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In the wake of a series of recalls for the Honda Jazz in just a year's time, Honda has appointed the company's first-ever executive solely dedicated to quality reformation, according to Automotive News Europe. The latest one involves the petrol-powered Jazz and N-WGN models as well as hybrid variants of the Jazz and Vezel. A total of five recalls have now been issued by the company.

Senior managing officer Koichi Fukuo will now be in charge of overseeing the charge to improve slipping quality problems that have plagued the company in recent times. Apart from that, Koichi has also been appointed as the vice president, effective from November 1, of Honda R&D Co. - a semi-autonomous division.

The issues were cited by Honda as "noise-related defects" that affected the earlier mentioned models. A total of 183 cars overseas will also be recalled for the same problem, however, Fit a.k.a. the Jazz, models in America are not affected. Earlier recalls were of a more significant issue, however.

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A malfunction in the power control unit and the ignition coil due to electrical interference could, in a worst care scenario, cause the engine to shut down involuntarily. The total number of affected units amount to 426,076 - of which, 251 from abroad are involved. Thankfully, no reports on any injuries stemming from this issue has been reported.

President Takanobu Ito (pictured above) will take a 20% cut of his salary for the next three months. Following in his footsteps are chairman Fumihiko Ike - who will take 10% out, and executive vice president, Tetsuo Iwamura who will surrender 10% as well for the next three months. All in all, a total of 12 Honda executives will stand responsible with a cut from their salaries.

As a result of this, product delays are expected with production of the Honda HR-V at its new plant in Mexico scheduled to undergo a major quality reviewing process. "We are doing very strict checks on quality worldwide, and that is why we are taking time to launch models," said Honda spokeswoman Yuka Abe.