Honda Motor aims to double its global sales of hybrid cars to 1.3 million vehicles per year by 2030, from 2023 levels, to provide a “bridge” until vehicles fully Electric vehicles are becoming more widespread, the Japanese automaker said Wednesday.
Starting in 2026, Honda will begin installing new, more fuel-efficient hybrid systems for compact and mid-size models, revising engines, platforms and control technologies, the company said.
Demand for gasoline-electric hybrid cars is growing, particularly in North America, Honda’s top-selling market, as the expansion of electric vehicles slows.
EVs face a tougher environment in the United States as President-elect Donald Trump plans to scale back support, Reuters reported.
While Honda maintains its goals of increasing EV production to more than 2 million by 2030 and selling only EVs and fuel cell vehicles by 2040, it aims to improve hybrids as short-term pillar for the American market, an approach similar to that of its rival Toyota.
“Hybrid vehicles will serve as a bridge until electric vehicles become mainstream,” Katsuto Hayashi, head of Honda’s automotive operations, said at a news conference.
“Toyota’s Prius may come to mind when you think of hybrids, but I think we can change that,” Mr. Hayashi said. He added that Honda has no plans to change its development and investment strategies in response to Trump’s policies.
By using more parts shared between models, Honda will reduce costs and double gross profit per vehicle for hybrid models at U.S. production sites after 2027, it said.
Honda doesn’t disclose specific fuel efficiency targets, but aims to achieve levels “comparable to or better” than top hybrid rivals, said Koji Ninomiya, the head of its automotive development center.
In China, where foreign brands are battling competition from local EV makers such as BYD, Honda is focusing on EVs but will also launch next-generation hybrids.
The hybrid car sales target for 2030 does not include the Chinese market, Honda said.
