Honda has committed 100% of its sales to be electric or fuel cell vehicles by 2040. Speaking at his first news conference since taking charge of Japan’s second-largest car maker at the beginning of the month, chief executive Toshihiro Mibe said, “I believe it is the responsibility of an automaker to achieve our carbon-free goal on a ‘tank-to-wheel’ basis.”
Across all major markets, including North America and China, Mibe set out targets for EVs and FCVs to account for 40% of sales by 2030 and 80% by 2035.
Honda’s announcement comes after Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged the country would aim for a 46% cut in emissions by 2030, nearly doubling its previous target, and beome carbon neutral in 2050.
“While the government’s target is extremely difficult, I believe it is a feasible target,” Mibe said.
“As for Honda, we are in full support and we’d like to put all our efforts towards achieving the goal,” he added.
Mibe said Honda will invest a total of about 5 trillion yen ($46.3 billion) in research and development initiatives, including electrification, over the next six years, regardless of sales revenue fluctuations.
Mibe, who was previously the company’s head of research and development, also said the company would strive for “zero traffic collision fatalities” involving its vehicles, leaning on advanced driver-assistance programs to prevent crashes.
