<P> Over the next few decades, Honda worked to expand its product line and expanded operations and exports to numerous countries around the world . In 1986, Honda introduced the successful Acura brand to the American market in an attempt to gain ground in the luxury vehicle market . The year 1991 saw the introduction of the Honda NSX supercar, the first all - aluminum monocoque vehicle that incorporated a mid-engine V6 with variable - valve timing . </P> <P> CEO Tadashi Kume was succeeded by Nobuhiko Kawamoto in 1990 . Kawamoto was selected over Shoichiro Irimajiri, who oversaw the successful establishment of Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc. in Marysville, Ohio . Irimajiri and Kawamoto shared a friendly rivalry within Honda; owing to health issues, Irimajiri would resign in 1992 . </P> <P> Following the death of Soichiro Honda and the departure of Irimajiri, Honda found itself quickly being outpaced in product development by other Japanese automakers and was caught off - guard by the truck and sport utility vehicle boom of the 1990s, all which took a toll on the profitability of the company . Japanese media reported in 1992 and 1993 that Honda was at serious risk of an unwanted and hostile takeover by Mitsubishi Motors, which at the time was a larger automaker by volume and was flush with profits from its successful Pajero and Diamante models . </P> <P> Kawamoto acted quickly to change Honda's corporate culture, rushing through market - driven product development that resulted in recreational vehicles such as the first - generation Odyssey and the CR - V, and a refocusing away from some of the numerous sedans and coupes that were popular with the company's engineers but not with the buying public . The most shocking change to Honda came when Kawamoto ended the company's successful participation in Formula One after the 1992 season, citing costs in light of the takeover threat from Mitsubishi as well as the desire to create a more environmentally friendly company image . </P>

Flexible production was pioneered within the german company volkswagen