Honda’s Year in Review: Updates, Advancements, + Setbacks

A lot can happen in a year, which is exactly why it’s time to assess some of the top automakers greatest achievements and setbacks in 2021. To kick off our 7 part series, we’re starting with one of the most reliable and reputable automakers on the market. Arguably, one of the best automaker to ever exist. None other than Honda Motor Company.

Here are some of the big wins and challenges for Honda in 2o21:

New CEO tops Honda’s year in review

In April 2021, Honda appointed Toshihiro Mibe as their new CEO. Mibe previously played an integral role in Honda’s established relationship with General Motors and served as senior managing direction under the Honda name brand for years. So far, one of his main objectives as CEO has been to prioritize electric production. He wants to essentially bridge a relationship between an established electric company and Honda to refurbish and expand their electric strategy.

Though Honda was once a pioneer in hybrid mobility, it has quickly has fallen behind other automakers with extensive EV tech investments. Mibe plans to go fully electric by 2040, a goal that will be achieved with an aggressive electric production approach in the next decade. This includes producing up to 10 new EV models in the next 5 years.

11th-generation Honda Civic wins WardsAuto acclaim

The all-new Civic won big at WardsAuto this year, earning both the 10 Best Interiors and 10 Best User Experience for 2021. The Civic’s large interior cabin and modern approach to driving leverages it well above other competitors in its class. It’s remained a popular model, particularly due to its exceptional visibility and driver-centric car tech. Even with price increases, both new and season drivers can appreciate the driving capabilities in the Honda Civic.

Light trucks dominate 2021 sales

The Pilot, Passport, CR-V, and HR-V were among the most popular models to carry Honda sales throughout the semiconductor chip shortage in Q1 and Q2. In June, Honda’s light truck sales reached over 81,000 units of 137,238 units sold. This trend will likely continue well into the 2022 year with sport utility vehicles consistently peaking consumer interest.

A total of six 2021 Honda models received IIHS Top Safety

IIHS Top Safety is a goal of every automaker. For 2021, Honda received six mentions of Top Safety, three of which earned the highest honor with Top Safety Pick+ awards. The models that stood out most during annual IIHS testings include:

• Accord
• Civic sedan
• Civic hatchback
• CR-V
• Insight
• Odyssey

A lot of what makes a vehicle IIHS top safety worthy is its safety tech. Honda Sensing comes available or standard on all Honda models with some of the most advanced driver assist technologies out there. This includes Collision Mitigation Braking System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist System.

Honda’s year in review

Overall, Honda Motor Corporation coped with the production shortages to the best of their ability in 2021. Not every automaker has been as lucky to keep sales units in an upward trend for most of the year. Moreover, the main takeaway from Honda’s year in review is the progression to electric. Honda drivers are notably some of the most loyal repeat buyers. Now they’ll get a chance to see what more this Japanese automaker has to offer in a whole new division.

Currently, Honda has one fully electric vehicle in production after the axing of the Honda Clarity EV in 2020. The Honda E, with its boxy exterior and limited range capacity of 137 miles, highlights the beginning stages of Honda’s electric mastery. The Honda E is also only available in Japan and Europe. There is no real push to bring it to U.S. market anytime soon.

In conclusion, with Mibe positioned as CEO, their internal electric production should expand vastly in the next few years. Therefore, the U.S. market has a lot in store from Honda Motor Company. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead for 2022!