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Takashi Sekiguchi
The Honda Cars Philippines president on relationship with the press, the all-new Civic, his dream cars and favorite iPod music
Photography by Chino Acosta
Motoring journalists are one in saying you are extremely affable. You're by far the only Japanese executive in the Philippine car industry who maintains a high degree of accessibility as far as the media is concerned.
First of all, thank you so much for the comment. I think that the media is one of the most important communication routes to our customers in many aspects. The dealership is the place where customers feel and experience the Honda brand, but the media is another channel through which our products can be well explained to customers. Brochures are not enough to explain a product's value, especially its dynamic performance. So I don't see any problem with sharing my time and communicating with the media. I immensely enjoy doing so. But having said that, I would also like to ask you to be fair in reporting about our products.
We enjoy being with you as well, but you're probably the only Japanese guy we know who doesn't drink.
Alcohol doesn't like me. I enjoy the company and the conversation even without drinking.
Honda had gone through some difficult times here before you arrived. What do you think was the problem?
Honda's sales last year were reduced from the year before. I think it was because we were in the middle of our model changes, so it was just a question of timing. Now Honda's performance is improving again with our new products, like the CR-V, the City, the Jazz VTEC and the new Civic. We are now making an effort to increase our presence in the Philippines market.
You are in a very good position to make Honda successful again with the all-new Civic. How huge do you think this particular model is going to be in the Philippines?
The Civic represents Honda, not only here in the Philippines but also worldwide. It is Honda's heart. I am pleased to say that this new Civic is very well accepted all over the world. It has already earned awards in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia and Thailand, just to name a few markets. And as you know, the Civic enjoys a very good image and high awareness in the Philippines. So I am looking forward to having 10,000 new Filipino Civic owners in the next few years.
What can we expect from Honda for the rest of the year?
I would like to concentrate on the new Civic first. We will be offering many things related to this car. But there are more to come from Honda product-wise, though they're still a secret. We at Honda are known to always bring new things to our customers.
What are your Honda and non-Honda dream cars?
My Honda dream car is the NSX. I was really excited when I drove it in the US. I liked the acceleration, engine sound, interior and exterior styling, and craftsmanship. As for my other dream car not made by Honda, I'd like to drive the Maserati Biturbo. I was so impressed with its engine power and interior design.
You're living by yourself in Manila. How do you spend your time outside of the office?
My personality might be different from that of others. I go out shopping by myself. My hobby is making plastic model airplanes—World War II fighters—at home. I sometimes play golf but not so often. I play badminton. I watch movies. I listen to music.
Name the artists you listen most often to in your iPod.
These days, I am listening to Maroon 5, Michael Franks, the Blow Monkeys and the Black Eyed Peas. As for Filipino singers, I like Aiza Seguerra and Margarita.
Top Gear Philippines - June 2006
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