California is well-known for being one of the most hybrid-friendly states in the US. Then why does it seem like we have a limited selection of new Honda hybrid cars in Temecula?
Takahiro Hachigo, Chief Executive Officer at Honda, had a similar question--though maybe less geo-specific.
He looked at the current lineup, at the availability of hybrid vehicles, and then at the changing industry of eco-friendly and electrified vehicles across the world. And he then made a very bold prediction and plan at a recent news conference:
To make hybrid and electric vehicles two-thirds of Honda global sales by the year 2030.
Many are calling it ambitious. Others deny the possibility at all. But ambition is what has been driving the Honda brand for decades--and it always welcomes a challenge.
With the modern ease of introducing plug-in hybrid powertrains into existing production platforms on major models, it's far from impossible--it's actually very possible. But with fuel prices the lowest they've been in a long time, shifting production toward electrified vehicles is ambitious, for sure. But this seems to be a win-win for the brand, and for its drivers. By appointing new leadership to research and development to ready production for electrified vehicles, Honda engineers now have more freedom to commit to fine-tuning and perfecting technology across the lineup.
The future of green in Temecula looks bright, indeed.
