Business Case Studies, Leadership Case Study, Tata Group,Ratan Tata

Code : COM0014

Year : 2004

Industry : Automobiles

Region : USA

Teaching Note:Not Available

Structured Assignment :Not Available

<< Previous

Introduction:In the early 1990s, when major automobile companies were preoccupied with innovations related to engine, energy, fuel efficiency, comfort of driving, etc., Honda Motor Company (Honda) was trying to differentiate its vehicles by making them safe not only for the occupants but also for the pedestrians and the environment.

Moving ahead with its commitment to provide 'Safety for Everyone', Honda introduced its carmodels, 'Civic' and 'Acura that had features complying with the safety norms proposed by the regulators in the US, Japan and especially the European Union. It made the first artificial pedestrian dummy in 1998 to test the injuries caused to people in traffic accidents.

In 2000, it came up with an advanced pedestrian dummy named 'Polar II'. The initiative to make safer car for pedestrians, was no doubt a part of corporate social responsibility of Honda but at the same time the company's officials regarded it as a means to differentiate Honda fromits competitors - Ford, Toyota and GeneralMotors (GM).