AFTER 20 years with Honda, Ken Keir is turning his attention to something other than Honda: himself and retirement.
Ken is stepping down from his role as executive vice president Honda Motor Europe at the end of June.
Ken first joined Honda UK in 1993 as general manager, cars before becoming MD of the UK operation in 1998. In 2003 Ken’s role was expanded to include his current position looking after 27 markets for Honda Motor Europe. He was awarded an OBE in 2006 for his services to the motor industry, particularly for promoting apprenticeship programmes.
Ian Howells, formerly head of business administration for Honda Motor Europe takes on the position of senior vice president for Europe, reporting to Manabu Nishimae, president, Honda Motor Europe.
Ian takes over as Honda prepares to launch the Honda CR-V with the new 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine featuring Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology.
In the Honda Civic the engine produces 120 PS and 300Nm torque with CO2 emissions of just 94 g/km. In the Civic this means exceptional fuel economy – see our report Honda Civic 1.6 iDTEC – 60mpg on a bad M25 day.
You should also read our story Honda CR-V gets tax efficient.