History > Challenge > Launching the Honda 1300 (1968) The New H1300-Debut of a World-Class Super Sedan The H1300 77 series released in May 1969. << 1. Let's develop a World-Class Car! << 2. The New H1300-Debut of a World-Class Super Sedan << 3. Unending Obsession for the Air-Cooled Engine << 4. Praised for Its Superior Engineering << 5. Continuous Design Changes and Reverse Operation of the Line << 6. The Genesis of Auto Production Technology << 7. Retailer Expectations: Customer Response << 8. The Switch to Water Cooling: A Meeting of Research Engineers in Atami << 9. The Lesson of the H1300: Establishing a System for Product Development   The slogan was enticing, reflecting the extraordinary effort that had gone into development of the company's newest product. With that, the Honda 1300 was unveiled on October 21, 1968, at Tokyo's Akasaka Prince Hotel. "We have developed the Honda 1300 as an international car that can be successfully marketed in every country around the world," announced Soichiro confidently. "The basic management philosophy of our company is 'originality,' and accordingly our goal has always been to spur demand by introducing original products that only Honda can create." "By recognizing our social responsibility as an automobile manufacturer," he continued, "we have made a commitment to ensuring 'active safety design,' which is reflected in the car's ample power (96 horsepower with a maximum speed of 175 km/h), an FF control system that works on demand, as well as powerful brakes and supreme comfort. This new machine represents our first full-featured export model, and we are confident it will lead us to an era of free trade. We welcome your unreserved criticism. Market feedback is what will propel the Honda 1300 as a genuine car for the new era. << previous 2 of 9 next >> Photo >>

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