Honda Chief Engineer Annie Boh Named an Automotive News Rising Star
Automotive News recognized Honda Chief Engineer Annie Boh as a Rising Star in the U.S. automotive industry. Boh was instrumental in the creation of Honda’s new $124-million state-of-the-art wind tunnel located at the Honda Automotive Labs of Ohio (HALO) facility. The new wind tunnel is the world’s most advanced in three separate testing areas: aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, and racing. Now as a senior manager in the Reliability and Exterior Performance departments at Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC, Boh is responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of future Honda and Acura vehicles.
The Automotive News Rising Star awards annually honor automaker and supplier leaders, based in the U.S. and under the age of 45, who have the talent and dedication necessary to become the auto industry leaders of tomorrow. Boh was one of only 21 honorees from a variety of disciplines — from executive management to purchasing, engineering, mobility and design.
An aeronautical engineer by training, Boh has worked to improve aeroacoustics in Honda and Acura vehicles for nearly two decades, conducting research and development activities both domestically and globally. As a technical and management leader, Boh witnessed challenges Honda’s North American development teams encountered using third-party full-scale wind tunnel facilities, including cost and travel demands.
“Honda made an investment in people with the new wind tunnel facility, and locating it near our Auto Development Center in Ohio not only advances the capabilities of Honda engineers, it also relieves the stress and inefficiency associated with travel to third-party wind tunnels,” Boh said.
The HALO wind tunnel’s aerodynamic and aeroacoustic test capabilities will help increase the range and performance of future full-electric Honda and Acura vehicles, supporting the company’s efforts to continually advance from Honda’s current position as America’s most fuel efficient full-line automaker.
The facility also is available to non-Honda researchers and other customers as part of the company’s commitment to building relationships with other companies interested in aerodynamic and aeroacoustic research, supporting STEM activities, and sustaining the general aerodynamic community’s testing needs.
In Boh’s new role, she leads a team focused on developing future products, while simultaneously developing the skills and expertise of Honda associates.
“I want to continue to deepen the foundation of leadership among our management teams so we can reinforce critical thinking, rapid adaptability, and Honda values to continue to succeed in the future, especially as we transition to battery electric vehicles,” Boh said.