Honda to close European design studios

[MKII]

In a surprise announcement, Honda has decided to close design operations in Europe, based in Germany. The decision to shut down both the car design and motorcycle design studios of Honda R&D Europe (HRE-G) in Offenbach, near Frankfurt was taken at the end of September and came as a shock announcement to employees. It represents the latest casualty in cuts for the car design community.

The decision follows other recent measures made by the Japanese company this year to stem growing losses. In January, the UK factory was closed for four months and the company decided not to attend the recent Frankfurt Motor Show.

http://cardesignnews.com/site/home/display/store4/item172911/

[Juke1]

In a surprise announcement, Honda has decided to close design operations in Europe, based in Germany. The decision to shut down both the car design and motorcycle design studios of Honda R&D Europe (HRE-G) in Offenbach, near Frankfurt was taken at the end of September and came as a shock announcement to employees. It represents the latest casualty in cuts for the car design community.

The decision follows other recent measures made by the Japanese company this year to stem growing losses. In January, the UK factory was closed for four months and the company decided not to attend the recent Frankfurt Motor Show.

http://cardesignnews.com/site/home/display/store4/item172911/

Maybe they found better designers elsewhere, it's no secret that the latest offerings from Honda/Acura are pretty homely.

[2hondas1BMW]

Maybe we'll see some nicer looking designs now from Honda/Acura...

[safristi]

..THEY HAD a DESIGN studio.. ..................where in WRECK_YA VICK......

[Flinter]

I'm not sure which vehicle/motorcycle designs originated in the Honda European design studio but I certainly support a shake up in the Honda design department. In their efforts to make their designs less conservative, they have managed to alienate many buyers with many polarizing designs.

Prior to my current car, I had owned Honda/Acura vehicles for approx. 20 years. I was a happy customer so I should be a slam dunk repeat buyer. However, in 2008 there was nothing from Honda/Acura that interested me enough to even book a test drive. Based on comments I read in the vtec.net forum, many others have had similar experiences.

[vdk]

IIRC the old TSX was designed in Europe correct?

[Flinter]

IIRC the old TSX was designed in Europe correct?

I'm not sure but you are probably right since I think it was based on the European Accord. I admit that I'm a little concerned since Europe seems to be "where it's at" in terms of design these days.

[inco]

Given the technology we have and the communications capabilities it probably wouldn't require more than one central design location. Put all of your designers together and build for each market and then leverage the things that matter.  And saving money wouldn't hurt either.