Honda’s flagship concept model, the Saloon, from its innovative Honda 0 Series EV lineup, has been honored with the ‘Red Dot: Best of the Best 2024’ award in the Design Concept competition of the esteemed Red Dot Design Award. Another model from the same series, the Space-Hub, also received recognition as a Red Dot winner in the competition.
The Honda 0 Series, which premiered at CES 2024 in the U.S. earlier this year, signifies a major transformation for Honda under its redefined Global Brand Slogan, The Power of Dreams, and reflects the company’s forward-thinking approach to electrification. The Saloon stands out as the flagship model, embodying Honda’s innovative “Thin, Light, and Wise” philosophy aimed at creating new value for EVs.
Saloon’s Key Design Features
The Saloon boasts a striking one-motion form, characterized by a line that smoothly rises from the front to the rear, paired with a low and wide exterior design. This design language conveys the vehicle’s suppleness and dynamism. The upright design of the side glass enhances the expansive side panel, while the narrowing shape toward the side sills accentuates the tires.
Inside, the Saloon offers a simple and intuitive human-machine interface (HMI), providing a sophisticated and seamless user experience. The sporty styling, combined with the vehicle’s low height, delivers a design that is both seductive and practical, offering more interior space than one might expect from its exterior appearance.
Space-Hub’s Key Design Features
The Space-Hub, another concept model in the Honda 0 Series, exemplifies Honda’s “M/M concept” and introduces new value for EVs as a versatile space for people. Adopting the “Thin, Light, and Wise” development approach, the Space-Hub features a spacious cabin and excellent visibility. It is designed to adapt flexibly to users’ needs, serving as a hub that connects people and fosters social interaction.
Mirroring the Saloon, the Space-Hub also incorporates a simple and intuitive HMI. The design follows the Honda 0 Series concept, “The Art of Resonance,” featuring bold and pure proportions that evoke fresh perspectives. The M/M concept ensures a large cabin space with a high degree of freedom and occupant comfort.
Comments from Honda’s Design Leadership
Toshinobu Minami, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Design Center at Honda R&D Co., Ltd., expressed pride in receiving the prestigious award. “We are pleased to be awarded the world-renowned Red Dot Award in the Design Concept competition, in addition to the awards we received in the Product Design competition, announced in April. We designed the Saloon, named the ‘Best of the Best,’ as a model that represents the major transformation of Honda, with the theme of achieving a ‘resonance with the environment, society, and customers’ and with an original design that differentiates the Saloon from other models from the first glance. We believe these awards are the result of receiving a high evaluation both for the design and the new value Honda offers. Honda will continue to create and offer mobility products that bring surprise and excitement to people’s daily lives.”
