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Why Toyota and Honda would get hit hardest by Trump's Canadian auto tariffs

In something of an unexpected consequence, Japanese automakers Toyota and Honda have more to lose than any US automaker from President Trump's threatened tariffs on Canadian-built vehicles.

(finance.yahoo.com)
Honda Motor Co. announced that its P2 humanoid bipedal robot has been recognized as an official IEEE Milestone, marking the company’s second such recognition after its Electro Gyrocator navigation system.

Introduced in 1996, the P2 robot was acknowledged for its breakthrough in achieving natural, human-like walking through advanced control technologies, as well as for pioneering the concept of robots designed for social and assistive roles beyond industrial use.

The recognition highlights P2’s lasting impact on robotics development, with its technologies later forming the foundation for Honda’s ASIMO and influencing broader advancements in humanoid robotics, including applications in mobility, remote operation, and space technologies.

Source: Honda

Production, Sales and Export Results for March, 2026 | Honda Global Corporate Website

Honda Motor releases Production, Sales and Export Results for March, 2026

(global.honda)
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it will discontinue automobile sales operations in South Korea by the end of 2026 as part of a strategic shift to optimize resource allocation and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

The decision reflects changing market conditions in both the global and South Korean automotive sectors. Despite exiting car sales, the company will continue to provide after-sales support, including maintenance, parts supply, and warranty services for existing customers.

Honda will maintain its presence in the country through its motorcycle business, which will remain its core focus, with plans to enhance product offerings and customer experience in that segment.
Sony Group, Honda Motor, and their joint venture Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) announced a strategic shift, deciding to scale down SHM operations following a reassessment of their electric vehicle plans. The move comes after the companies discontinued development and launch of the AFEELA 1 model and a second planned vehicle in March 2026.

The partners said that, under the current structure, it would be difficult to bring products and services aligned with SHM’s original vision to market in the short to medium term. As a result, they will review the joint venture’s framework and reduce its activities, with employees expected to be reassigned to parent companies where possible.

Despite the scale-down, Sony and Honda reaffirmed their commitment to mobility innovation and said they will continue exploring new forms of collaboration, particularly focusing on software-driven user experiences and advanced driver assistance technologies as the industry evolves.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda) will begin sales in Japan tomorrow (April 17, 2026) of the all-new Honda Insight, a new EV passenger model.
Tokyo, April 1, 2026 — Honda Motor announced it has made Gachaco a consolidated subsidiary after subscribing to new shares through a third-party allotment.

Following the transaction, Honda’s ownership stake in Gachaco increased to 47%, reinforcing its control over the joint venture focused on battery swapping infrastructure for electric motorcycles. Gachaco, originally formed with partners including ENEOS Holdings, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor, and Kawasaki Motors, operates battery swapping stations primarily in Tokyo and Osaka.

Honda said the move will accelerate the expansion of battery-sharing networks and support broader adoption of electric mobility by addressing charging time and range concerns. The company also plans to extend the service to applications such as electric construction equipment and offer infrastructure solutions for corporate fleet customers.

The investment aligns with Honda’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and strengthen the ecosystem supporting electric motorcycles through scalable battery infrastructure.
Honda launches startup to commercialize desert sand-based road materials

31 March 2026 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the establishment of PathAhead Co., Ltd., a startup emerging from its IGNITION new business creation program, focused on developing innovative construction materials for road infrastructure.

The new venture has developed “Rising Sand,” an artificial aggregate made from desert sand, designed to deliver higher durability and consistency compared to traditional natural materials. Roads built with this material are expected to last more than 20 years—double the lifespan of conventional roads—while reducing lifecycle costs by around 60%.

PathAhead plans to begin demonstration testing in Kenya in 2027, followed by trials in Tanzania and South Africa, with a goal of launching mass production at a dedicated plant in Kenya by 2028. The initiative targets Africa’s infrastructure gap, where low road durability and limited paved road coverage continue to constrain economic growth.

The project also addresses global resource challenges by offering a sustainable alternative to natural aggregates such as sand and crushed stone, leveraging locally available desert sand to ensure cost efficiency and supply stability.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reported mixed production and sales results for February 2026, with global output declining despite gains in Japan and North America.

Worldwide production fell 5.0% year-on-year to 270,008 units, as strong growth in Japan (+8.7%) and North America was offset by sharp declines in Asia, particularly in China.

Domestic sales in Japan dropped 5.2% to 54,415 units, marking the 11th consecutive month of year-on-year decline, reflecting continued weakness in the home market.

In contrast, exports from Japan surged 99.3% to 8,974 units, driven by strong growth to Europe and other regions.

Overall, the data highlights uneven performance, with international production challenges and weak domestic demand partially balanced by improving export activity.
Honda Motor announced plans to expand motorcycle production capacity in India by adding a third production line at its Tapukara plant in Rajasthan, with operations scheduled to begin in 2028.

The new line will have an annual capacity of 670,000 units, increasing the plant’s total capacity to 2.01 million units. The expansion involves an investment of approximately ₹15 billion and includes the acquisition of 74,000 square meters of land, while also creating around 2,000 new jobs.

The facility will produce 125cc and 160cc motorcycles and scooters, supporting growing demand in India. Honda also plans to expand capacity across its other plants, targeting a total production capacity increase in India from 6.25 million to 8 million units by 2028.
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02-05-25The Investor