the pipeline for the next twelve months.
Also introduced at the intimate dinner held for the motoring media was his successor, Masanao Kataoka, who now holds the title AVP and Adviser for HCPI’s Marketing and Sales Division.
Congratulations Kuwahara-san. May your leadership bring back Honda’s glory days in the Philippines.