Honda Product Leader Named 2026 Automotive News Rising Star

August 18, 2026 by Honda
• Jody Suzuki, Honda senior vehicle planner, recognized for leading development of the all-new 2026 Passport and Passport TrailSport, which enjoyed record sales in 2025
• Suzuki’s first-hand off-road experiences bring authentic customer insight to adventure-ready vehicle development
Jody Suzuki, a senior vehicle product planner for the Honda brand, has been named a 2026 Automotive News Rising Star in the U.S. automotive industry. Suzuki was honored for advancing the rugged direction of the Honda light-truck lineup, particularly the all-new 2026 Honda Passport and Passport TrailSport, which set an all-time sales record in 2025, its first year on the market.

Taking on the challenge of leading product planning for the all-new 2026 Honda Passport, as well as the refreshed 2026 Honda Pilot, Suzuki began taking her own off-road expeditions to understand what customers want and need from their adventure-ready vehicles. Her leadership helped shape the 2026 Passport TrailSport into one of the brand’s most off-road-capable SUVs ever, earning its first Car and Driver 10Best award, while increasing U.S. Passport sales nearly 70% with TrailSport models representing over 80% of the sales mix.

Suzuki joined American Honda Finance Corporation in 2010, where she developed a strong understanding of customer purchasing behavior and dealership finance operations. She transitioned to American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in 2017, joining product planning with a focus on accessories. Her customer-focused perspective now helps translate customer needs into capable, confidence-inspiring products.

The annual Automotive News Rising Star award recognizes emerging leaders under the age of 45 who are addressing some of the biggest challenges across the automotive sector with their exceptional talent and commitment to innovation. Suzuki is one of 18 honorees recognized this yearacross multiple disciplines, including executive management, engineering, mobility, purchasing and design.

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of clean, safe, fun and connected vehicles sold through more than 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The award-winning Honda lineup includes the Civic, Prelude and Accord, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport, Prologue and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan. The Honda hybrid vehicle lineup, representing nearly a third of total sales in 2025, includes the all-electric Prologue SUV, hybrid-electric Accord, CR-V, Civic, and Prelude.
Honda has been producing automobiles in America for over 40 years and currently operates eight major auto manufacturing facilities in America. In 2025, nearly 99% of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, with 60% made in America, using domestic and globally made parts.