Honda president to step aside following record vehicle recalls

Tokyo

HONDA Motor Co's Takanobu Ito will step aside as president of Japan's third-largest carmaker after quality lapses led to record vehicle recalls last year.

Mr Ito, who has headed the company for six years, will become an adviser, though he'll remain on Honda's board, the maker of the Accord sedan said in a statement. Mr Ito, 61, will be replaced by managing officer Takahiro Hachigo, 55, with the changes occurring in June, according to the company, which was planning to hold a briefing later to discuss the changes.