Honda to Cut Model Trim Options by Two-Thirds

Honda Motor Co. intends to shrink the number of trim options it offers worldwide by two-thirds by 2025.

The simplification will enable the company to hike global capacity utilization to 100% by 2020 from 90% today, according to CEO Takahiro Hachigo. He says the plan also aims to reduce worldwide production costs 10% by 2025 compared with 2018.

Hachigo explains that Honda won’t trim the number of nameplates it makes. But limiting the array of trim levels offered will speed product development and streamline production.

Those goals will be aided by a new global platform that Honda expects to debut next year. Hachigo says one objective will be to commonize about 70% of vehicle components not typically seen by owners.

Honda also plans to standardize its two-motor hybrid powertrain, called intelligent multi-mode drive, across its global vehicle product line. The company is targeting a 25% cut in the cost of the system by 2022.