Former Honda Cars PH president now head of Asia & Oceania

The executive who was responsible for bringing the Honda Civic Type R to the Philippines is set to lead the automaker's operations in Asia and Oceania.

Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Honda’s Asia & Oceania regional headquarters, announced its change of top management in line with the announcement on personnel changes in Representative Executive Officers, Executive Officers, and Operating Officers by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., which will be effective on April 1, 2023.

Toshio Kuwahara, the former president of Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI), will soon assume the position of president & CEO of Asia Honda Motor Co. Ltd., and Head of Regional Unit (Asia & Oceania) under Regional Operations – the newly combined four current regional operations namely Japan, Asia & Oceania, South America, Europe, and Africa and the Middle East.

Kuwahara remains the Operating Executive of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and is currently General Manager of the Business Planning Division and Head of Motorcycle Business Supervisory Unit, of Motorcycle and Power Products Operations at Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in Japan.

During his time as president and general manager of HCPI, he oversaw the launching of several vehicles in the country. These include the Brio hatchback, the now-discontinued Mobilio MPV, the previous-generation Jazz, and the BR-V.

But it is perhaps the launching of the Civic Type R that he was most remembered for due to the fact that it was the first time the automaker officially made it available in the country.

With Kuwahara set to lead Honda's operations in Asia & Oceania, we can expect the executive to help HCPI with future models, as well as expand the automaker's electrification plans in the regions.