Honda keeps it simple with GEAR

If you can remember that first fixed gear bicycle you had as a kid, you know that nothing on wheels could be easier to operate.

And it’s that kind of simplicity that Dave Marek, design director at Honda R&D Americas, Inc., wanted to impart in the GEAR Concept Study that made its world debut at the 2013 Montreal International Auto Show. GEAR will now make its way across Canada to other auto shows, such as those in Toronto and Calgary, and will eventually be displayed in the U.S.

“Subcompact cars are usually either utilitarian, but uninspiring, or they’re fun, zippy cars that are impractical and too expensive for Gen-Y buyers,” said Marek. “GEAR tears down those walls – it’s practical but fun, customizable, connected and affordable.

“It all started when we asked ‘why don’t we do a car like we used to – simple?’” Marek said. “It’s purely a design study and wasn’t meant to be part of the Honda lineup, but who knows?”