Honda slashes output at Japan plants by 40% due to supply issues

MANILA: Due to continued supply chain and logistical issues, Honda Motor Co. will restrict production at two Japanese factories by up to 40% for the remainder of the month.

The decrease might be interpreted as a warning that automakers would not be able to increase production levels in the second half of the fiscal year to make up for a damage brought on by chronic chip scarcity and supply chain interruptions in the first half of the fiscal year, Automotive News Europe predicted.

This month, production at Honda's assembly facility in Saitama Prefecture, north of Tokyo, will be reduced by nearly 40%. According to Honda's website, the factory produces the Civic, CR-V, and Honda e.

In September, two lines at its Suzuka factory in western Japan will reduce output goals by almost 20%. The Jazz/Fit and HR-V are among the models produced at the plant.

Honda attributed logistics and COVID-19 outbreaks as the cause of parts delivery delays.

After a previous drop, Honda's production at the two factories returned to normal in June, but the carmaker started making modifications once more the following month.

Honda's compact electric vehicle, the E, is a key component of the company's ambition to have electrified powertrains in every vehicle it sells in Europe by 2025.

The Honda e, which was introduced in 2019, is designed to provide an amazing driving experience in urban settings. Honda's next-generation electric vehicle will revolutionize the tiny electric vehicle category with its exceptional combination of extremely responsive handling, efficiency, and performance.

The electric hatchback is outfitted with a powerful electric motor that can provide tremendous torque exceeding 300Nm and up to about 150ps. The Honda e's 35.5kWh battery is among the smallest in its class, which helps the vehicle achieve an excellent blend of low weight, fast charging (80% in 30 minutes), and a range of over 200 kilometers, making it ideal for daily urban travel.

To provide an enjoyable and interesting driving experience, Honda engineers paid particular attention to improving the driving dynamics.

The car's center of gravity is about 50 centimeters from the ground due to the battery's low location beneath the floor. Because of its 50:50 weight distribution, wide but compact size, and short front and rear overhangs, the Honda e offers the small electric car segment the best combination of stability and handling performance.

Additionally, the Honda e has Single Pedal Control, which enables the driver to control the speed of the vehicle with just the accelerator pedal.

The automobile will accelerate normally when the accelerator pedal is depressed; when it is released, automatic regenerative braking will take place and the car will slow down. Single Pedal Control increases driving economy in metropolitan areas and decreases the need for several pedals, making the trip more exciting, fluid, and engaging with the driver having the most control possible.

Honda Cars Philippines Inc., the local distributor of the Japanese carmaker, will be showcasing, among others, its Honda Connect and Sensing technologies at the 2022 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, from September 15 to 18.

Photos from Honda

Also read: Is Honda Cars PH unveiling the all-new BR-V at 2022 PIMS?