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Tag: honda

  • Toyota and Honda Face Factory Closures Under Proposed 50 per Cent US Tariff

    Toyota and Honda Face Factory Closures Under Proposed 50 per Cent US Tariff

    Toyota and Honda face potential plant closures in Canada after US President Donald Trump proposed doubling import tariffs on Canadian-built vehicles to 50 per cent.

    The two Japanese manufacturers assemble more than three-quarters of all light vehicles produced in Canada, making them the most exposed automakers to the cross-border levy.

    Canadian shipments represent 24 per cent of Honda’s US sales volume and 17 per cent of Toyota’s deliveries, according to Barclays data. Key export models include the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V, two of the top-selling sport utility vehicles in the American market. If implemented on Jan 1, 2027, the duties would force both companies to alter production networks that took decades to build.

    Rebuilding the North American Footprint

    Existing US tariffs cost Toyota approximately 1.4 trillion yen in the 2025 financial year. In response, the group committed up to $10 billion over five years to expand its manufacturing footprint inside the US, including a $3.6 billion assembly facility in Texas that will take over production of the Tacoma pickup truck from Mexico.

    Honda faces a steeper hurdle because its automotive unit is still working through a turnaround plan. The company has put plans for an eighth North American assembly facility on hold while talks over the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement remain unresolved. South Korea’s Hyundai reported similar delays to its regional capital spending in 2025.

    Squeezed Between US Tariffs and Chinese EVs

    The border friction hits Japanese manufacturers at a weak point in their global operations. Chinese electric vehicle makers led by BYD have eroded market share for Japanese brands across Southeast Asia, Australia and Latin America, leaving North America as the primary profit engine for both Toyota and Honda. With Chinese brands barred from the US market, defending North American market share is essential for Tokyo’s automotive sector.

    Redirecting Canadian output to alternative export destinations presents structural problems. Assembly lines in Ontario build vehicles configured specifically for US safety and emissions rules, while alternative factories across the Pacific already run close to maximum capacity.

    Negotiations over the USMCA framework continue ahead of the planned Jan 1, 2027 tariff implementation date, with Japanese parts suppliers holding off on capital allocation until trade terms are finalized.

  • Honda Unveils Exclusive Naked Bike in Vietnam, Priced at $21,000 – A Must-See for Enthusiasts!

    Honda Unveils Exclusive Naked Bike in Vietnam, Priced at $21,000 – A Must-See for Enthusiasts!

    Four Honda CB1300SF Final Edition motorcycles made in Japan have been imported and are on sale at around VND550 million (US$21,000). In an exciting development for motorbike enthusiasts, four rare Honda CB1300SF Final Edition motorcycles have been imported into Vietnam, each priced at approximately VND550 million (US$21,000). These are part of the final production run, with only 3,400 units crafted in February before Honda concluded the model in response to evolving exhaust regulations.

    A Tribute to a Legend

    The CB1300SF Final Edition pays homage to the revered CB1000SF, a model that played a crucial role in establishing the Honda CB series as a global favorite in the 1990s, earning a devoted following among riders. As if Honda has sent a love letter to its fans, this motorcycle blends nostalgia with modern engineering.

    Timeless Design Meets Modern Performance

    The CB1300SF sports an upgraded design, retaining its iconic look while boasting an engine displacement of 1,300cc. It features a long, streamlined seat and elevated handlebars that ensure a comfortable riding experience. With a 21-liter fuel tank proudly displaying the Final Edition badge, this bike signifies not just closure but also celebration, offering 113 horsepower at 7,250 RPM.

    Riding Dynamics That Cross Generations

    While competitors in the market target younger riders with sporty designs, the CB1300SF speaks to a broader demographic, drawing both younger enthusiasts and seasoned riders with its classic aesthetic and relaxed riding dynamics. It’s a bike that says, “Age is just a number; let’s hit the road together!”

    Questions & Answers

    What makes the Honda CB1300SF Final Edition a special motorcycle?
    The Honda CB1300SF Final Edition is part of the last production run before Honda discontinued the model due to new exhaust regulations, making it a rare collector’s item and a tribute to the beloved CB1000SF.

    What are the key features of the CB1300SF Final Edition?
    This motorcycle features a nostalgic design with modern performance upgrades, including a 1,300cc engine, comfortable seating, and a distinctive Final Edition badge, all contributing to its appeal across different age groups.

    Why did Honda decide to discontinue the CB1300SF model?
    Honda discontinued the CB1300SF as part of its compliance with stricter exhaust regulations, marking the end of an iconic model that has captured the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts for decades.

  • Honda Set to Rev Up Vietnam with the Exciting Launch of ADV 350 Scooter!

    Honda Set to Rev Up Vietnam with the Exciting Launch of ADV 350 Scooter!

    Honda is set to introduce its ADV 350 touring scooter in Vietnam, a model that enthusiasts previously had to source through private importers. Anticipation is building as shipments are scheduled to commence by the end of this quarter, with Honda dealers now accepting deposits for what promises to be a thrilling addition to the Vietnamese market.

    This new arrival boasts a 330cc engine and will be imported from Honda’s factory in Thailand, marking a significant step for the brand, as this adventure-style scooter will not be available in Japan.

    The Honda ADV 350. Photo by courtesy of Honda

    The smaller counterpart, the ADV 160, has already made its debut in Vietnam through private import channels, paving the way for its larger sibling.

    With a sturdy design that measures 2,200 millimeters in length and 1,430 millimeters in height, the Honda ADV 350 offers an impressive 11.7-liter fuel tank. Weighing in at 188 kilograms, it features a smart key system, LED headlights, and a five-inch TFT display. Riders can look forward to enhanced control thanks to its inverted front fork and single disc brakes equipped with anti-lock braking.

    Adding to its innovative features, the ADV 350 incorporates an adjustable front windscreen and a spacious 48-liter storage compartment, complete with a Type-C charging port for those who refuse to unplug from the modern world. Under the hood, this scooter is powered by a liquid-cooled, 330cc SOHC engine capable of delivering 28.8 horsepower and 31.8 Nm of torque. One can’t help but wonder if it’s the perfect companion for urban commutes or weekend escapes through the Vietnamese countryside!

    While the price remains a mystery for now, previous imported units have ranged from VND250-300 million (approximately US$9,500-11,000), hinting at a competitive position against the Yamaha XMax 300, which retails for VND140 million.

    Questions & Answers

    What distinguishes the Honda ADV 350 from the ADV 160?
    The Honda ADV 350 is a larger touring scooter with a 330cc engine, whereas the ADV 160 is a smaller variant that has already been available in Vietnam through private imports.

    How does the ADV 350 enhance rider experience?
    The ADV 350 features an adjustable windscreen, smart key system, LED headlights, and a TFT display, offering a blend of comfort and advanced technology for both urban commuting and adventure riding.

    What is the anticipated impact of the ADV 350 on the Vietnamese scooter market?
    With its robust design and premium features, the ADV 350 is expected to create stiff competition for models like the Yamaha XMax 300, potentially reshaping consumer preferences in the market.

  • Thailand’s Car Sales Surge Back to Life After Nearly Two-Year Decline

    Thailand’s Car Sales Surge Back to Life After Nearly Two-Year Decline

    Domestic car sales in Thailand experienced a glimmer of hope in April, marking a 1% year-on-year increase—the first boost in nearly two years, as reported by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). This slight recovery comes as a welcome surprise amid a string of declines in both vehicle production and exports.

    Ongoing Challenges in Vehicle Production

    Despite the uptick in sales, production figures told a different story. In April, car manufacturing dipped by 0.4% from the previous year, totaling 104,250 units. This marks the 21st consecutive month of declining production, following a relatively steep 6.1% drop in March. Meanwhile, the export of vehicles fell by 6.3% compared to the same period last year, although this decline represents a gentler decrease than the 14.9% seen in the prior month.

    Thailand’s Role in the Automotive Landscape

    As Southeast Asia’s premier auto manufacturing hub, Thailand plays a crucial role as an export base for some of the globe’s leading car manufacturers, including heavyweights like Toyota, Honda, and China’s BYD. While car sales may be on the rise, the industry continues to grapple with production challenges—proving that the road to recovery is still a winding one. Who knew car sales could be just as turbulent as a roller coaster ride!

    Questions & Answers

    What factors contributed to the rise in car sales in Thailand?
    The increase in car sales is attributed to growing consumer demand, providing a much-needed boost after an extended period of decline.

    How has production been affected recently?
    Car production fell by 0.4% in April compared to the same time last year, marking the 21st straight month of decreased output.

    What is Thailand’s position in the automotive sector?
    Thailand remains Southeast Asia’s largest automotive production center and serves as an export base for major car manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, and BYD.

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  • Honda Sees Impressive Growth in Motorcycle and Auto Sales Across Vietnam

    Honda Sees Impressive Growth in Motorcycle and Auto Sales Across Vietnam

    Honda Vietnam is riding a wave of success, announcing substantial sales growth for April across both its motorcycle and automobile divisions. The figures reveal an impressive year-on-year increase of 6.9% in motorcycle sales and a remarkable 18.9% in car sales, showcasing the brand’s resilience in a dynamic market landscape.

    Motorcycle Sales Break New Ground

    In April alone, Honda Vietnam sold an astonishing 170,986 motorcycles, marking the kickoff of the 2025–2026 fiscal year on a high note. Despite lingering market uncertainties, this robust figure signals a steady appetite for motorbikes among consumers. Honda isn’t just making waves domestically; the company exported 17,953 motorcycles to various international markets, underscoring its expanding global reach.

    Automobile Segment Booms

    The automobile sector also celebrated a spectacular performance, with 2,142 units sold in April—a dynamic increase of 18.9%. This surge reflects a lively recovery in the domestic automobile market, highlighting the effectiveness of Honda’s product strategies and innovative marketing campaigns. The company’s incentive programs have clearly struck a chord with consumers eager for quality and reliability.

    As Honda continues to throttle forward, one can only wonder what new heights await. Will they unleash a surprising new model? Only time will tell!

    Questions & Answers

    What were Honda’s motorcycle sales figures in April?
    Honda Vietnam sold 170,986 motorcycles in April, reflecting a 6.9% increase from the previous year.

    How many motorcycles did Honda export in April?
    The company exported 17,953 motorcycles to various international markets last month.

    What was the sales performance of Honda’s automobile segment?
    In April, Honda sold 2,142 automobiles, which marks an impressive 18.9% increase year-on-year.

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  • Honda unveils first made-in-Vietnam electric scooter

    Honda unveils first made-in-Vietnam electric scooter

    Honda has launched its first electric scooter produced in Vietnam, the ICON e:, after years of dominating the gasoline-powered motorbike segment.

    The bike was introduced to the media on Thursday and will hit the market early next month, when its prices will be revealed.

    Last year the Japanese giant had said the ICON e: would be sold for under VND30 million (US$1,170), not including the price of the battery pack.

    With its main target customers being students, it has an LCD screen, a 26-liter trunk and a USB charger since.

    Honda said the bike could travel 50 kilometers on a single charge. Its 1.3-kilogram battery is removable and can be charged separately within 7.5 hours.

    Its maximum speed of 49 kilometers per hour means it can be ridden by people without a driving license.

    Honda’s new offering is set to intensify competition in the electric two-wheeler market where VinFast, Yadea, Pega, Dat Bike, and Selex are offering a variety of products, mostly targeting young customers.

    Honda first entered Vietnam in 1996, and its slow and steady development strategy means it now accounts for 70-80% of the motorbike market.

  • Honda Vietnam recalls nearly 2,700 CR-V Hybrid

    Honda Vietnam recalls nearly 2,700 CR-V Hybrid

    Honda Vietnam announced that it will recall 2,695 CR-V e:HEV RS hybrid SUVs (CR-V Hybrid) from Nov. 25 to examine and replace defective high-pressure fuel pumps.

    The affected vehicles were manufactured in Thailand between August 24, 2023, and September 11, 2024. Honda Vietnam imported and distributed those vehicles in Vietnam.

    Honda Vietnam has urged car owners to bring their vehicles to authorised dealerships for inspection and repairs. The replacement process expected to take approximately 30 minutes per vehicle.

    Although there have been no recorded cases of safety issues due to high-pressure fuel pump defects occurring in the Vietnamese market, Honda Vietnam recommends that for the benefit and safety of customers and passengers, customers should quickly bring their vehicles to Honda Automobile Distributors for inspection. The cost of inspection or replacement of affected parts will be paid by Honda Vietnam.

    The Honda CR-V e:HEV RS is a popular hybrid SUV in Vietnam. It was first available in Vietnam on October 25, 2023 and sold at VND1.26 billion (US$49,557). In the first ten months of 2024, Honda Vietnam sold 1,359 CR-V Hybrid.

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  • Honda recalls 221 of its most expensive motorcycles for faulty fuel pump

    Honda recalls 221 of its most expensive motorcycles for faulty fuel pump

    Honda Vietnam is recalling 221 of its two most expensive motorcycles, the CBR1000RR Fireblade and Gold Wing, for faulty fuel pumps that could cause their engine to stall.

    The 74 CBR1000RRs and 147 Gold Wings were manufactured in Japan between September 2017 and March 2023 and imported to Vietnam.

    Due to changes in production methods, the faulty fuel pump impeller could get deformed, preventing fuel from flowing into the engine, Honda Vietnam said.

    This could make starting the engine difficult and potentially cause the vehicle to shut down, it said.

    While no accidents have been reported in Vietnam due to the defect, the company advised owners to bring their vehicles to authorized dealers to get them fixed, a task that should take around an hour.

    The recall started on March 29 and will go on for two years.

    CBR1000RRs were once previously recalled in April 2022 for faulty oil cooler pipes that could overheat and melt, causing oil leakages.

    The CBR1000RR is currently priced at VND1.05 billion (US$41,400) and the Gold Wing at VND1.23 billion ($48,500).

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  • 2024 Honda Dream arrives from Cambodia

    2024 Honda Dream arrives from Cambodia

    A motorbike dealer has just imported a batch of the latest model of the Honda Dream, an iconic vehicle that was all the craze a few decades ago.

    Previously the bike used to sell for VND100 million (US$3,970), while the new one is marked at $2,500 in Cambodia, from where they are imported.

    The Dream was a classic vehicle near and dear to many generations of Vietnamese, but was discontinued long ago in many countries, leaving Cambodia the sole manufacturer in Southeast Asia.

    The 2024 model retains its nostalgic long, sleek body with the name “Dream” etched right beneath its rear seat handle. However, the traditional square panels are replaced with more low-key rounded ones, a design choice that does not sit well with the majority of Vietnamese bike enthusiasts due to the striking similarity to SYM motorbikes.

    The Dream utilizes a combination of imported and locally produced parts.

    Honda and Yamaha are the two largest imported motorbike brands.

    Some dealers speculate that the new Dream, like the previous Wave 125i imported from Thailand, will fetch a hefty VND80 million, twice the price of similar models assembled locally.

    With a barely noticeable difference in horsepower, technology or design priced like a premium automatic or performance motorcycle, the 2024 Honda Dream will have a hard time attracting young customers who usually lean toward sleek and modern designs.

    It will likely only attract wealthy collectors nostalgic for the good old days.

  • Honda Vietnam’s automobile, motorbike sales drop in October

    Honda Vietnam’s automobile, motorbike sales drop in October

    Honda Vietnam has revealed that its retail sales of motorcycles and automobiles in October dropped by 7.5% and 15.9% respectively compared to previous month due to market difficulties.

    In the reviewed period, Honda Vietnam sold 180,881 motorbikes, with 18,452 exported and 2,148 automobiles of all kinds.

    In the fiscal year of 2024 (from April 2023 to March 2024), the company has posted sales of 1,171,108 motorbikes, marking a year-on-year decrease of 12.9%.

    It has sold 12,850 automobiles of all kinds in the fiscal year, a decline of 27.3% over the same period in fiscal year 2023.

    The Honda City sedan continued to be its best-seller with 751 units sold, followed by Honda CR-V and Honda BR-V with 477 units and 468 units, respectively.

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  • Honda To Pull The Plug On Car Sales In Russia In 2022

    Honda To Pull The Plug On Car Sales In Russia In 2022

    Honda Motor Company has said that it won’t be supplying new cars to its authorized dealers in Russia in 2022 as the company is trying to restructure its operations. The Japanese automaker has confirmed that it would keep its presence in the Russian market with motorcycle and power equipment sales only. The news comes after a drastic drop of 50 percent in its sales operations last month in Russia.

    Even in India, Honda has shut down its Greater Noida plant and has shifted its entire production unit to the company’s other facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan. The carmaker has said that it has realigned its production operations “to maintain sustainability by leveraging production and supply chain efficiencies.” From this month, the manufacturing operations for vehicles and components will happen at the Tapukara plant for all domestic sales and exports. Until last month, the Greater Noida plant produced models like the Honda City sedan, CR-V SUV, and the Civic sedan. While the transition will see the production of the City move entirely to the Tapukara unit, at present, the company has also stopped the production of its flagship models, the Civic sedan and CR-V SUV.

    As far as the Russian market is concerned, Honda does not have any manufacturing unit in Russia, unlike its other Japanese counterparts like Toyota and Nissan. All Honda models are sold as CBUs in the Russian market, and the carmaker sold just 79 units last month. Its sales from January to November were down by 15 percent at 1,383 units, while over 1.3 million new cars were sold in Russia during that period.

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  • Honda raises motorbike prices across the board

    Honda raises motorbike prices across the board

    Honda Vietnam has hiked the prices of most motorbikes following an increase in costs, the biggest hike being of VND2 million ($85).

    The price of the Vision 110cc, its best-selling automatic model, has risen by 1.37% to VND37.09 million.

    The Air Blade 125cc, a powerful city motorbike favored by men drivers, is up 1.62% to VND43.99 million.

    The LEAD, a vehicle known for its large storage space, has seen its price go up by 1.16% to VND43.59 million.

    The SH350i, Honda’s most expensive city motorbike, is up 1.32% to VND152.49 million.

    With global economic trends affecting the parts market, costs have increased, Honda said.

    Last year Vietnam’s biggest motorbike seller saw sales grow by 20.9% to 2.4 million units, accounting for 80.7% of the market.

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  • Honda Vietnam’s motorcycle, automobile sales continue to drop in February

    Honda Vietnam’s motorcycle, automobile sales continue to drop in February

    Honda Vietnam has reported its fall in motorcycle and automobile sales at 36.8% and 7.3% respectively in February.

    That is the second month in a row the company recorded sale falls after seeing a growth of nearly 19% for motorcycles and 62% for the automobile last December.

    In February, it sold 140,669 motorcycles, down 36.8% compared to the previous month. Specifically, the sale of Wave Alpha – its best-seller semi-automatic model, decreased by 42.6% compared to that in January.

    Similarly, Vision – its best-seller scooter model – also saw a sales decrease of 34.9%, and Winner X clutch 27% compared to the previous month.

    Previously, the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM) forecasted that the Vietnamese motorcycle market had entered a period of saturation and was shifting from manual transmission motorbikes to automatic ones. Currently, the automatic transmission motorbike lines account for more than 45% of the market share and will be a strongly growing segment soon when Vietnam’s per capita income increases.

    In February, Honda Vietnam also exported 23,917 motorcycles.

    Meanwhile, the Japanese manufacturer last month sold 1,385 automobiles, down 7.3% from the previous month. Honda City and Honda CR-V continued to be the two best-selling models of Honda Vietnam with 1,235 vehicles, accounting for 89.2% of its total car sales in February.

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  • Honda Motorcycles And Scooters India Twitter Page Hacked

    Honda Motorcycles And Scooters India Twitter Page Hacked

    The official Twitter account of Honda Motorcycles and Scooter India was hacked over the weekend. The company today put out a statement on social media asking people to stop any interactions with its Twitter handle until further notice and disregard any posts or communications on the page since Sunday, March 5. The company also said it contacted Twitter to re-establish control of its account.

    A look at the official Twitter handle of HMSI shows that the page has since lost the blue tick that identified it as the official handle as well as dropped the profile image. The link to the official website has since been rand another while the latest retweeted story is to a third-party NFT page. Similarly, the section under likes are filled with tweets of third-party art creator pages.

    Honda has said it is looking to re-establish its control over its Twitter account as soon as possible.

    The company has recently been teasing a new motorcycle for the Indian market. The new model is expected to sit in the 100cc commuter segment and be called the Shine. The model is set to be launched in India on March 15.

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