2017 was a great year for Honda Malaysia. The Civic continued to be a C-segment favourite, while the BR-V, City, and Jazz were huge hits and the CR-V returned in a big way with Honda Sensing and a Turbo engine. From what we can gather, there may be another launch coming up before the year’s end and it sounds like a very impoRtant one.
But what can Malaysians expect from their favourite non-national brand in 2018? Well, Honda has announced that they’re shifting their strategy globally. For the sake of the planet, their vision is to electrify more and more of their vehicles.
In a group interview with Honda Motor Co.’s CEO & President Mr. Takahiro Hachigo, we learnt about the company’s strategy for the region.
Honda’s Vision 2030 is all about giving customers the joy of expanding their life’s potential and to lead efforts to create a carbon-free society. 2/3 or 65% of Hondas sold will be electrified by 2030.
However, in our part of the world, electrification is an uphill battle. We can’t expect fully electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to be purchased here. But what Honda are planning is to expand their hybrid offerings locally.
This makes sense. Of the 65% of elecrified cars that Honda is planning to sell, 50% of them will be hybrid, 15% will be electric and fuel cell vehicles.
Malaysia is very special to Honda. Honda may sell more cars in other markets, but in terms of market share, Malaysia is pretty high. Malaysians love the Honda brand, and in turn, Honda is pushing their latest and greatest tech and production capabilites our way.
So, in 2018, what models will be introduced in Malaysia? No official announcement was made, but our GUESSES are as follows:
An update HR-V with a hybrid powertrain. It would be very interesting if this was the ONLY powertrain on offer.
The debut of Honda’s Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) in the Accord and Odyssey models.
The introduction of more i-DCD compact hybrid models like the new Freed.
Of course, we could be completely off the mark, but Mr. Hachigo indicated that for our region, hybrid and plug-in hybrids are what the industry will shift toward in the next decade.
And for enthusiasts looking for the sporty side of Honda, they Type R will be there to deliver. And if you want more sportines, make your voices heard by voting with your wallets and Honda will get to work.
