Honda Shogo Brings Delight of Driving To Pediatric Hospitals Across the United States

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When considering Honda, one may associate it with the powerful sound of a Formula 1 vehicle or the dependable nature of a modest Civic. However, delve into the charitable initiatives of the company, and you’ll stumble upon a different type of conveyance deserving of applause. With the Honda Shogo, the car manufacturer has discovered a method to bring solace and happiness into the lives of hospitalized children and their families.

The Shogo by Honda is an electric ride-on machine constructed for young patients in hospitals ranging from four to nine years old. This battery-operated vehicle features a solo seat and mirrors the design elements of Honda’s contemporary road vehicles. It offers an adjustable speed spectrum from 1 to 5 mph and showcases a user-friendly steering system tailored for juvenile drivers. The Shogo boasts sleek surfaces intended for straightforward cleaning and a customizable bracket for license plates to enable children to add their individual touch to the transport.

The name “Shogo” originates from a Japanese term that signifies “soaring towards the future.” It is operated using a straightforward go/stop mechanism on the steering wheel and includes a toy storage compartment at the front for ferrying additional stuffed animal passengers. There is also a rear grip bar that allows nurses or caretakers to push the vehicle, and an attachment for an IV pole for practical purposes.

This initiative was launched by Honda in collaboration with regional dealership associations. Shogo was conceptualized and assembled by the engineers at Honda Performance Development (HPD), the same squad responsible for Honda’s racing ventures in North America.

Internally referred to as Project Courage, the initiative stemmed from the development of the original Honda Shogo vehicle in December 2021. The inaugural model was crafted and delivered to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, California, by a small team of volunteers. Witnessing the favorable impact it had on the children and their families, it was only logical to expand the program to additional hospitals across the country.

The original blueprint underwent an 18-month transformation into a production-ready format by HPD’s race engineers. Enhancements focused on enhancing the Shogo’s robustness and safety while boosting its performance levels. Engineers also integrated subtle nods from actual race cars, such as steering shaft washers and front knuckle bearings inspired by IndyCar, and steering mechanisms from Honda-powered go-karts. Additionally, the HPD team incorporated a horn system on the Shogo that produces an array of cheerful tunes.

Honda

Honda aims to produce a total of 60 units, with the initial production models dispatched to Akron Children’s in Akron, Ohio, and Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana. Additional Shogo ride-ons are en route to more children’s hospitals this autumn. “Each person at Honda who contributed to Shogo has been profoundly moved by the project, so HPD’s involvement in crafting a memorable experience for these children during a stressful hospital stay is immeasurable for our team,” stated Kelvin Vu, Vice President at HPD.

Essentially, it is a commendable initiative from Honda to inject some positivity into the world. It is heartening to witness these youngsters reveling behind the wheel, especially as it aids them in navigating difficult times. Kudos to all those involved.

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