Honda studies collaboration with Grab for motorcycle sharing services in Southeast Asia

HONDA Philippines president Daiki Mihara (center) leads the launch of the Honda CBR150R. File photo

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that, on November 22, 2016, it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Grab Inc., to begin discussion toward collaboration in the area of motorcycle sharing services in Southeast Asia. Grab provides ride-hailing platform through which users share and utilize automobiles and motorcycles. Here’s the news from Honda:

In recent years, the “sharing economy” representing activities to promote the shared use of commodities has experienced a global growth trend. Within this trend, signs of the oncoming structural change which will shift emphasis from “ownership” to “shared use” of products has become increasingly visible in the motorcycle market in Southeast Asia as well.

Against this backdrop, Honda and Grab will work together and strive to realize new mobility services in the area of sharing by conducting experimental initiatives in Southeast Asia while utilizing resources of the two companies. This includes the knowledge Grab has been amassing through its ride-hailing businesses and Honda’s motorcycle lineup, sales network and services.

Honda already has a track record of locally-rooted efforts to further popularize more environmentally-responsible and safer motorcycles in the growing market in Southeast Asia. Moreover, Honda has been proactive in environmental conservation initiatives and traffic safety education for drivers and riders.

Through the collaboration with Grab, Honda will work on the mitigation of traffic congestion in urban areas through the utilization of its original telematics and other technologies. Honda will also strive for the further reduction of CO2 emissions through the adoption of motorcycle products with high environmental performance. Moreover, Honda will strive to enhance safety awareness among drivers through utilization of Honda’s know-how and facilities for traffic safety education.

Honda will continue offering a safe and convenient means of transportation which customers can use with great confidence and, at the same time, Honda will strive to contribute to the continuous growth and further revitalization of the motorcycle market in Southeast Asia.