The research and development arm of Honda (Honda R&D) has acquired all of the outstanding shares of California-based app developer Drivemode to further strengthen the brand’s digital and connected mobility products.
Drivemode develops and operates smartphone-based connected services, specializing in the development of the user interface and cloud-based technologies. Honda R&D and Drivemode have been collaborating and conducting joint development activities since 2015, when the startup took part in the Honda Xcelerator program.
“Since Drivemode began working with Honda in 2015, our entire company has been inspired and impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit driving Honda’s engineering and product development,” said Yo Koga, CEO of Drivemode. “Guided by our shared culture of innovation and transformation, we are proud to join Honda as their first startup acquisition. With the support of Honda, the Drivemode team can have a lasting impact on actual vehicles and drivers around the world at scale. Our focus has always been on providing safe, meaningful software solutions for drivers, and with Honda’s hardware capabilities, we can continue innovating on mobile-based technology for connected cars and motorcycles.”
Toshihiro Mibe, president and representative director of Honda R&D, added, “As a step toward the realization of value creation for mobility and enhancing people’s daily lives, which is an integral part of Honda’s 2030 Vision, we decided to further enhance our collaborative relationship with Drivemode. We are confident that new value creation will become possible when Drivemode’s outstanding human resources, innovative software technologies and extensive experience as a venture company are combined with Honda’s product development technology and capabilities.”
