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REPORT: Honda closing European design office in Germany
2008 Honda Open Study Model – Click above for high-res image gallery
The car design community has been sent reeling by word that Honda plans to close down its European design studio. The office forms part of Honda R&D Europe in Offenbach on the outskirts of Frankfurt, Germany, and while the rest of the research and development facility will continue operating in other capacities, the design studio is reportedly being axed.
The two-floor, 3000-square-meter design studio at Offenbach opened its doors in 1992, and has since handled a variety of automotive and motorcycle design duties for the Japanese automaker – including the Open Study Model pictured above. The reported announcement of its closure arrives against the backdrop of cutbacks across the board for Honda, including its withdrawal from major auto shows, the sale of its (now championship-leading) Formula One team, and temporary closures at assembly plants.
While some of Offenbach's motorcycle design responsibilities are expected to transfer to Honda's comparatively tiny 200-square-meter studio in Milan, there's no telling what will happen to the company's automotive design unit. But if we were living and working in Frankfurt, we'd be pushing for a transfer to Italy like there was no tomorrow – because with the rate at which Honda has been cutting back overhead, we'd bet that's where the future is.
Gallery: Honda OSM Concept
[Source: Car Design News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
fmwso 6:28PM (10/05/2009)
It's not a bad design, I actually like it over Honda's current cars.
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Sea Urchin 7:32PM (10/05/2009)
Love their cars, especially the main picture.
daleam 9:23PM (10/05/2009)
That car above is so gorgeous. I really can't figure out what is up with the cavalcade of aesthetic fail from Honda when they could produce this. It's beautiful.
Ryan McGrory 6:31PM (10/05/2009)
Why did that gorgeous prototype never make it anywhere past the clay model stage. Seen it in person the British Motor show a few years back and it was absolutey gorgeous.
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thritter 6:39PM (10/05/2009)
No worries. Honda has some absolutely stunning -- and I do mean stunning -- designs coming out of its Southern California design studios that can be shared with the world. Oh, wait, you don't like the Crosstour either?
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click_playaz 6:45PM (10/05/2009)
I don't like Crosstour either. and what about up coming CR-Z?
futurama 6:52PM (10/05/2009)
i love the smell of sarcasm!
Sea Urchin 7:44PM (10/05/2009)
Look, its a matter of taste, i said time and time again that last Gen Cadillac CTS was gorgeous and the current get is a downgrade, many will disagree. Many in here hate the new Acura nose, so did i until i saw it in person. Looks are looks, very few cars achieve that Camaro like design where almost everyone can agree that the car is drop dead gorgeous.
Rich 7:59PM (10/05/2009)
Sea Urchin: oh my. I love the way you recognize the disgust in which people hold the Crosseyed; and then totally downplay it as a matter of taste.
The Crosseyed is a study in overwrighting.
If this closure signals Honda's future direction, then I'm afraid they've lost it.
Shiftright 8:32PM (10/05/2009)
I believe the Crossturd was designed in Japan. In fact, most if not all of Honda's contrived designs originated in Japan, whereas their best designs such as the Civic, previous gen Acura Tl and TSX were designed in Europe or SoCal, so brace yourself for more ugly Hondas...Really too bad, because I love how well Hondas work and last.
fuser197 7:51PM (10/06/2009)
Haha, yeah, why couldn't they of closed the one that did the CrossTour?
Soccer Mom 7:09PM (10/05/2009)
... because their recent designs for both Honda and Acura brands has proven to be a stunning success.
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Taglane 7:20PM (10/05/2009)
Because all their recent designs have been brilliant...
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LMBVette 8:49AM (10/06/2009)
Judging by what their cars look like today.....I thought Honda shut down all their design centers about 3 or 4 years ago.....if not....they should have. ;-)
FThorn 7:28PM (10/05/2009)
Any backlash because of all the mfrs pulled out of Tokyo auto show?
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HotRodzNKustoms 7:30PM (10/05/2009)
I think Honda needs to fire all their designers and hire 8 year olds to do their designing. Though you may run into child labor laws...
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craighead 11:07PM (10/05/2009)
That's a great update of the front wheel drive Lotus Elan!
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P.V. 8:22PM (10/05/2009)
That's a real shame. It means that we will have almost no more vehicles like the CR-Z and will certainly have more vehicles like the Crosstour. [sad face]
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Gardiner Westbound 9:13PM (10/05/2009)
What is it with Honda? They ignore the good looking designs and manufacture the ugly ones.
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blue3874 9:56PM (10/05/2009)
I think that would make an excellent replacement for the now-defunct S2000. Perhaps even be the second-generation S2000. Just lower the belt line a bit.
I wonder if there's a top and if it can go up and down.
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