Honda Chief Engineer Goes Viral for Hairstyle, Formerly Led EV Dynamic Tuning
【PCauto】With a hairstyle that looks just like a character from a Japanese anime, Honda’s chief engineer Shotaro Odate has caught a lot of attention online. Back in May 2024, Japanese media first picked up on him because of his unusual look.
Recently, Shotaro Odate has gone viral again, this time in China, where people are fascinated by his distinctive hairstyle and his role at Honda. With all the buzz, Honda China officially invited him to respond to the growing public interest on social media.
Shotaro Odate Responds to Hairstyle Buzz on Chinese Social Media
When Shotaro Odate brushed aside his signature thick bangs in front of the camera, smiled, and said in Chinese, “Thank you all for your attention,” he was quietly reshaping the typical image of engineers in his own way.
The striking contrast between his relaxed hairstyle and his role as a precise automotive safety engineer quickly caught fire on social media worldwide. But what started as curiosity about his looks soon turned into respect for his technical skills. Shotaro Odate’s expertise in automotive engineering shines far brighter than his hairstyle.
“I just kept the naturally fluffy look my hair gets when I wake up in the morning. It feels unique,” Odate casually explained the origin of his much-talked-about hairstyle in the video.
Shotaro Odate Used to Led Honda’s ADAS Project
Shotaro Odate joined Honda in 2003, starting his career working on basic safety components like seat belts and non-contact seat belt buckle switches. Over time, he steadily built up his technical expertise. In 2013, he shifted his focus to passenger state detection technology for autonomous driving. By January 2015, he officially took the lead on Honda’s ADAS project, marking a key phase in the company’s tech development.
Under his leadership, the team developed a groundbreaking 360° all-around sensing system that delivers “zero blind spot” safety through advanced multi-sensor fusion technology. This revolutionary innovation became what is now known as the Honda SENSING 360+ system, which has become a new benchmark for safety tech in the industry.
The system is featured on key models like the Accord and Inspire. Statistics show that vehicles equipped with this system have an accident rate that is 1.8 times lower than the industry average.
Shotaro Odate Had a Short-Term Assignment in China
The Chinese market holds a special place in Odate’s technical career. While based in Wuhan and Guangzhou, he played a key role in chassis tuning and dynamic performance development for two SUV models: the Honda e:NS1 and e:NP1.
On social media, Odate shared, “Chinese consumers’ awareness of intelligent safety features has far exceeded our expectations.” Today, the Honda SENSING 360+ system he leads is fully installed on Honda models sold in China. The system’s market penetration is expected to grow 47% year-on-year in 2024.
“Technology that can’t save lives is meaningless,” he said. For him, the ultimate goal of advanced safety tech is that “nothing happens.”
When asked about the link between his hairstyle and innovation, Odate smiled and said, “It’s not about how your hair stands up, but whether your mind keeps coming up with ideas to protect lives.”
Odate’s Casual Hairstyle Belies His Exceptional Technical Expertise
Looking at Shotaro Odate’s technical achievements, he holds more than 250 patents in key areas like steering sensors, advanced braking systems, and intelligent seat belts. He has also published nine influential papers in the field of automotive safety. Behind these impressive accomplishments, Odate admits he often works out to manage the stress from his demanding job.
Shotaro Odate’s proudest fitness achievement is bench pressing 170 kilograms for five reps in a row. A decade of training has built not only his muscles but also the mental toughness needed to face technical challenges. “Whenever I hit a bottleneck in algorithm testing, I head to the gym for a few sets,” Odate shared in an interview. The 170-kilogram barbell has become his unique ritual for breaking through technical hurdles.
Odate’s rise to fame followed a clear path: first catching attention with his distinctive look, then opening up about his personal story, engaging with the public, and finally sparking widespread online discussion and buzz. His journey reveals not just a different kind of engineer but also highlights Honda’s strength in technology development and innovation.
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2025 Proton X50 launched for 5 days and has received 8,000 orders, with 999 units delivered
RobertAug 01, 2025, 03:53 PM
[PCauto] Malaysian automaker Proton officially launched the brand-new 2025 Proton X50 on July 24, 2025, gaining record-high market traction. This compact SUV achieved a record-breaking delivery of 999 units within just five days.
Before the official price announcement, orders had already exceeded 5,000 within 10 days and quickly climbed to 8,000 thereafter.
Proton had prepared inventory in advance.
The company stated that it had built up stock ahead of time to ensure delivery efficiency. Proton’s factory in Tanjung Malim has produced 2,000 units of the new model and plans to continuously increase production capacity to reduce customer wait times. By adding a third production line, the factory’s monthly output has risen to 4,500 units, effectively addressing the backlog of orders.
The Appeal from Its Core Upgrades
The powertrain has been upgraded to a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque. After ECU tuning and optimization, fuel efficiency has improved by 5%, registering just 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers.
In addition, the intelligent features have been comprehensively upgraded. The entire lineup now comes standard with Level 2+ advanced driver assistance systems, including new traffic jam assistance and automatic lane change functions. The central touchscreen has been upgraded to 12.3 inches and is equipped with the latest PROTON OS 3.0 system, supporting in-car 5G connectivity and OTA updates.
A standout feature of the new model is the voice recognition system named “Aisyah.” Developed jointly by PROTON’s tech subsidiary ACO Tech, this system is the first to support Malay language recognition and can adapt to local accents and dialects. During development, the team collected over 4,000 variations of Malay voice commands to ensure high accuracy.
Named “Aisyah” to create a sense of warmth and familiarity, the system will be further optimized via OTA updates, with plans to add male voice options and support for other languages in the future.
Compared to the 2018 PROTON X70’s old system, which only supported English, this upgrade marks a breakthrough in PROTON’s localization innovation.
To boost sales, PROTON is offering a limited-time promotion:
Customers who purchase between July and August 2025 can enjoy 5 years of free maintenance and access low-interest loans with rates as low as 1.99% APR through designated banks.
Pricing for the 2025 PROTON X50 includes three variants:
·Executive: MYR 89,800
·Premium: MYR 101,800
·Flagship: MYR 113,300
Additionally, PROTON is offering cash rebates worth a total of MYR 4,000 to the first 10,000 buyers.
Since its launch in October 2020, the Proton X50 has sold over 140,000 units in Malaysia, becoming the most popular B-segment SUV. To consolidate this success, Proton has rolled out marketing campaigns targeting younger consumers. The company has also partnered with the annual Anugerah Melodi Terhangat awards, planning to present a brand-new Proton X50 as a prize during the finals on August 3, 2025.
Proton’s global expansion strategy is also underway: in March 2025, the right-hand drive version of the X50 was launched in Pakistan, while the left-hand drive version is planned to enter the Middle East market in 2026, further expanding the brand’s reach.
Overall, the strong sales performance of the 2025 PROTON X50 highlights PROTON’s leadership in the Malaysian market. Its efficient delivery capacity and extensive upgrades have earned widespread consumer favor. With increased production capacity and global expansion, PROTON is poised to sustain this momentum and deliver a high-quality driving experience to more customers.
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Proton Saga Interior Review: Affordable Yet Stylish for Everyday Use【PCauto】The Proton Saga has been a household name in Malaysia since 1985. Known for its affordable pricing and reliable performance, it remains a top choice for budget-conscious drivers. As an A-segment sedan, the Proton Saga delivers strong value across key areas like comfort, safety, and everyday practicality. Whether you’re commuting to work or heading out with the family, the Proton Saga interior offers just enough space and features to keep things simple and efficient.WilliamJul 17, 2025Honda Chief Engineer Goes Viral for Hairstyle, Formerly Led EV Dynamic Tuning【PCauto】With a hairstyle that looks just like a character from a Japanese anime, Honda’s chief engineer Shotaro Odate has caught a lot of attention online. Back in May 2024, Japanese media first picked up on him because of his unusual look. Recently, Shotaro Odate has gone viral again, this time in China, where people are fascinated by his distinctive hairstyle and his role at Honda. With all the buzz, Honda China officially invited him to respond to the growing public interest on social media.RobertJul 31, 20252026 Toyota Hilux Interior Unveiled, and It’s Giving Prado Vibes【PCauto】Patent images and spec sheets of the 2026 Toyota Hilux have surfaced online, hinting at a major interior overhaul for the world’s best-selling pickup. While the new Hilux will stick with its proven mechanical platform, Toyota seems ready to shake things up inside the cabin. The refreshed Hilux is expected to hit Southeast Asian showrooms in the first half of 2026.JohnAug 6, 20252025 Proton X50 launched for 5 days and has received 8,000 orders, with 999 units delivered[PCauto] Malaysian automaker Proton officially launched the brand-new 2025 Proton X50 on July 24, 2025, gaining record-high market traction. This compact SUV achieved a record-breaking delivery of 999 units within just five days.Rober
2025 Proton X50 Facelift Debuts with New 1.5L Four-Cylinder, Priced from RM89,800
AshleyJul 28, 2025, 04:12 PM
【PCauto】Proton has officially unveiled the refreshed 2025 X50 compact SUV. The key change is a new 1.5L four-cylinder engine that replaces the previous three-cylinder across the entire lineup.
Faster Acceleration, Better Fuel Efficiency
The new 1.5L inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine, codenamed i-GT, is paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. It produces 181 PS and 290 Nm of torque. Officially, the X50 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than its predecessor. Thanks to recalibration, the transmission also helps improve fuel efficiency by 4.7%. The powertrain comes with a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
Three Trim Levels Available
The 2025 Proton X50 comes in three variants: Executive, Premium, and Flagship.
Here are the prices for each variant:
Executive – RM89,800
Premium – RM101,800
Flagship – RM113,800
Updated Exterior and Interior Design
The X50 gets a fresh, sportier look for 2025. All variants now come with LED full-width taillights and automatic rain-sensing wipers as standard. Premium and Flagship models add 18-inch alloy wheels and red brake calipers. The Flagship stands out with a two-tone exterior and a sport-style rear spoiler.
Inside, all trims come with a 14.6-inch floating touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An 8.08-inch digital instrument cluster is also standard. The Premium adds 72-color ambient lighting, while the Flagship gets a panoramic sunroof and a dual-tone interior.
All Models Get Standard L2 Driving Assist
The base model comes with lane change assist and rear collision warning. The Premium adds adaptive cruise control and lane centering. The Flagship goes a step further with automatic parking assist.
Safety features include six airbags and a 180-degree transparent chassis view. All variants have earned a five-star rating from ASEAN NCAP.
More Than Just a Facelift
The Proton X50 has seen major changes this time. Beyond the switch to a four-cylinder engine, both the exterior and interior have been significantly updated.
Since launching in 2020, the X50 has sold over 130,000 units. This mid-cycle refresh boosts competitiveness with powertrain upgrades and new features like standard smartphone connectivity across all trims.
Proton also rolled out a special purchase offer. Buyers who register their cars before October 31 can enjoy a RM4,000 cash discount and a five-year loan with a low interest rate of 2.35%. Dealers report that orders on the launch day already hit 30% of the previous model’s average monthly sales. The first deliveries are scheduled for August, and the X50 is set to maintain its lead in the B-segment SUV market.
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