Softbank announced plans to acquire a controlling stake in Anthropic, a robotic firm currently owned by Google, as it looks to expand into the robotic industry. Toyota is also bidding for robotic companies as it sees opportunities in integrating robotics with existing products like its humanoid robot Pepper for elderly care applications in Japan. Honda faced early challenges establishing itself in the US motorcycle market in the 1960s as motorcycles were a niche product, but through localizing its business model and hiring local staff, it was able to slowly grow sales and become the number one motorcycle brand in the US.

1. Marketing Case #102

2. Overview of Industry
Japanese Internet conglomerate, Softbank announced
to deprive control robotic firm of Internet giant Google,
accompanied with Japanese academic venture Schaft.
Toyota was said also bidding to arm robotic industry, in
consequences, Softbank reckons prospect to integrate
existing human type machine, Pepper lasting decades
and expect future assimilation for advanced support in
Japanese aging market.
Honda Story 30th
First American challenges was hardships for them. It was pre-market
emergence in United States in terms of bike industry and pioneer push it
to new industry. Honda was also a member of this phenomenon against
motorization economy. In other words, whether bike maker positions will
be replacement or not, all up to their striving and accomplishment.

3. International deployment
Winning global market means not only No.1 worldwide, in addition bring
the fame to domestic market. Honda embodied his business philosophy
to yield product in emerging market and response demand timely.
Robust sales channel is one of strongest reason to expand their
automobile in each target.

4. Breakthrough in America
Foreseeing US market, Kawashima was landing on local style and
research into indigenous character. While he was in excessive
American motorization, bike seems to play subsidiary position with local
consumers in his eyes. However, Fujisawa decided to direct strategy
forward US market, envision to expand globally at that points.

5. Original Fundation
Honda has original schemes to establish original branch without
assistance of Japanese distributors. In physical market, second bike
business and service is key elements to localize so that made unique
contract. Despite of petition, it was strictly limited to deliver the money
outside market. In conclusion, Honda’s branch in LA commenced with
sunny days throughout year that better condition to bike drivers.

6. Malicious impression
At that time, bike driving is minority market in compare to 4-wheel
transportation, one-tenth Japanese sizes and 50 to 60 thousands
demand in a year. It worse, vicious impressions to bike riders with black
jackets, evaluated as out of motorization community. In general, it was
old-fashioned and dirty uncomfortable for consumers to visit the stores.

7. Starting business with 8 members
Honda hired 8 local members and networking with distributors and
merchants. It was first time to them, that have been dealing with Harley-
Davidson or European style, to operate Honda style motors. External
concept was not seemed to fit local consumer, but engine power
superior to other local markers. Although some merchants bought
sample machines, slow soaring sales.