There's a new sheriff in town at Honda Motors. Actually, he will be the head of research and development for North America Honda subsidiaries. They are not only in charge of compliance at Honda dealers, including Big Island Honda - Hilo in Hilo, HI but also design up popular US-based models like Honda Accord.

Erik Berkman will be named president of Honda R&D Americas April 1. No, this isn't an April Fools Joke! He will bare heavy responsibility in designing new American models, which the company has produced more than 20 successful ones since 1991. Berkman will replace Hiroshi Takemura, who returns to Honda's Japan operations.

"Berkman has worked at Honda since 1982. He is now vice president of corporate planning and logistics in the Americas," according to sources.¹

The company will promote American Honda President Tetsuo Iwamura to executive vice president of the entire Honda brand, also on April 1.

Source: ¹http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/honda-motor-co-names-new-head-of-research-product-development-for-the-americas/2012/02/22/gIQAq895TR_story.html