AUTOMOTIVE - PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) announced a change in leadership structure at a handover ceremony held in Jakarta, March 27, 2024. In this event, Kotaro Shimizu officially handed over the position of President Director of PT HPM to Shugo Watanabe as the next leader.
The new President Director of PT HPM, Shugo Watanabe first joined Honda in 2000. Before being assigned in Indonesia, Watanabe had been assigned in various countries. In 2007, he served in Spain and then returned to Japan in 2010.
He then served in Malaysia in 2015 and in India in 2018. Then in 2021, Watanabe served in the United States as Vice President of Auto Planning & Strategy Auto Sales before becoming President Director of PT Honda Prospect Motor in 2024.
"Indonesia is a strategic market for Honda, and I am proud of the trust given to lead Honda Prospect Motor into a company that is desired by the Indonesian community. Therefore, my vision is to continue to present quality, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers in Indonesia," Watanabe revealed.
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In his speech, Shimizu said, "When I first served in Indonesia as part of HPM, I was excited because I believe Indonesia is one of Honda's markets with great potential and full of challenges.
Unfortunately, I arrived here during the transition from the pandemic. However, I am grateful for the support from media friends as well, Honda was able to get through these difficult times."
The previous President Director of HPM, Kotaro Shimizu, served since 2022. During his leadership, Kotaro Shimizu along with HPM launched various Honda car models in various segments, including some models that are currently popular starting from New Honda Brio, All New Honda Civic Type R, and New Honda City.
Kotaro Shimizu introduced the Honda WR-V as Honda's first Small SUV model. Since its launch at the end of 2022, this model has not only received enthusiastic reception from consumers in Indonesia, but also positively received by consumers in several countries in Southeast Asia.
In addition, Shimizu has started the era of Honda electrification in Indonesia by launching hybrid cars with e:HEV technology through its two flagship models, the All New Honda CR-V RS e:HEV and All New Honda Accord RS e:HEV.
Besides launching hybrid products, Honda also began implementing its electrification in Indonesia by conducting research and studies on electric vehicles that are suitable for infrastructure in Indonesia.
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During his tenure, Honda has been awarded various awards that Honda has won are an appreciation for product quality, after-sales service quality, customer satisfaction, to consumer favorite choices.
In addition to presenting various products that meet various needs, in an effort to get closer to consumers, Kotaro Shimizu also led HPM to continue expanding its dealer network throughout Indonesia.
Since 2022 until March 2024, Shimizu has opened as many as 33 new dealers, thus increasing the total number of Honda dealers to 161 dealers and 25 dealer networks. To further meet consumer needs, Shimizu has innovated by presenting official used car dealers that have Honda Certified Used Cars in various regions in Indonesia
