Toshihiro Mibe to steer Honda

Tokyo, February 19

Toshihiro Mibe, a research expert tapped to be president of Japanese automaker Honda on Friday, promised to steer the company toward new growth by focusing on ecological models and safety technology.

Honda Motor Co. said Mibe replaces Takahiro Hachigo effective April 1, and subject to shareholders’ approval at a meeting in June. Mibe stressed the automaker will be aggressive about developing and selling electric vehicles. — AP