Honda Executive Bob Nelson Named Automotive News All-Star for Leadership in Honda Sustainability Efforts

November 25, 2024 - MARYSVILLE, Ohio

• Bob Nelson honored in Sustainability category for leading comprehensive efforts in North America toward the global Honda goal of zero environmental impact by 2050
• Executive vice president serves as chair of the Honda North American Environmental Committee

Bob Nelson, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM), has been named the 2024 Automotive News All-Star in the Sustainability category. Nelson was recognized for his leadership as Honda works toward the company's global goal of zero environmental impact by 2050. Nelson will be honored along with other industry leaders for making a significant impact on their companies and the industry at large, at the Automotive News All-Stars awards event on December 9, 2024.

Honda is pursuing its challenging 2050 environmental goal through a Triple Action to Zero approach, which includes carbon neutrality, use of 100% clean energy, and resource circulation - the use of 100% sustainable materials by reprocessing products back to raw materials and reusing those materials in the creation of new products. As the chair of the Honda North American Environmental Committee, Nelson provides leadership and strategic direction to 13 different working groups across North America focused on advancing the company's sustainability efforts.

"It is an honor for me to lead this companywide effort that involves an incredible team of creative and passionate Honda associates who are working to realize our goal of zero environmental impact," said Nelson. "This is a huge challenge, but working across Honda, from procurement to manufacturing to life-cycle management of our products all the way to vehicle end-of-life, demonstrates the shared commitment of Honda associates to advancing sustainable solutions."

Nelson also has been instrumental in the establishment of the Honda EV Hub in Ohio that will build Honda and Acura battery electric vehicles beginning in late 2025. This includes a new joint venture EV battery facility being established in Ohio by Honda and LG Energy Solution, and the retooling of three Honda auto production facilities.

"We are transforming our manufacturing facilities not just to build EVs, but to make our production processes more sustainable," said Nelson. "We are fundamentally reimagining our approach to manufacturing to create a production environment with more human-friendly and environmentally responsible processes and materials."

Nelson has helped to advance the company's environmental initiatives throughout his career, emphasizing collaboration and teamwork as essential to achieving Honda goals. After joining Honda in 1987 as a purchasing associate at the Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio, Nelson was involved in creating the first sustainability award for Honda suppliers and has played a pivotal role in numerous initiatives that have advanced Honda's North American operations and carbon-and waste-reduction efforts.

He later served in manufacturing roles, including as president of the Indiana Auto Plant and as a leader of Honda auto manufacturing operations in Ohio. In his current role as executive vice president of AHM, Nelson oversees all business operations for the company, including sales and marketing, corporate affairs, and human resources. Nelson's ability to bring together cross-functional teams has been central to his work, as he continues to guide Honda sustainability initiatives and efforts to lead the automotive industry toward a more sustainable future.

About the Honda Commitment to the Environment
Honda is transforming its operations to realize its global goal of zero environmental impact by 2050. Through its "Triple Action to Zero" approach, Honda aims to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities; utilize 100% carbon-free energy; and pursue resource circulation, the use of 100% sustainable materials by reprocessing products back to raw materials and reusing those materials in the creation of new products. Toward this goal, Honda will strive to make battery-electric and fuel cell-electric vehicles represent 100% of auto sales globally by 2040.

To reduce the environmental impact of its business operations, Honda is offsetting CO2 emissions from its North American manufacturing operations through long-term virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for carbon-free wind and solar power that seek to cover more than 60% of the electricity Honda uses in North America. Honda also supports its suppliers and independent dealerships across North America to incorporate environmentally responsible business practices through the Honda Green Excellence Program and Honda Environmental Leadership Program, respectively.

Learn more at https://www.honda.com/environment.

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