Honda recently opened its new R&D facility in Silicon Valley, California. The firm’s Silicon Valley operation, which was first established in 2000, is charged with researching and prototyping game-changing innovations and harnessing new ideas and technology.

According to the firm, “current areas of focus include connected mobility, novel human-machine interfaces, supporting app developers through initiatives like Honda Developer Studio and computer science research for vehicle intelligence. Silicon Valley engineers also spearhead the company's working relationship with Silicon Valley-based technology companies.”

"As an industry, we are on the verge of some major transformational changes brought on by the convergence of what have been, to this point, largely disparate technology disciplines," said Honda R&D Americas President, Frank Paluch. "Honda will embrace and help lead this convergence. Our operations in Silicon Valley are a testimony to our focus on this new direction in our product and technology development efforts."

Leveraging technology created in Silicon Valley, the 2016 Accord will be the first Honda model and among the first high-volume cars in the marketplace to feature both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For model year 2016, the model will also feature Honda Sensing, the comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies that helps reduce driver workload and avoid or mitigate the severity of a vehicle collision.

In addition, Honda's Silicon Valley unit will spearhead a new initiative – Honda Xcelerator – designed to engage innovators and help them more rapidly commercialize breakthrough technologies. “The program provides funding for proof-of-concept prototyping and the opportunity to work directly alongside Honda engineers in Silicon Valley in a collaborative workspace, as well as pairing with Honda mentors. Innovators will also have the opportunity to pitch their technologies to Honda business units globally once their prototypes are developed, company officials said.