Honda Cancels Market Launch of EV Models in North America
The Board of Directors of Honda Motor yesterday resolved to cancel the market launches and development of certain electric vehicle models that had been planned for production in North America, NA. As part of its strategic reassessment in response to the slowdown of the EV market in North America, the Company has decided to cancel the market launches and development of certain EV models that were previously planned for production in North America. As a result of reassessment of automobile electrification strategy including this decision, the Company now expects to record losses including impairment and write-off losses on tangible and intangible assets that were intended to be used for the production of EV models whose market launches and development have been canceled, as well as losses related to additional costs due to the cancellation of development and sales. In addition, due to a reassessment of recoverability prompted by intensified competition in China, the Company now expects to record impairment losses on certain investments accounted for using the equity method in China. The Company expects to record the following losses in the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026: Operating costs and expenses between 820B yen and 1,120B yen, Share of loss of investments accounted for using the equity method between 110.0B yen and 150.0B yen.
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- Brand Recognition vs. Trust Gap: Tesla, despite its high recognition in the EV sector, has a brand positivity score of -4, significantly lower than Toyota and Honda's scores of +20 and +16, indicating a critical lack of brand trust that could impact future sales and market share.
- Consumer Perception of FSD: When considering Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology, consumers are influenced not only by the technology itself but also by Elon Musk, with negative sentiment accounting for 14%, highlighting the close relationship between brand image and the leader's personal reputation.
- Safety Concerns and Opposition: Among feedback on FSD, 33% of consumers expressed safety concerns, while 17% indicated general dislike for Tesla, suggesting that these sentiments could affect potential customers' purchasing decisions and increase competitive pressure in the market.
- Risk of Brand Trust: As brand trust continues to lag while visibility remains high, Tesla faces increasing brand risk that could exacerbate its position in the EV market, particularly in an increasingly competitive landscape.
- Joint Development Halted: Honda and Sony have decided to cease their joint electric vehicle development due to significant losses at Sony Honda Mobility and legal and distribution challenges surrounding the Afeela model, indicating a drastic reduction in the feasibility of their collaboration.
- Strategic Shift Impact: Honda's adjustment of its EV strategy complicates continued cooperation, reflecting the necessity for companies to adapt swiftly to market demands and internal strategic changes in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.
- Joint Venture Background: Sony Honda Mobility was established in 2022 as a 50-50 joint venture aimed at leveraging Sony's strengths in imaging, sensing, software, and entertainment alongside Honda's automotive engineering and manufacturing expertise, yet changing market conditions have hindered this vision.
- Market Reaction: Honda's $15.7 billion write-down in its EV business has led to its first annual loss since 1957, highlighting the challenges and risks it faces in the electric vehicle sector, which may affect investor confidence in its future growth.

- Investment Appeal: Japan is becoming an attractive destination for investment due to improving business conditions.
- Focus on Profits: Companies are increasingly prioritizing profits and returning cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks.
- Impact of Currency: A weaker yen is contributing to enhanced earnings for exporters.
- Overall Economic Outlook: The combination of these factors is creating a more favorable environment for investors in Japan.
- e-Power Hybrid System: Nissan plans to introduce its new e-Power hybrid system in the U.S. market, which uses a traditional gasoline engine to generate power for electric motors, providing an all-electric driving experience and potentially enhancing Nissan's competitiveness in the hybrid market.
- Market Timing: With rising gas prices and slow EV adoption, Nissan's e-Power system is expected to meet consumer demands for fuel economy, as S&P Global Mobility forecasts hybrid sales to rise to 18.4% of new vehicle sales in 2023, a significant increase from last year.
- Powertrain Upgrade: Nissan has developed a more powerful 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine for the e-Power system to improve efficiency at higher speeds and enhance driving dynamics, aiming to attract consumers who are hesitant about traditional hybrids.
- Global Success: Since its debut in Japan in 2016, Nissan's e-Power system has sold over 1.6 million vehicles in nearly 70 countries, demonstrating its global success and potential for similar recognition in the U.S. market.
- New Hybrid System: Nissan plans to launch its new 'e-Power' hybrid system in the U.S., which uses a traditional gasoline engine as a generator to power electric motors, providing an electric driving experience and enhancing Nissan's competitiveness in the hybrid market.
- Timely Market Entry: With rising gas prices and slow EV adoption, Nissan's hybrid vehicles are expected to capture 18.4% of new vehicle sales in 2023, a significant increase from 12.6% last year, reflecting strong consumer demand for fuel efficiency.
- Enhanced Powertrain: Nissan has developed a more powerful 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine for the e-Power system to improve efficiency at higher speeds and meet American consumer expectations for driving performance, thereby increasing its market appeal.
- Global Success: Since its debut in Japan in 2016, Nissan's e-Power system has sold over 1.6 million vehicles in nearly 70 countries, demonstrating its global success and potential for similar achievements in the U.S. market.
- Rising Restructuring Costs: Honda, Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis face nearly $70 billion in restructuring costs aimed at pivoting away from EV strategies, yet the Iran conflict complicates market outlooks, prompting investors to reassess risks.
- Middle East Market Disruption: The conflict will directly impact automotive sales in Iran and complicate inventory distribution and supply chain management in the Middle East, posing significant risks especially for rapidly expanding Chinese automakers.
- Oil Price Surge Expected: With one-fifth of the world's oil supply passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian officials have indicated they will restrict passage, leading to short-term gasoline price increases that may push consumers towards EVs and hybrids, although this shift is still in its early stages.
- Consumer Behavior Changes: While rising gas prices may encourage consumers to consider EVs, the ongoing increase in new vehicle prices suggests that consumers are more likely to adjust their purchasing habits rather than make immediate large-ticket vehicle decisions, limiting overall demand changes in the short term.










