Honda Targets More Green Models, Improved Product Development

By 2030, Honda Motor Co. expects two-thirds of its global vehicle sales will come from models with alternative propulsion systems. Such vehicles currently account for about 5% of Honda’s total sales.

President Takahiro Hachigo tells reporters in Tokyo the next-generation vehicles will include a mix of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, all-electric and fuel cell-powered models.

Plug-in hybrids will play a key role in the plan with an all-new model due to launch in North America by 2018. This will be followed by plug-in hybrid variants of Honda's “major” models and an overall increase in the number of such vehicles in subsequent years, Hachigo says.

Honda will launch its new Clarity fuel cell car next month in Japan. Hachigo reiterated the company’s 2020 target to launch a next-generation model using technology it is co-developing with General Motors Co. 

The company also aims to streamline its research, product development and manufacturing operations. This includes creating new product development and design leadership positions within the company’s six regional teams.

Hachigo says the goal is to create more exciting and attractive vehicles, improve overall vehicle integration, boost quality and speed the development and decision-making processes. Honda plans to announce specific management assignments for production, purchasing, quality, service and sales within the regions later.

Honda also plans to increase output at its underutilized Japanese plants to produce more models for export. The company began shipping Fit minicars to North America last year and will do the same with the Accord Hybrid midsize sedan later this year. The Civic compact car and CR-V crossover may be added to the export list if demand warrants.

Meanwhile, the carmaker is preparing to export CR-V and HR-V crossovers from Japan to Europe. At the same time, Europe will serve as the export hub for the new Civic hatchback that will be introduced next week at the Geneva auto show.

In the U.S., Honda will add production of the Acura MDX next year to its East Liberty, Ohio, facility. It will continue to build the MDX at its Lincoln, Ala. plant. Honda’s Canadian operations will focus on building the CR-V small crossover for North America. It no longer will export that model to Europe.

Production in China will be expanded with the introduction of several new models, including a Honda-badged large crossover/SUV and an Acura compact crossover.