Honda chief: Product development needs more time for quality

To illustrate his vision for a turnaround at recall-slammed Honda, Takahiro Hachigo, the new chief executive, showed video footage set to a light-hearted 50s-style rock music of happy people with Honda products, like a lawn mower and the Asimo walking robot.

But that kind of almost nostalgic look back was close to summarizing what he offered.

"I believe in the power of Honda people," he told a packed news conference at Honda Motor Co's Tokyo headquarters on Monday, after his appointment as CEO and president was approved by shareholders and the company board.