Honda Bringing Smiles to the Faces of Hospitalized Kids
Honda's latest initiative, "Project Courage 2.0," introduces the "Honda Shogo," an electric vehicle designed to transport young hospital patients, bringing joy to their challenging journey.
A Joyful Ride for Young Patients
Honda, known for its engineering prowess on the racetrack, has embarked on a heartwarming endeavor aimed at bringing smiles to young patients in hospitals. They've unveiled the "Honda Shogo," a specially designed electric vehicle (EV) for children aged 4 to 9. This miniature EV serves as a cheerful mode of transport, ferrying young patients to and from medical appointments within hospital corridors. With only 60 units in production, the Shogo is set to make its way to hospitals across the United States, turning hospital visits into delightful journeys.
Project Courage 2.0 Expands the Vision
The story of the Honda Shogo began with "Project Courage," which debuted in December 2021 when the first prototype graced the halls of the Children's Health of Orange County (CHOC). Today, Honda has taken this initiative a step further with "Project Courage 2.0." This expansion involves collaborating with Honda's dealer network in the US, allowing even more young patients to experience the joy of the Shogo during their hospital stays.
Engineering with Love
Every Shogo is a labor of love, meticulously designed, developed, and hand-assembled by Honda engineers. The production of these 60 kid-sized EVs is in full swing at Honda Performance Development (HPD) facilities in California, where the design continues to evolve. Hospitals in various US states, including Indiana and Ohio, have already received their first Shogo units, with more deliveries planned for the fall.
Combining Style and Functionality
Despite its diminutive size, the Shogo boasts several styling and engineering features reminiscent of Honda vehicles. Its open-air single-seater cabin includes mounts for medical equipment, a "toy bucket" frunk, easy-to-clean materials, and customizable license plates, adding a personal touch for young drivers.
The Power of Adaptation
Honda Racing Engineers have fine-tuned the Shogo since its initial prototype, enhancing its battery pack, steering wheel controls, and incorporating components from racing vehicles. With borrowed elements from IndyCar and Go Karts, the Shogo allows young drivers to control acceleration, steering, and braking using only their hands. Safety is paramount, with adjustable speeds and the option for adult supervision.
Spreading Joy to Hospitalized Children
Honda's mission with the Shogo is clear – to infuse the lives of hospitalized children with joy and laughter. Videos reveal the success of this endeavor, as young patients delight in driving themselves to appointments, transforming hospital visits into more enjoyable experiences. The distinctive yoke-shaped steering wheel adds an extra element of excitement, providing a memorable escape for children facing extended stays in a hospital environment. Honda's commitment to bringing joy to the young, echoing Britney Spears' hit "Stronger," demonstrates that they are truly "not that innocent."
