Latest news with #CR-V
Courier-Mail
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Courier-Mail
Honda Australia reveals major hybrid push, first BEV for 2026 line-up
Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring. Followed categories will be added to My News. Honda Australia is going all-in on hybrids, revealing a plan to win back Australian drivers with a line-up that leans heavily on electrified petrol engines – not full battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Newly appointed Honda Australia President and chief executive Jay Joseph said the brand has significant room to grow and is focused on serving more customers with an expanded range. 'We know we can do better in terms of the number of customers we serve every year than we do today,' he said. 'I don't want to draw out a number or position, but we see significant opportunity for improvement by adding to our product line.' MORE: The car company doing 'a terrible job' The Honda Civic starts from just below $50,000 drive-away. The E: HEV LX, pictured, pushed beyond $55,000 once on-roads are covered. As other car makers scramble to rework line-ups in response to Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES), a new emissions policy that will penalise high-polluting models, Honda says its electrification strategy has not been shaped by government pressure, but by what customers want. Honda Type R The Bend Video Player is loading. Play Video This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. X Learn More Loaded : 20.29% 0:00 00:00 / 00:00 Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. 00:49 SUBSCRIBER ONLY Honda Type R The Bend more more circuits all over the world. This hot hatch holds records on racing...... ... more By early 2026, facelifted versions of the CR-V and ZR-V SUVs will hit showrooms, with seven new hybrid variants, including Honda's first all-wheel-drive hybrid and a plug-in hybrid CR-V with up to 80km of electric range currently under study. After years of declining sales and a shift to fixed pricing, Honda says its hybrid-first strategy is the key to restoring relevance and lifting its position. Currently ranked 19th in Australia, Honda sold just 14,092 vehicles last year and is down a further 7.3 per cent in 2025. MORE: Musk cashes in after Tesla threat Honda Prelude concept next to the original. Picture: Supplied At its peak in 2007, the Japanese brand sold more than 60,000 cars annually. In June 2025, hybrid models made up 50 per cent of Honda's Australian sales, a figure it's hoping will rise to 95 per cent by the end of 2026. The Japanese brand will also add its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the second half of 2026. While the model has not been named, the e: N1, already sold in New Zealand and Europe, is a likely contender. Built in Thailand and delivering 412km of WLTP-tested range, the electric SUV would rival the Kia EV3, BYD Atto 3 and Nissan Leaf. MORE: Japanese favourite returns as a hybrid Honda's Civic Type R at The Bend. Also joining the line-up will be the Civic Type R, which has avoided being cut in Australia despite being discontinued overseas due to emission rules. 'We're in a good position to execute what we're talking about today,' Joseph said. Honda Australia director of automotive Robert Thorp added that 'everything is on the table' in reference to vehicles sold overseas, but said the global remains volatile: 'The instability of the international market, particularly in relation to tariffs imposed by the US government on other countries, meant they had to pick models carefully.' Perhaps the most exciting news is the return of the iconic Honda Prelude, returning as a hybrid-only coupe in mid-2026. Beyond 2026, Honda is considering new nameplates but has ruled out the return of models such as the Jazz, City and Odyssey for now. Originally published as Japanese giant says Aussies aren't ready for EV
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Honda Australia says EVs are 'not the goal'
Honda Australia says its parent company's 2050 Net Zero emissions target doesn't include a goal to sell only electric vehicles (EVs). As part of its recently revealed future product plan, the Japanese automaker's local division said updates to its best-selling CR-V mid-size SUV and HR-V small SUV would see hybrids account for 90 per cent of its overall sales by this time next year – up from 53 per cent currently. Honda Australia also confirmed the mid-2026 arrival of the born-again Honda Prelude sports car, which will come with a hybrid powertrain. The focus will then shift to EVs, however. Honda Australia says its first all-electric model will arrive in local showrooms in the second half of 2026, with the wild 0 Series model range on the cards for Australia. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. 'A point I want to make with that is that BEVs [battery-electric vehicles] are not the goal,' said Jay Joseph, who was appointed Honda Australia CEO in March 2025. 'Battery-electric vehicles are a pathway to achieving carbon neutral – not necessarily the only pathway. 'BEVs will continue to improve – we're working on solid-state batteries – but our goal is carbon neural, not battery-electric vehicles,' Mr Joseph this year, Honda Motor Co pulled back on its goal for EVs to account for 30 per cent of its global sales by 2030, cutting almost one-third from the ¥10 trillion (A$105 billion) budget it previously set aside for EV development. At the same time, the company set up and began producing solid-state EV batteries – which promise longer range, faster recharging and lower manufacturing costs – on a new dedicated production line in January'That's [electrification] just the obvious pathway in the near to mid term, but we'll develop other technologies that help achieve that as well,' said Mr Joseph. 'We would like that to include electrified fuel cell vehicles when the infrastructure is there.' Honda offers a fuel-cell electric (FCEV) version of the CR-V overseas, with the US-market version offering a claimed 434km (EPA) range from a tank of hydrogen. It can also be plugged into a charger to provide up to 47km of range. Other automakers working on FCEVs include Hyundai and Toyota – although Stellantis recently announced it was ditching the technology. 'That's a bit of a chicken and egg conundrum – there won't be vehicles deployed until there's enough infrastructure, there won't be enough infrastructure until enough vehicles support demand. So we are working on both ends of that equation in different parts of the world,' added Mr Joseph. 'For the automakers, one of the ways to achieve carbon neutrality is to transition people's relationship with energy for mobility. The near-team pathway is electrifying that, and that means BEVs.'
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Honda Australia says EVs are 'not the goal'
Honda Australia says its parent company's 2050 Net Zero emissions target doesn't include a goal to sell only electric vehicles (EVs). As part of its recently revealed future product plan, the Japanese automaker's local division said updates to its best-selling CR-V mid-size SUV and HR-V small SUV would see hybrids account for 90 per cent of its overall sales by this time next year – up from 53 per cent currently. Honda Australia also confirmed the mid-2026 arrival of the born-again Honda Prelude sports car, which will come with a hybrid powertrain. The focus will then shift to EVs, however. Honda Australia says its first all-electric model will arrive in local showrooms in the second half of 2026, with the wild 0 Series model range on the cards for Australia. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'A point I want to make with that is that BEVs [battery-electric vehicles] are not the goal,' said Jay Joseph, who was appointed Honda Australia CEO in March 2025. 'Battery-electric vehicles are a pathway to achieving carbon neutral – not necessarily the only pathway. 'BEVs will continue to improve – we're working on solid-state batteries – but our goal is carbon neural, not battery-electric vehicles,' Mr Joseph this year, Honda Motor Co pulled back on its goal for EVs to account for 30 per cent of its global sales by 2030, cutting almost one-third from the ¥10 trillion (A$105 billion) budget it previously set aside for EV development. Supplied Credit: CarExpert At the same time, the company set up and began producing solid-state EV batteries – which promise longer range, faster recharging and lower manufacturing costs – on a new dedicated production line in January'That's [electrification] just the obvious pathway in the near to mid term, but we'll develop other technologies that help achieve that as well,' said Mr Joseph. 'We would like that to include electrified fuel cell vehicles when the infrastructure is there.' Honda offers a fuel-cell electric (FCEV) version of the CR-V overseas, with the US-market version offering a claimed 434km (EPA) range from a tank of hydrogen. It can also be plugged into a charger to provide up to 47km of range. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Other automakers working on FCEVs include Hyundai and Toyota – although Stellantis recently announced it was ditching the technology. 'That's a bit of a chicken and egg conundrum – there won't be vehicles deployed until there's enough infrastructure, there won't be enough infrastructure until enough vehicles support demand. So we are working on both ends of that equation in different parts of the world,' added Mr Joseph. 'For the automakers, one of the ways to achieve carbon neutrality is to transition people's relationship with energy for mobility. The near-team pathway is electrifying that, and that means BEVs.' MORE: Explore the Honda showroomMORE: Honda sheds more light on its electric car plans
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Honda Australia says EVs are 'not the goal'
Honda Australia says its parent company's 2050 Net Zero emissions target doesn't include a goal to sell only electric vehicles (EVs). As part of its recently revealed future product plan, the Japanese automaker's local division said updates to its best-selling CR-V mid-size SUV and HR-V small SUV would see hybrids account for 90 per cent of its overall sales by this time next year – up from 53 per cent currently. Honda Australia also confirmed the mid-2026 arrival of the born-again Honda Prelude sports car, which will come with a hybrid powertrain. The focus will then shift to EVs, however. Honda Australia says its first all-electric model will arrive in local showrooms in the second half of 2026, with the wild 0 Series model range on the cards for Australia. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "A point I want to make with that is that BEVs [battery-electric vehicles] are not the goal," said Jay Joseph, who was appointed Honda Australia CEO in March 2025. "Battery-electric vehicles are a pathway to achieving carbon neutral – not necessarily the only pathway. "BEVs will continue to improve – we're working on solid-state batteries – but our goal is carbon neural, not battery-electric vehicles," Mr Joseph this year, Honda Motor Co pulled back on its goal for EVs to account for 30 per cent of its global sales by 2030, cutting almost one-third from the ¥10 trillion (A$105 billion) budget it previously set aside for EV development. At the same time, the company set up and began producing solid-state EV batteries – which promise longer range, faster recharging and lower manufacturing costs – on a new dedicated production line in January"That's [electrification] just the obvious pathway in the near to mid term, but we'll develop other technologies that help achieve that as well," said Mr Joseph. "We would like that to include electrified fuel cell vehicles when the infrastructure is there." Honda offers a fuel-cell electric (FCEV) version of the CR-V overseas, with the US-market version offering a claimed 434km (EPA) range from a tank of hydrogen. It can also be plugged into a charger to provide up to 47km of range. Other automakers working on FCEVs include Hyundai and Toyota – although Stellantis recently announced it was ditching the technology. "That's a bit of a chicken and egg conundrum – there won't be vehicles deployed until there's enough infrastructure, there won't be enough infrastructure until enough vehicles support demand. So we are working on both ends of that equation in different parts of the world," added Mr Joseph. "For the automakers, one of the ways to achieve carbon neutrality is to transition people's relationship with energy for mobility. The near-team pathway is electrifying that, and that means BEVs." MORE: Explore the Honda showroomMORE: Honda sheds more light on its electric car plans Content originally sourced from: Honda Australia says its parent company's 2050 Net Zero emissions target doesn't include a goal to sell only electric vehicles (EVs). As part of its recently revealed future product plan, the Japanese automaker's local division said updates to its best-selling CR-V mid-size SUV and HR-V small SUV would see hybrids account for 90 per cent of its overall sales by this time next year – up from 53 per cent currently. Honda Australia also confirmed the mid-2026 arrival of the born-again Honda Prelude sports car, which will come with a hybrid powertrain. The focus will then shift to EVs, however. Honda Australia says its first all-electric model will arrive in local showrooms in the second half of 2026, with the wild 0 Series model range on the cards for Australia. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "A point I want to make with that is that BEVs [battery-electric vehicles] are not the goal," said Jay Joseph, who was appointed Honda Australia CEO in March 2025. "Battery-electric vehicles are a pathway to achieving carbon neutral – not necessarily the only pathway. "BEVs will continue to improve – we're working on solid-state batteries – but our goal is carbon neural, not battery-electric vehicles," Mr Joseph this year, Honda Motor Co pulled back on its goal for EVs to account for 30 per cent of its global sales by 2030, cutting almost one-third from the ¥10 trillion (A$105 billion) budget it previously set aside for EV development. At the same time, the company set up and began producing solid-state EV batteries – which promise longer range, faster recharging and lower manufacturing costs – on a new dedicated production line in January"That's [electrification] just the obvious pathway in the near to mid term, but we'll develop other technologies that help achieve that as well," said Mr Joseph. "We would like that to include electrified fuel cell vehicles when the infrastructure is there." Honda offers a fuel-cell electric (FCEV) version of the CR-V overseas, with the US-market version offering a claimed 434km (EPA) range from a tank of hydrogen. It can also be plugged into a charger to provide up to 47km of range. Other automakers working on FCEVs include Hyundai and Toyota – although Stellantis recently announced it was ditching the technology. "That's a bit of a chicken and egg conundrum – there won't be vehicles deployed until there's enough infrastructure, there won't be enough infrastructure until enough vehicles support demand. So we are working on both ends of that equation in different parts of the world," added Mr Joseph. "For the automakers, one of the ways to achieve carbon neutrality is to transition people's relationship with energy for mobility. The near-team pathway is electrifying that, and that means BEVs." MORE: Explore the Honda showroomMORE: Honda sheds more light on its electric car plans Content originally sourced from: Honda Australia says its parent company's 2050 Net Zero emissions target doesn't include a goal to sell only electric vehicles (EVs). As part of its recently revealed future product plan, the Japanese automaker's local division said updates to its best-selling CR-V mid-size SUV and HR-V small SUV would see hybrids account for 90 per cent of its overall sales by this time next year – up from 53 per cent currently. Honda Australia also confirmed the mid-2026 arrival of the born-again Honda Prelude sports car, which will come with a hybrid powertrain. The focus will then shift to EVs, however. Honda Australia says its first all-electric model will arrive in local showrooms in the second half of 2026, with the wild 0 Series model range on the cards for Australia. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "A point I want to make with that is that BEVs [battery-electric vehicles] are not the goal," said Jay Joseph, who was appointed Honda Australia CEO in March 2025. "Battery-electric vehicles are a pathway to achieving carbon neutral – not necessarily the only pathway. "BEVs will continue to improve – we're working on solid-state batteries – but our goal is carbon neural, not battery-electric vehicles," Mr Joseph this year, Honda Motor Co pulled back on its goal for EVs to account for 30 per cent of its global sales by 2030, cutting almost one-third from the ¥10 trillion (A$105 billion) budget it previously set aside for EV development. At the same time, the company set up and began producing solid-state EV batteries – which promise longer range, faster recharging and lower manufacturing costs – on a new dedicated production line in January"That's [electrification] just the obvious pathway in the near to mid term, but we'll develop other technologies that help achieve that as well," said Mr Joseph. "We would like that to include electrified fuel cell vehicles when the infrastructure is there." Honda offers a fuel-cell electric (FCEV) version of the CR-V overseas, with the US-market version offering a claimed 434km (EPA) range from a tank of hydrogen. It can also be plugged into a charger to provide up to 47km of range. Other automakers working on FCEVs include Hyundai and Toyota – although Stellantis recently announced it was ditching the technology. "That's a bit of a chicken and egg conundrum – there won't be vehicles deployed until there's enough infrastructure, there won't be enough infrastructure until enough vehicles support demand. So we are working on both ends of that equation in different parts of the world," added Mr Joseph. "For the automakers, one of the ways to achieve carbon neutrality is to transition people's relationship with energy for mobility. The near-team pathway is electrifying that, and that means BEVs." MORE: Explore the Honda showroomMORE: Honda sheds more light on its electric car plans Content originally sourced from: Honda Australia says its parent company's 2050 Net Zero emissions target doesn't include a goal to sell only electric vehicles (EVs). As part of its recently revealed future product plan, the Japanese automaker's local division said updates to its best-selling CR-V mid-size SUV and HR-V small SUV would see hybrids account for 90 per cent of its overall sales by this time next year – up from 53 per cent currently. Honda Australia also confirmed the mid-2026 arrival of the born-again Honda Prelude sports car, which will come with a hybrid powertrain. The focus will then shift to EVs, however. Honda Australia says its first all-electric model will arrive in local showrooms in the second half of 2026, with the wild 0 Series model range on the cards for Australia. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "A point I want to make with that is that BEVs [battery-electric vehicles] are not the goal," said Jay Joseph, who was appointed Honda Australia CEO in March 2025. "Battery-electric vehicles are a pathway to achieving carbon neutral – not necessarily the only pathway. "BEVs will continue to improve – we're working on solid-state batteries – but our goal is carbon neural, not battery-electric vehicles," Mr Joseph this year, Honda Motor Co pulled back on its goal for EVs to account for 30 per cent of its global sales by 2030, cutting almost one-third from the ¥10 trillion (A$105 billion) budget it previously set aside for EV development. At the same time, the company set up and began producing solid-state EV batteries – which promise longer range, faster recharging and lower manufacturing costs – on a new dedicated production line in January"That's [electrification] just the obvious pathway in the near to mid term, but we'll develop other technologies that help achieve that as well," said Mr Joseph. "We would like that to include electrified fuel cell vehicles when the infrastructure is there." Honda offers a fuel-cell electric (FCEV) version of the CR-V overseas, with the US-market version offering a claimed 434km (EPA) range from a tank of hydrogen. It can also be plugged into a charger to provide up to 47km of range. Other automakers working on FCEVs include Hyundai and Toyota – although Stellantis recently announced it was ditching the technology. "That's a bit of a chicken and egg conundrum – there won't be vehicles deployed until there's enough infrastructure, there won't be enough infrastructure until enough vehicles support demand. So we are working on both ends of that equation in different parts of the world," added Mr Joseph. "For the automakers, one of the ways to achieve carbon neutrality is to transition people's relationship with energy for mobility. The near-team pathway is electrifying that, and that means BEVs." MORE: Explore the Honda showroomMORE: Honda sheds more light on its electric car plans Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Honda Australia sets tight deadline for hybrids to account for 90 per cent of its sales
Honda Australia said 90 per cent of its local sales will consist of hybrid vehicles by mid-2026 – when the Prelude coupe is scheduled to return as a hybrid – compared to roughly half of its current volume. Hybrid models made up 53 per cent of Honda sales here across May and June 2025, despite its best-selling model – the CR-V – only offering hybrid power in its top trim level. That percentage is even better than market-leader Toyota Australia, which saw hybrids make up 46 per cent of its sales in the first six months of 2025. "That [roughly half hybrid sales] trend will continue for the balance of this year," said Honda Australia managing director Rob Thorp during a media event in Melbourne. "But as we go into next year, there are going to be a number of changes to our lineup which I think will accelerate that even more." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Mr Thorp confirmed updated versions of both the CR-V and ZR-V are set for arrival in Australia in the second quarter (April-June) 2026 and will offer a hybrid powertrain across more model grades. "Those models will expand a hybrid offering quite significantly and will see us introduce a new four-wheel drive hybrid powertrain to the lineup," the Honda boss said. "It means over 80 per cent of our products will be hybrid … and nearly 90 per cent of our sales will be hybrid in nature by this time next year." Honda's hybrids – which it calls e:HEVs – in Australia are currently all front-wheel drive. That's pretty standard in the small SUV segment, but in the mid-size SUV segment – where the CR-V and ZR-V sit – rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail e-Power offer hybrid power combined with all-wheel drive systems. The growing ranks of Honda hybrids will include the reborn Prelude sports car, which will make its return to Australian showrooms after a 25-year absence, using an electrified powertrain. It'll be sportier than the standard Civic and Accord, sharing components including suspension, brakes and other parts with the petrol-powered Civic Type R hot hatch. Yet Honda Australia said the Prelude is "not a volume model", with 94 per cent of its total sales in the first half of 2025 made up of its SUVs – the CR-V, ZR-V and smaller HR-V. "If you look at the market year-on-year, while it is down, growth of SUVs where we [Honda] play in most of the time, the growth of SUVs is all in hybrid," said Mr Thorp. "BEV [battery-electric vehicles] is pretty flat, ICE [internal combustion engines] is declining, but all the growth is in hybrid technology … I think it's a reflection of what customers want." "For a long time [at Honda Australia] it's been a strategy built on hybrid before a transition to BEV – and fundamentally, that strategy we've held out for a number of years has not ultimately changed. "We think that even right now, while BEVs are penetrating the market – there's a lot of noise about – in reality the hybrids are the choice for consumers."MORE: Explore the Honda showroom Content originally sourced from: Honda Australia said 90 per cent of its local sales will consist of hybrid vehicles by mid-2026 – when the Prelude coupe is scheduled to return as a hybrid – compared to roughly half of its current volume. Hybrid models made up 53 per cent of Honda sales here across May and June 2025, despite its best-selling model – the CR-V – only offering hybrid power in its top trim level. That percentage is even better than market-leader Toyota Australia, which saw hybrids make up 46 per cent of its sales in the first six months of 2025. "That [roughly half hybrid sales] trend will continue for the balance of this year," said Honda Australia managing director Rob Thorp during a media event in Melbourne. "But as we go into next year, there are going to be a number of changes to our lineup which I think will accelerate that even more." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Mr Thorp confirmed updated versions of both the CR-V and ZR-V are set for arrival in Australia in the second quarter (April-June) 2026 and will offer a hybrid powertrain across more model grades. "Those models will expand a hybrid offering quite significantly and will see us introduce a new four-wheel drive hybrid powertrain to the lineup," the Honda boss said. "It means over 80 per cent of our products will be hybrid … and nearly 90 per cent of our sales will be hybrid in nature by this time next year." Honda's hybrids – which it calls e:HEVs – in Australia are currently all front-wheel drive. That's pretty standard in the small SUV segment, but in the mid-size SUV segment – where the CR-V and ZR-V sit – rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail e-Power offer hybrid power combined with all-wheel drive systems. The growing ranks of Honda hybrids will include the reborn Prelude sports car, which will make its return to Australian showrooms after a 25-year absence, using an electrified powertrain. It'll be sportier than the standard Civic and Accord, sharing components including suspension, brakes and other parts with the petrol-powered Civic Type R hot hatch. Yet Honda Australia said the Prelude is "not a volume model", with 94 per cent of its total sales in the first half of 2025 made up of its SUVs – the CR-V, ZR-V and smaller HR-V. "If you look at the market year-on-year, while it is down, growth of SUVs where we [Honda] play in most of the time, the growth of SUVs is all in hybrid," said Mr Thorp. "BEV [battery-electric vehicles] is pretty flat, ICE [internal combustion engines] is declining, but all the growth is in hybrid technology … I think it's a reflection of what customers want." "For a long time [at Honda Australia] it's been a strategy built on hybrid before a transition to BEV – and fundamentally, that strategy we've held out for a number of years has not ultimately changed. "We think that even right now, while BEVs are penetrating the market – there's a lot of noise about – in reality the hybrids are the choice for consumers."MORE: Explore the Honda showroom Content originally sourced from: Honda Australia said 90 per cent of its local sales will consist of hybrid vehicles by mid-2026 – when the Prelude coupe is scheduled to return as a hybrid – compared to roughly half of its current volume. Hybrid models made up 53 per cent of Honda sales here across May and June 2025, despite its best-selling model – the CR-V – only offering hybrid power in its top trim level. That percentage is even better than market-leader Toyota Australia, which saw hybrids make up 46 per cent of its sales in the first six months of 2025. "That [roughly half hybrid sales] trend will continue for the balance of this year," said Honda Australia managing director Rob Thorp during a media event in Melbourne. "But as we go into next year, there are going to be a number of changes to our lineup which I think will accelerate that even more." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Mr Thorp confirmed updated versions of both the CR-V and ZR-V are set for arrival in Australia in the second quarter (April-June) 2026 and will offer a hybrid powertrain across more model grades. "Those models will expand a hybrid offering quite significantly and will see us introduce a new four-wheel drive hybrid powertrain to the lineup," the Honda boss said. "It means over 80 per cent of our products will be hybrid … and nearly 90 per cent of our sales will be hybrid in nature by this time next year." Honda's hybrids – which it calls e:HEVs – in Australia are currently all front-wheel drive. That's pretty standard in the small SUV segment, but in the mid-size SUV segment – where the CR-V and ZR-V sit – rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail e-Power offer hybrid power combined with all-wheel drive systems. The growing ranks of Honda hybrids will include the reborn Prelude sports car, which will make its return to Australian showrooms after a 25-year absence, using an electrified powertrain. It'll be sportier than the standard Civic and Accord, sharing components including suspension, brakes and other parts with the petrol-powered Civic Type R hot hatch. Yet Honda Australia said the Prelude is "not a volume model", with 94 per cent of its total sales in the first half of 2025 made up of its SUVs – the CR-V, ZR-V and smaller HR-V. "If you look at the market year-on-year, while it is down, growth of SUVs where we [Honda] play in most of the time, the growth of SUVs is all in hybrid," said Mr Thorp. "BEV [battery-electric vehicles] is pretty flat, ICE [internal combustion engines] is declining, but all the growth is in hybrid technology … I think it's a reflection of what customers want." "For a long time [at Honda Australia] it's been a strategy built on hybrid before a transition to BEV – and fundamentally, that strategy we've held out for a number of years has not ultimately changed. "We think that even right now, while BEVs are penetrating the market – there's a lot of noise about – in reality the hybrids are the choice for consumers."MORE: Explore the Honda showroom Content originally sourced from: Honda Australia said 90 per cent of its local sales will consist of hybrid vehicles by mid-2026 – when the Prelude coupe is scheduled to return as a hybrid – compared to roughly half of its current volume. Hybrid models made up 53 per cent of Honda sales here across May and June 2025, despite its best-selling model – the CR-V – only offering hybrid power in its top trim level. That percentage is even better than market-leader Toyota Australia, which saw hybrids make up 46 per cent of its sales in the first six months of 2025. "That [roughly half hybrid sales] trend will continue for the balance of this year," said Honda Australia managing director Rob Thorp during a media event in Melbourne. "But as we go into next year, there are going to be a number of changes to our lineup which I think will accelerate that even more." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Mr Thorp confirmed updated versions of both the CR-V and ZR-V are set for arrival in Australia in the second quarter (April-June) 2026 and will offer a hybrid powertrain across more model grades. "Those models will expand a hybrid offering quite significantly and will see us introduce a new four-wheel drive hybrid powertrain to the lineup," the Honda boss said. "It means over 80 per cent of our products will be hybrid … and nearly 90 per cent of our sales will be hybrid in nature by this time next year." Honda's hybrids – which it calls e:HEVs – in Australia are currently all front-wheel drive. That's pretty standard in the small SUV segment, but in the mid-size SUV segment – where the CR-V and ZR-V sit – rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail e-Power offer hybrid power combined with all-wheel drive systems. The growing ranks of Honda hybrids will include the reborn Prelude sports car, which will make its return to Australian showrooms after a 25-year absence, using an electrified powertrain. It'll be sportier than the standard Civic and Accord, sharing components including suspension, brakes and other parts with the petrol-powered Civic Type R hot hatch. Yet Honda Australia said the Prelude is "not a volume model", with 94 per cent of its total sales in the first half of 2025 made up of its SUVs – the CR-V, ZR-V and smaller HR-V. "If you look at the market year-on-year, while it is down, growth of SUVs where we [Honda] play in most of the time, the growth of SUVs is all in hybrid," said Mr Thorp. "BEV [battery-electric vehicles] is pretty flat, ICE [internal combustion engines] is declining, but all the growth is in hybrid technology … I think it's a reflection of what customers want." "For a long time [at Honda Australia] it's been a strategy built on hybrid before a transition to BEV – and fundamentally, that strategy we've held out for a number of years has not ultimately changed. "We think that even right now, while BEVs are penetrating the market – there's a lot of noise about – in reality the hybrids are the choice for consumers."MORE: Explore the Honda showroom Content originally sourced from:
