Honda to Introduce Two HEV Models to the Mexican Market

Japan-based car manufacturer Honda announced the incorporation of two hybrid models to the Mexican market. With these, the company aims to take the first step toward the electrification of the automotive industry in Mexico. 

During a conference, Honda introduced the hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) CR-V Touring HEV and the CR-V 2023 to the Mexican market. The company said that it will gradually introduce the models in the country, starting with the CR-V Touring. "The arrival of advanced Honda hybrids is a firm step toward electrification, with hybrid models in our current product portfolio that are in a league of their own," said Fernando Maqueo, Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Honda. 

The CR-V Touring features a fourth-generation hybrid-electric two-motor system complemented by a four-cylinder gasoline engine, 16-valve DOHC VTEC and 138lbs/ft of torque at 4,500rpm. Additionally, the model features disc brakes on all four wheels with ABS, brake force distribution, stability assistance, hill start assist, and hill descent control. The company said that the specifications of the Touring HEV 2023 will be announced once the company confirms its arrival in Mexico.  

Honda has two production centers located in Celaya, Guanajuato and El Salto, Jalisco, where it produces engines, transmissions, motorcycles, power products and the HR-V for the domestic market and for exports. 

As the climate emergency pushes toward stronger decarbonization strategies, companies are looking for alternatives to continue operating while being sustainable. In this sense, electrification is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Automakers are heavily investing in electrifying their flagship models. 

However, the adoption of EVs and EHVs faces a great challenge since they are not as accessible as oil-powered vehicles. On April 11, 2022, MBN reported that GM and Honda had allied to develop accessible EVs and planned to start the production of millions of EV by 2027. Their plans include the development of a totally electric product for North America, including Mexico, offered at an accessible price. At that time, GM and Honda committed to standardizing processes to achieve world-class quality and will further collaborate on future opportunities regarding EV batteries. Both companies have previously collaborated on other projects, such as the development of a fuel-cell system and hydrogen storage technologies in 2013 and the development of EV batteries in 2018.