Jon Ikeda Explained

Jon Ikeda
Birth Date:31 July 1965
Birth Place:Tokyo, Japan
Alma Mater:Art Center College of Design
Occupation:Senior Vice President, Honda Racing Corporation USA
Nationality:American
Known For:Design of Acura TL (UA6/UA7)

Jon Ikeda (born July 31, 1965) is an American automobile designer and executive. He currently serves as senior vice president of Honda Racing Corporation USA. He previously served as vice president and brand officer of Acura.[1] [2]

Early life and education

Ikeda, a Japanese American born in Tokyo, immigrated to the United States in 1978, and grew up in Glendale and Pasadena, California.[3] [4] [2] In 1989, he graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, with a Bachelor of Science in industrial design.[5] [1]

Career

In fall 1989, Ikeda was hired by Honda, working at the automaker's advanced design studio in Tokyo.[1] While in Japan, he contributed to the design of the award-winning 1991 Honda FS-X concept, as well as the first generation Acura RL.[1] [5]

In 1995, he was relocated to Honda R&D Americas.[5] Upon returning to the United States, he was named design project leader of the 2001 Honda Civic coupe, and was lead designer of the 2004 Acura TL, the best-selling Acura model of all time.[1] [5] In his role as chief designer and division director, Ikeda was instrumental in the construction of the Acura Design Studio in 2007.[5]

In July 2015, Ikeda was promoted to vice president and general manager of Acura.[3] In his new role, he was credited with reinvigorating the Acura brand with a renewed focus on design.[5]

On April 1, 2019, he was named brand officer of Acura.[1]

In April 2024, he was named senior vice president of Honda Racing Corporation USA.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Media Newsroom – Jon Ikeda . . April 22, 2024.
  2. Web site: New Grand Prix Title Sponsor Acura Seeks To Reenergize Its Brand And The Race . Long Beach Business Journal . 8 April 2019 . August 27, 2021.
  3. Web site: A designer boss may be just what Acura needs . . 31 July 2015 . August 27, 2021.
  4. Web site: The InEVitable Podcast Episode 46: Jon Ikeda, Car Designer and Vice President of Acura . . June 1, 2023 . November 12, 2023.
  5. Web site: Behind the Scenes at the Acura Design Studio . Core77.com . August 27, 2021.