Photography by Alun Callender
To say Dave Hodgetts is a modest man would be an understatement. The managing director of Honda UK certainly doesn’t come across as a typical industry executive.
Yet behind this down-to-earth, friendly face is a man who has been instrumental in the development of Honda in this country.
UK expansion
When the qualified mechanical engineer arrived at Swindon in 1990, Honda’s UK plant built only engines. Car production started with the Accord in 1992, and continued with the Civic in 1994 and the CR-V in 2000. By 2008, 2 million cars had been made, the facility a picture of efficiency. Now Swindon builds a whole range of models, from the Civic and CR-V to the Jazz, as well as derivatives.
Dave moved into the UK sales operation in 2010, where his role is to lead the UK operations following Honda’s working values and philosophy. Based on the vision of founder Soichiro Honda, this way of thinking guides the company, inspiring it to create innovative products, enhance human mobility and benefit society.
Miimo in the UK
Honda has seen a raft of new products in the motorbike sector. ‘We’ve reinvigorated the market and are now number one in the UK. This is a good example for us to follow with our cars and power products,’ he says. With the recent launch of the Honda Miimo robotic lawnmower in the UK, Dave says: ‘We feel we can develop a market for robotic lawnmowers here. It fits with people’s lifestyles.’
Products to help people realise dreams
The MD feels Honda must meet its customers’ aspirations. He says: ‘We want to develop products that help people realise their dreams – to develop a brand desire that’s appropriate for our customers.’
Dave is visibly proud of Honda’s exciting victories in the latest British Touring Car Championship with the finely tuned Honda Civic. ‘This has been a winning challenge for us,’ he smiles, motioning to the race car that sits proudly in the headquarters’ foyer in Slough.
