Mr. Tran Duy Dong, Chairman of the Vinh Phuc Provincial People’s Committee, received Ms. Sayaka Arai, newly appointed General Director of Honda Vietnam. Also in attendance were leaders of several relevant departments and agencies in the province.
Mr. Tran Duy Dong, Chairman of Vinh Phuc People’s Committee, receives the Honda Vietnam delegation led by new General Director Sayaka Arai
In April, Honda Vietnam announced the appointment of Ms. Sayaka Arai as its new General Director, effective April 1, 2025, succeeding Mr. Koji Sugita, who held the position from 2023 to 2025.
Prior to her assignment in Vietnam, Ms. Sayaka Arai was President of Honda Philippines for two years. Joining Honda Motor (Japan) in 1999, she has held various positions at the company, ranging from HR and sales staff to Director of Honda Motor China Investment Co., Ltd. (2018-2019).
In March 2019, Ms. Arai returned to Honda Motor Japan to serve as Director of Sales Division No. 2, overseeing the motorcycle business and electrified products.
Expressing her gratitude to the provincial leadership for their ongoing support, timely assistance, and responsiveness to business challenges, Ms. Sayaka Arai noted that despite general market difficulties, Honda Vietnam has continued to achieve optimistic business results. Currently, the company holds approximately 86% of Vietnam’s motorcycle market share. With a focus on both automobiles and motorcycles, Honda Vietnam is working to introduce more advanced, electrified and eco-friendly models to help reduce emissions in use. The firm recently rolled out an electric motorbike model manufactured in Vinh Phuc, marking a significant milestone in its electrification journey and commitment to sustainable development in Vietnam. On this occasion, she also proposed several policy recommendations, including adjustments to the special consumption tax on hybrid vehicles and the establishment of a clear roadmap and standards for electric vehicles.
Congratulating Ms. Sayaka Arai on her new role, Chairman Tran Duy Dong expressed his belief that, with her experience and reputation, she will make significant contributions to the growth of Honda Vietnam in general and to Vinh Phuc province in particular.
Acknowledging and appreciating Honda Vietnam’s contributions to the province’s socioeconomic development, especially in social welfare and traffic safety programs, he encouraged the company to soon develop a roadmap and production plan for hybrid cars, electrified products, and premium motorcycle and automobile models at its Vinh Phuc plant. He also urged the firm to increase the localization rate of its products.
Reaffirming that all investors in Vinh Phuc are considered local citizens, and that the success of businesses is the success of the province, Chairman Dong emphasized the province's commitment to supporting investors and fostering a transparent and enabling business environment for all investors, including Honda Vietnam. Regarding the company’s proposals and recommendations, he affirmed that the province would study them and submit them to the National Assembly and the Government as soon as possible.
By Le Hien, Vietnam Business Forum
Vietnamese
