EGMF’s mission is to serve as the spokesperson for our members, manufacturers of outdoor power equipment, in Europe and internationally, by representing their views on key European policy and regulatory issues. This is only possible with the help and support of our members. A very good reason to get to know them better!
We spoke with Rudolf Harrer, Head of Sales Power Products at Honda Motor Europe Ltd, to hear more about the company, and how we help to support their goals.
What is your company’s mission?
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is responsible for the development, production and sales of automobiles, motorcycles, power products and aviation products worldwide. Honda now delivers over 30 million products annually through its three product lines. Honda and its partners build products in more than 60 manufacturing plants in 27 countries, employing about 220,000 associates globally. On a global basis by 2050, Honda is striving to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities, as well as zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda automobiles and motorcycles.
How does EGMF support your company goals?
EGMF is supporting our industry in Europe as well as indicating current and future regulation of relevance, and their evolution and requirements. These tasks are performed by the outstanding work of the EGMF technical committee, with several task forces combining the specific strength of different EGMF member firms. This level of Pan European knowledge and expertise would be difficult to obtain as a single, stand alone company. The work of the EGMF marketing committee, alongside several task forces, is providing high value to our company. For example, market information, updated twice a year, provides us with market developments in the different product categories, as well as indicating current and future market and technology trends for different product categories. Finally, EGMF brings together executives of our industry, enabling us to make connections and reminding all of us that we are competitors but not enemies!
What are you most proud of about your company?
Honda is the largest manufacturer of ICE (internal combustion engines) worldwide, with annual sales of over 30 million products. The transformation to become a carbon free enterprise is therefore a huge task and challenge. But following our company statement “to be a company society wants to exist”, it is the only right way to be. Taking quite some business risks to finally achieve Honda’s company statement makes me really proud of being part of this big transformation process.
Where do you see the future of the garden machinery industry heading? What do you see as EGMF’s main priority in creating the right conditions for the industry?
The market forecasts are clearly showing a trend towards electrification in basically all product categories. Keeping us updated on upcoming future technical and governmental regulations, as well as political discussions, influencing this trend should be one of the key priorities of EGMF over the next years.
Find out more about about Honda here and check-out our members here.