Fiat and GM: Ford & Honda??

[66Notchback]

I find this pairing ironic, and remember when Honda was first introduced to North America.

It was FORD that was entertaining the notion of carrying the new manufacturer, and the Civic was the model. Ford commissioned 4 reps, 2 from Canada, 2 from the U.S., to each drive one cross-country, in the dead of winter.

My father was one of those men, his 1500 page report about his drive across the Canadian prairies to Vancouver (from Detroit) is still in his possession.

Ford decided not to take on the new manufacturer.

Honda came into North America under it's own name and banner not 18 months later, and it's a wry joke that Henry Ford must be rolling in his grave for the missed business opportunity practically handed to Ford by Honda.
:grin34:

 

[Wayne]

Apparently your Dad was not impressed with his cross country driving experience in a Honda? That's an interesting test that Ford put the vehicle through.

 

[Crissy]

Ha! Yea that was a huge mistake!! I have a Civic and I love it. I get great gas milage, it looks smart, drives easy, and even though it isn't a huge car it still is very roomy inside with a decent sized trunk.

 

[66Notchback]

The Old Man actually really liked the car, he drove it across the Canadian prairies in the dead of winter when it was -40 !

Every one of the guys that submitted a report recommending that Honda's cars be carried by Ford. Why it didn't happen, well, even Pops doesn't know.