Honda targets hybrid EV leadership in the Thai market

Mr Iwanami says hybrid EVs are expected to become more popular in Thailand, easing motorists' concerns about long-distance driving.

Honda Automobile (Thailand) is intensifying its strategy to challenge the Chinese-dominated electric vehicle (EV) market, announcing plans to make next-generation hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) the cornerstone of its lineup.By 2029, the Japanese automaker expects nearly 90% of the cars it sells in Thailand to be HEVs, aiming to counter the rapid rise of Chinese battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which dominate the market.

Honda wants to promote its "e:HEV" technology, which combines an electric motor with a petrol engine that can switch between generating electricity and powering the wheels.

Honda president and chief executive Koji Iwanami said the system offers significant advantages, including automatic recharging while driving and reduced fuel consumption, making it a cost-effective alternative to BEVs.

"Honda expects the e:HEV to outperform BEVs. These HEVs will help Japanese car makers gain market share in Thailand from Chinese BEVs," Mr Iwanami said.