All articles tagged with #honda
Honda built a 1997 single-seater called the Side-by-Side with its engine mounted directly next to the driver to compress the polar moment of inertia and balance weight, delivering exceptionally slide-controlled handling and serving as a skill-building tool rather than a track record setter.
Honda posted a 423 billion yen ($2.68bn) annual loss—the worst since its 1957 listing—driven by EV investments, but the company says the figures won’t affect Honda Racing Corporation or its F1 program. Honda is pausing an $11bn Canada EV/battery venture and softening earlier EV-share targets while F1 engine talks consider a future with a more prominent internal-combustion element, including a potential V8 powered by sustainable fuels by around 2031.
Facing a 28% drop in US EV sales and a $9 billion write-down that marked Honda’s first annual loss, the automaker plans a major pivot to hybrids, reallocating resources, retooling plants for hybrid production, and launching 15 hybrid models by 2030—most aimed at North America—while restructuring battery plans and regional strategies.
Honda unveiled hybrid Accord and Acura RDX prototypes, launching 15 next-gen hybrids by 2030 and shifting resources away from EV goals, with cost reductions, upgraded ADAS, and production reallocations to boost hybrids—while expanding kei-car EVs in Japan and reevaluating its EV strategy by 2030.
Honda posted its first annual loss since 1955, reporting a 403.3 billion yen ($2.6B) net loss for the year ending March after a 1.6 trillion yen ($10B) write-down on its EV investments. The hit came as US policy shifts—namely the end of the $7,500 EV tax credit and looser emissions rules—dented EV demand, pushing Honda and peers to pivot back toward profitable gasoline trucks/SUVs while forecasting further EV-related write-downs. GM also faced EV charges but remained profitable; Ford and Stellantis posted losses amid retrenchment in electrification. The industry remains committed to EVs, but faces tougher rules in Europe/Asia and rising competition from Chinese EV makers.
Honda and Acura teased next-generation hybrid prototypes with a new platform, promising over 10% better fuel efficiency. The Honda sedan and Acura SUV are set to go on sale within two years, primarily in the US as part of a broader North American push. Honda aims for 15 hybrid models by 2030 and expects cost reductions with a new powertrain, funded by about 4.4 trillion yen (~$28B) for hybrids/gas models, plus roughly 0.8 trillion yen (~$5B) for future EVs; meanwhile, several EVs were canceled and Honda will continue EVs in Japan/Asia while reassessing the US strategy.
Honda reported about a $2.55 billion operating loss for the fiscal year ending March 2026 due to costly EV initiatives, canceled three planned North American EV launches, and warned EV losses may continue into 2027. Yet its motorcycle division is expected to return Honda to operating profitability next year, making two-wheel bikes the company’s financial stabilizer as affordable, high-volume transport remains crucial in emerging markets.
A Honda media trip in Japan shows Kumamoto’s domestic factory where CRF motocross bikes are assembled on a fast-moving production line, capable of about 1,100 units per day, with workers and checks ensuring quality. The visit also includes the Honda Racing Corporation HQ and the Honda Collection Hall, highlighting Honda’s manufacturing heritage and passion for motocross.
In Suzuka's first practice for the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen's Red Bull, equipped with aero upgrades, was seventh-fastest as drivers navigated Spoon's tailwind. Williams' Alex Albon had a difficult session, going off track, hitting the wall at Degner Two, and spinning after a collision with Sergio Perez. Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad finished eighth and tenth, sandwiching Esteban Ocon in Haas. Jak Crawford drove Fernando Alonso’s car for a mandatory young-driver day and ended 22nd, just over a second behind Lance Stroll. Honda outlined engine-vibration improvements ahead of its home race, while Aston Martin introduced an aero upgrade including a new engine cover and front-of-floor furniture.
Honda and Sony’s SHM joint venture has halted development of the Afeela 1 sedan and canceled the planned Afeela SUV after Honda’s broader EV strategy changes; pre-production had begun and deliveries were anticipated, but both models will not reach market as the partners review SHM’s future direction.
Sony and Honda’s joint venture SHM is discontinuing the Afeela 1 sedan and the unnamed SUV concept, citing Honda’s recalibrated EV strategy and a lack of a viable path forward. SHM will refund customers who deposited $200 to reserve an Afeela, and the company says it will continue discussions about its future plans amid a broader EV pullback.
Sony-Honda Mobility is stopping development of its Afeela electric vehicles after Honda overhauled its EV strategy, refunding reservations and offering no clear path to market. The JV had planned California deliveries of Afeela 1 later this year and a second model by 2028, but Honda’s writedown and strategic reassessment leave the project in limbo; Sony says the move is not expected to materially affect its finances and discussions about future plans with Honda continue.
An overview of how major motorcycle brands balance innovation and market fit, detailing Honda's DN-01 flop and Gold Wing success, BMW's R1200C misstep versus the R 1300 GS, Harley-Davidson's AMF-era Sportster against the FXR revival, Ducati's Indiana disaster versus the Panigale V4 R, Suzuki's TL1000 problems versus the Hayabusa, and Kawasaki's H2 750 widowmaker versus the Ninja H2R.
Honda says rumors it will end Prologue production in December are unfounded and the Prologue remains in its lineup. Built on GM's Ultium platform in Mexico, the model is part of Honda's broader EV retreat as demand wanes after incentives ended, following cuts to other EV programs (including the Acura RSX and the ZDX) and ahead of a projected multibillion-dollar loss, with a shift toward hybrids.
Honda is canceling the planned launches of three EVs (the Honda 0 SUV, Honda 0 Saloon, and Acura RSX) as it reassesses its EV strategy amid U.S. policy shifts and rising competition from China. The company will refocus on hybrids, warns of record losses for the year ending March 2026 with operating expenses projected at 820 billion–1.12 trillion yen and total costs potentially reaching 2.5 trillion yen. The move contrasts with peers pursuing volume EVs, while Honda cites a tougher competitive environment and consumer concerns as key headwinds.