“We’re going to stop dabbling in hybrids and make a commitment to higher sales,” Gardner said.
The statements came as Honda attempts to regain its public image as a leader in environmental awareness among world automakers.
It has been overshadowed in recent years as competitors announced ambitious plans to convert their portfolios to electric vehicles.
“We’re not the leader in this field,” Gardner acknowledged last week. But he added that, according to owner research the company has undertaken, by increasing its hybrid offerings, Honda will create a pathway for customers to eventually buy more battery-electric vehicles.
In the meantime, he said, Honda has established an internal group to determine how to go to market with EVs in the 2024 model year, and will be working with dealers on how best to plan its sales and service strategies.
“We have a lot to do to be ready for 2024,” he said, “as we plan to sell these EVs in reasonable volumes.”
