Honda Motor Co. named Takanobu Ito, an expert in auto development with experience in the United States, as its new president Feb. 23 in an apparent effort to aim for a turnaround under fresh, younger leadership.

Ito, 55, senior managing director overseeing auto operations, will replace Takeo Fukui.

The change at Honda, part of a minor reshuffling of its board, still needs shareholders' approval at a meeting in June.

Through Ito's appointment, Honda appears to be sending a message of its determination to turn over a new leaf and press ahead with technological innovations — its longtime strength — in battling the global slump and aiming for a turnaround.

Ito said he would continue in Fukui's footsteps in developing ecological and affordable products such as the hit Insight hybrid.

"Honda's strength has been its sensitivity to changing times and responding quickly to customer needs," he told reporters at Honda's headquarters. "My job is to come up with products that can pave the way for new times."