There is little question that Japanese auto manufacturer, Honda does a lot of things right.  To appreciate an example of its savvy, one has to look no further than Hondas’s recent announcement to include government crash safety ratings on window stickers of its 2006 model cars.  This accomplishment, the first of its kind, allows shoppers to make more informed choices about the safety of cars they are considering for purchase.

Thinking outside-the-box is not a new thing for the creative geniuses at Honda.  However, thinking was recently taken to a new level when designers created a vehicle from a dog’s point of view.  Yes, you read it correctly.  Honda recently unveiled its “wonderful openhearted wagon” better know as the W.O.W. concept vehicle to reporters, and will include it as part of an exhibit at the Tokyo auto show later this month.

Although the company has no plans to make the concept car available for sale to the public anytime soon, it toyed with the idea of making man’s best friend comfortable because approximately one fifth of Japanese households now own a dog. 

According to sources which put this story on the radar, the car’s features include “removable, washable, rollout flooring and wide sliding doors to keep dogs happy.” 

Designers of the concept car also considered ways to protect pets in the event of an accident.  Large dogs can be belted in much like passengers in a special seatbelt secured to the floor.  Smaller dogs can ride in a crate that folds out from the back seat floor area or in a special crate built into the car’s glove compartment.

In today’s crazy world it is always encouraging to write about positive ideas that are just too “doggone” good to let go unnoticed.  If the public gets wind of this and the idea catches on, who knows, we may see kitty-friendly Toyotas featuring seat material lightly scented with catnip and built-in litter boxes in the rear floor area. 

Find additional information in the links below:

Honda Rolls Out Dog Mobile
CBS News

Honda Designs New Car that Caters to Canines
The Japan Times

Honda Announces Automobiles and Motorcycles to be Displayed at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show
Japan Corporate News / JCN Newswire

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The content expressed on this website and in the article above represents the opinions of David A. Williams. Williams is neither an attorney nor public insurance adjuster, but is an expert, consultant, and writer specializing in the field of automotive collision repair and valuations. The information provided herein is not intended to be a substitute for legal or insurance advice. Because collision repair is a continually evolving science, any text, materials or links found herein are provided without claim or guarantee to their accuracy or completeness.