| Honda | |
|---|---|
| |
| Client | |
| Is a Real Company/Brand | |
| Status | Current Client of Grey |
| Episode(s) Featured in: |
The Chrysanthemum and the Sword |
Overview[]
Honda Motor Company, Ltd. is a Japanese multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles. Honda would grow to be the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles by 1964. The previous year they had launched their first four-wheeled vehicles, the T360 pickup and van and the S500 sports car on the Japanese home market.
Relation to SCDP[]
In 1965, Honda was looking at other firms to do business with, including Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce and Cutler, Gleason, and Chaough. Roger killed any potential deal they could have made with Honda by launching into an anti-Japanese tirade after arriving at their meeting late, a move that Pete attempted to keep him out of the meeting entirely.
SCDP decided to turn the tables on CGC by convincing them to surpass Honda's ground rules involving a 3,000 dollar limit and a promise to not show any finished products by pretending SCDP was shooting a commercial. In fact, all SCDP had done was rent an empty studio set and ride a motorcycle around for a few hours, creating the illusion they were actually filming. By convincing CGC to create a commercial, Don was able to feign disgust with the Honda executives, returning their 3,000 dollars and telling them SCDP was not interested in taking part in their business.
This move impressed the Honda execs, informing SCDP that they had a shot at Honda's automobile account. ("The Chrysanthemum and the Sword")