Honda has announced a significant shift in its business strategy, making hybrids the core of its operations. According to Honda America planning chief Gary Robinson, hybrids will now form the core of the automaker's business and are expected to overtake pure gas-powered vehicle sales later this decade. Acura's lineup will shift to be almost all hybrids, while Honda's showroom will be more selective on which vehicle gets which powertrain.
The company's decision to focus on hybrids comes after it bailed on its electric future and took a massive loss. This move is seen as a way for Honda to stay competitive in the market and meet the growing demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles. With the rise of electric vehicles, many automakers are shifting their focus towards more environmentally friendly options, and Honda is no exception.
In other news, Jeep has recalled 61,711 Cherokee SUVs due to a potential issue with the two-speed power transfer unit in the transmission, which may experience catastrophic failure. BMW is working on a less expensive Neue Klasse EV that will wear the 1 Series nameplate. Tesla has raised Model Y prices by $500 to $1,000. The 2027 Volvo EX60 lineup has been priced, with a 300-mile variant costing less than $60,000.
Congress is also considering a proposal that would require electric car owners to pay an annual fee of $130. Lawmakers argue that EV drivers should pay their fair share since they won't be paying a gas tax. However, many states are already charging EV drivers a fee to compensate for the lack of gas tax income. Volvo has confirmed that the now-dead EX30 will be replaced with an affordable, larger EV next year, which is expected to wear the EX40 badge.
Source: thedrive.com


