The author has been covering Honda's progress in autonomous driving technology by attending technology explanation briefings held at the R&D facility and overseas international conferences on autonomous driving. Looking back on the past coverage, it is difficult to not be surprised that Honda is leading the field this highly advanced level 3 self-driving technology.

This feeling also seems to be shared within Honda. The lead developer in autonomous driving brought up the Tortoise and the Hare during an online journalist meeting. 'In the past, Honda's development of autonomous driving technology was said to be lagging. However, our slow and steady efforts in prioritizing safety—which can be said to be Honda's philosophy—led us to win the race'.

Where is Honda headed towards?

Honda in its launch of level 3 self-driving cars as an apparent replacement for S660 and F1. After today, where is Honda heading towards?

On February 19, 2021, Honda announced that current CEO of Honda R&D company Toshihiro Mibe will step up as the Honda Motor Company CEO next term. Based on Mr. Mibe's replies in an online interview with journalists, the author opines that Honda is uncertain about its future.

No doubt, Honda will continue to uphold founder Soichiro Honda's vision of 'building technology that improves people's lives'. However, it remains unclear what kind of technology will assist humans and society, and how Honda will create a demand for it. Do Honda employees and owners of Honda products like 4-wheel and 2-wheel platforms, marine and power products share the same feelings?

Honda is about to undergo a significant transition.