#honda

Honda Makes First Annual Loss in 70 Years Japanese automaker Honda reported its first annual loss in 70 years, marking a significant shift in the company’s financial trajectory. The loss, totaling ¥423bn ($2.68bn; £1.99bn) for the fiscal year ending March 2026, was attributed to underwhelming demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and a series of strategic and external challenges. The company had previously invested heavily in transitioning to EV production, but the results have not aligned with its expectations. Honda’s financial struggles stem from several factors. The company scrapped some of its EV production targets and opted to source parts from China, where manufacturing costs are lower. This decision was partly driven by the impact of U.S. policies, which have created additional financial pressure. In September 2025, President Donald Trump eliminated tax incentives for U.S. consumers purchasing EVs, previously offering up to $7,500 (£5,500) in tax credits. Additionally, tariffs imposed on imported cars and auto parts in 2025, though reduced from 25% to 15%, still affected profitability for major automakers, including Honda. The company’s ambitious goals for EV adoption also faced setbacks. Honda had aimed to have EVs account for a fifth of its new car sales by 2030 and for all vehicles to transition to electric by 2040. However, the CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, announced the abandonment of these targets, citing the need to recalibrate the company’s strategy. Honda now plans to focus on its motorcycle business, financial services, and hybrid vehicle manufacturing. The firm emphasized North America, Japan, and India as key markets for future growth, though it suspended plans to build EVs and batteries in Canada. The financial outlook for Honda remains challenging.#donald_trump #honda #toshihiro_mibe #aj_bell #danni_hewson

Honda Considering Davide Brivio for 2027 MotoGP Consultancy Role Davide Brivio is reportedly in discussions with Honda regarding a senior consultancy position within the MotoGP team for the 2027 season. According to Sky Italia, the Italian strategist, currently serving as team principal of the Trackhouse MotoGP squad, is being considered for a role that would focus on shaping Honda’s strategic vision and organizational direction. The report by Rosario Triolo notes that Brivio’s appointment would come as Honda seeks to strengthen its competitive position in the premier class. The Sky Italia report highlights that while Honda has already made key decisions regarding rider selections and the technical development of its 850cc project, the team believes Brivio’s expertise could be critical in restoring its winning trajectory. Alberto Puig, who remains as Honda Racing Factory Team (HRC) manager, is expected to retain his role, with Brivio concentrating on broader strategic and operational responsibilities. The report adds that Brivio would find himself working within a framework of pre-existing decisions, both sportingly and technically. Brivio’s potential return to a factory team would mark his fourth distinct manufacturer in his MotoGP career. Previously, he guided Valentino Rossi to four world championships at Yamaha and oversaw Suzuki’s return to the premier class. After a stint in F1, he rejoined MotoGP in 2024 as team principal of the Trackhouse satellite-Aprilia project. The Trackhouse squad achieved its first victory in the 2023 season with Raul Fernandez at the Phillip Island round. The potential move to Honda would represent a significant shift in Brivio’s career, aligning him with a factory team for the first time since his time at Suzuki.#honda #sky_italia #davide_brivio #trackhouse_motoGP #valentino_rossi

Aston Martin Enduring 'Horror Show' at Start of 2026 F1 Season with No Quick-Fix Likely Aston Martin and its engine partner Honda face an extended period of challenges as the team continues to struggle in the early stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Despite high expectations following the hiring of design legend Adrian Newey and the partnership with Honda, the British squad has yet to score a single point in the first three race weekends. Fernando Alonso’s 18th-place finish in Japan, the only time either of their cars completed a full Grand Prix, highlights the team’s ongoing difficulties. Martin Brundle, a commentator for Sky Sports F1, described the situation as a “horror show” that is unlikely to improve quickly. Brundle criticized the team’s lack of speed and reliability, noting that the challenges posed by the new era of F1 rules—combined with the sport’s relentless calendar and cost caps—make it difficult to turn things around in the short term. He emphasized that Aston Martin must address issues at Honda, including the direction of development, before significant progress can be made. “It’s a horror show, and we’re just going to have to observe that pain,” Brundle said on The F1 Show podcast. The team’s struggles are compounded by technical problems, particularly with the car’s vibration issues and reliability. Fernando Alonso confirmed that Aston Martin remains “unchanged” and has no “immediate solution” to the car’s problems. While Alonso expressed confidence that the team will eventually resolve its difficulties, Brundle and other commentators suggested that the gap between Aston Martin and the front-runners is too large to close quickly. “They’re missing three, four seconds sometimes per lap,” Brundle said. “That’s like a different category they’re in at the moment to the front runners.#aston_martin #adrian_newey #fernando_alonso #formula_1 #honda

Six New Triumph 350cc Motorcycles Launching This Month: Speed 350 To Scrambler 350 The British motorcycle manufacturer Triumph is set to unveil six new 350cc motorcycles on April 6, 2026, marking a significant shift in its lineup. The launch coincides with a strategic move by the company to adapt to recent changes in India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) regulations. Under the revised rules, motorcycles with engines below 350cc will now be taxed at 18 percent, while those with engines larger than 350cc face a higher 40 percent tax rate. To capitalize on the lower taxation, Triumph and other manufacturers are introducing smaller 350cc engines, which are expected to reduce prices by Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 compared to their 400cc counterparts. Dealerships across the country have already begun accepting refundable bookings for the new range, charging Rs 5,000 as a deposit. The new 350cc powerplant is a 349cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine derived from the Triumph-Bajaj 398cc platform. This engine is designed to deliver power in the range of 35 to 40 PS and torque between 32–33 Nm. The modifications include a reduced bore and the same stroke, which should enhance low-end and mid-range torque while only slightly affecting peak performance. The new engines will be paired with a 6-speed gearbox featuring a slipper clutch, maintaining the same design, chassis, and hardware as the previous models. The six new motorcycles include the Speed 350, Speed T4 350cc, Thruxton 350, Scrambler 350 X, Scrambler XC 350, and Tracker 350. Each model is tailored to different riding styles and market segments. The Speed 350, a modern-retro roadster, will directly compete with the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Honda CB350. It features a minimalist roadster design with a muscular tank, clean tail section, and the same color options as its 400cc predecessor.#india #triumph #honda #royal_enfield #bajaj

Fernando Alonso opuści czwartkowy dzień medialny przed GP Japonii z powodu przygotowań do urodzenia pierwszego dziecka. Dwukrotny mistrz świata Formuły 1 i jego partnerka Melissa Jimenez ogłosili w ubiegłym roku, że spodziewają się maleństwa, które ma przyjść na świat w okolicach weekendu wyścigowego na torze Suzuka. Aston Martin poinformował, że 44-latek przyleci do Japonii w piątek, a nie w czwartek, co oznacza opóźnienie w planowanych wydarzeniach. Hiszpan również nie uczestniczy w piątkowym treningu rezerwowym kierowcy, co pozwoli na przekazanie sesji młodszemu zawodnikowi w ramach przepisów dotyczących młodych kierowców. Zespół Aston Martin wyjaśnił, że Alonso przybędzie w weekend nieco później z powodów rodzinnych, ale będzie na torze w piątek. Pierwszą sesją na Suzuka będzie drugi trening, w którym wystąpi wraz z Lance'em Stroll. Obaj kierowcy doświadczają trudności z modelu AMR26, który napędza jednostka Hondy. Problemy z baterią wynikają z nadmiernych wibracji silnika, co ograniczyło liczbę przejazdów zespołu z Silverstone podczas testów i dotychczasowych wyścigów. Brytyjska ekipa nie zdobyła jeszcze punktów i zajmuje ostatnie miejsce w klasyfikacji konstruktorów. Choć w Chinach zauważono pewien postęp w kwestii niezawodności baterii dzięki redukcji wibracji, oczekiwania względem Japonii są niewiele lepsze. Dyrektor operacji torowych Hondy Shintaro Orihara przyznał, że nadal nie osiągnięto poziomu wydajności, który oczekiwano, zwłaszcza w zakresie zarządzania energią. Suzuka jest wymagającym torem, więc zespół wykorzystuje wnioski z Australii i Chin, aby lepiej przygotować się do GP Japonii. Wśród innych wiadomości z sezonu 2026 pojawiły się doniesienia o potencjalnych zmianach w przepisach F1, związanej z presją kierowców, oraz spekulacjach dotyczących przyszłości kierowców.#aston_martin #fernando_alonso #honda #suzuka #melissa_jimenez

2026 Honda City Facelift Spied Testing Before Launch - Details India’s executive sedan segment is set for a refreshed lineup in 2026, with several models undergoing facelifts. Hyundai has already unveiled the Verna facelift, while the Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus, and Honda City are preparing for their updates. Recent spy shots of the Honda City facelift have been spotted testing in Brazil, offering insights into the design changes expected for the India-spec model. The 2026 Honda City facelift has been captured in full camouflage, suggesting a focus on cosmetic upgrades. Spy images from Brazil reveal a redesigned front grille, a more pronounced bumper, and updated headlights that enhance the car’s sporty appearance. These changes appear to draw inspiration from the newer Honda Civic’s design language. The side profile may see a new set of alloy wheels, while the rear bumper could feature revised detailing. Despite these tweaks, the overall dimensions of the Honda City facelift are expected to remain largely unchanged, with minor adjustments to the length due to the updated bumper. Inside the cabin, the facelift is anticipated to include updated seat upholstery. However, most other features are likely to carry over from the current model. In India, the 2026 Honda City facelift could introduce new standard equipment such as a 360° camera and ventilated seats. Reports from Brazil indicate that the changes observed on the test mule may be exclusive to their market, though there is a possibility that the India-spec version could receive similar updates. The powertrain for the 2026 Honda City facelift will remain consistent with existing options. In India, the model will continue to offer a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated, water-cooled, inline-4 cylinder i-VTEC DOHC engine, producing 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque.#hyundai #brazil #honda #honda_city #interlagos_festival

New-gen Honda City Spied – What It Needs to Succeed? A camouflaged test mule of the upcoming Honda City has been spotted testing in Brazil, signaling the automaker’s preparations for a global facelift of the model, likely to debut around 2027. The City remains a key player in the Indian market, with the country possibly receiving the updated version first. Spy images of the sedan reveal subtle design changes, including a revised rear profile with redesigned tail lamps, a repositioned bumper, and vertically stacked reflectors, replacing the current horizontal layout. The side profile may feature sleeker lines and new alloy wheels, while the front could see updated headlamps and a revised bumper. The new City will face stiff competition from models like the Hyundai Verna, which currently leads the segment in features. Upcoming rivals such as the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are also set for updates, further intensifying the market. Skoda’s recent facelift of the Kushaq, which includes a panoramic sunroof and massaging rear seats, highlights the trend of adding premium features. If the Slavia follows suit, the City will need to expand its feature list to stay competitive. Consumer expectations have evolved, with buyers now prioritizing a balance of reliability, advanced features, and a premium feel. Honda has historically faced criticism for offering fewer features compared to competitors, a gap the brand must address with the new model. To succeed, the City must retain its hybrid powertrain option while ensuring competitive pricing. Enhancing the feature set to match or exceed rivals’ offerings, along with improvements in refinement and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) control, will be critical to strengthening its appeal.#skoda #brazil #honda #volkswagen #hyundai_venra

Honda Shadow Phantom: Affordable V-Twin Cruiser Experience Motorcycle forums and social media platforms often highlight the rising cost of modern cruisers, with brands like Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles facing the most criticism. While these bikes remain popular for their distinctive character and style, their high price tags can be a barrier for riders seeking an affordable yet authentic V-twin experience. Fortunately, Japanese manufacturers have long offered reliable, budget-friendly alternatives that deliver similar qualities without the premium price. The Honda Shadow Phantom stands out as one such option, combining affordability with a classic V-twin feel. V-twin cruisers are renowned for their unique blend of power, comfort, and style, but these attributes often come at a steep cost. Even the most affordable models from established brands like Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles start at around $9,999, with higher-end variants exceeding $14,999. While these bikes offer robust performance and traditional aesthetics, their price points can be prohibitive for riders looking to enter the market without a significant financial commitment. Japanese manufacturers, however, have historically provided more accessible options. The Shadow Phantom, in particular, challenges the notion that a V-twin cruiser must be expensive. Priced under $5,000, the Honda Shadow Phantom offers a compelling alternative to pricier competitors. Its 745cc 52-degree V-twin engine, while modest in power, delivers a smooth, reliable ride that prioritizes comfort and ease of use. This engine, which has been in production since 1997, features liquid cooling and Honda’s PGM-FI fuel injection system, ensuring hassle-free operation and consistent performance. With a power output of around 45 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 47.#kawasaki #suzuki #honda #harleydavidson #indianmotorcycles

Why Are So Many Electric Cars Getting Canceled? The electric vehicle market is experiencing a wave of cancellations as manufacturers reassess their strategies in the wake of policy changes and shifting consumer demand. With the expiration of federal tax credits and regulatory incentives, companies are rapidly scaling back or abandoning plans for several models. In recent weeks, Honda canceled three new U.S.-built electric vehicles, Volvo scrapped its EX30 project, and Hyundai announced it would stop selling the standard Ioniq 6, leaving only the performance-focused N variant. These moves follow similar cancellations of existing models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Acura ZDX, signaling a broader industry reckoning. The cancellations reflect a combination of factors, including the loss of financial support that made certain models viable, a mismatch between product offerings and market preferences, and the challenges of competing without subsidies. Models like the F-150 Lightning and Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which relied heavily on incentives, are seen as examples of vehicles that struggled to succeed without them. Meanwhile, the decline of sedans like the Ioniq 6 and Tesla Model S highlights a growing preference for SUVs and crossovers, which dominate the current market. Some cancellations appear to be driven by regulatory changes. For instance, Honda’s decision to abandon its first fully in-house EV project months before production began suggests a lack of confidence in the model’s viability without the previous incentives. Other decisions remain puzzling, such as the abrupt cancellation of the 2024 Saloon concept, which was based on a design that had already been unveiled. These moves raise questions about which companies will remain competitive in the evolving EV landscape.#hyundai #ford #honda #volvo #volkswagen

Aston Martin chief Adrian Newey has warned that neither of the team's cars will be able to complete the season-opening Australian Grand Prix due to severe vibration issues in their Honda power unit. The problem, which emerged during pre-season testing in Bahrain, has raised serious safety concerns for drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, with both reporting risks of permanent nerve damage if they attempt to race. Newey revealed during a press conference in Melbourne that Alonso believes he can only safely complete 25 consecutive laps before risking harm, while Stroll estimates his limit at 15 laps. The team’s collaboration with Honda has been hindered by the vibration issue, which has also prevented the power unit from operating at full capacity. Newey emphasized the need for immediate restrictions on race distance until the root cause is resolved, stating, “We are going to have to be very heavily restricted on how many laps we do in the race until we get on top of the source of the vibration.” Honda executive Koji Watanabe confirmed the challenges, explaining that vibrations during testing damaged battery components and prevented the team from meeting their mileage targets. While engineers from both teams are working on countermeasures, Watanabe admitted the solutions are not yet guaranteed to work under race conditions. “Based on extensive testing, we will introduce countermeasures... but its effectiveness cannot yet be fully guaranteed under the real track condition,” he said. The issues highlight the difficulties of F1’s shift toward more electrical power units, a change introduced for the first time since 2014. Despite Honda’s past success with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, the partnership has faced significant setbacks, with Watanabe acknowledging they have yet to identify the “root cause” of the problem.#aston_martin #adrian_newey #fernando_alonso #lance_stroll #honda

Honda Engines Pose Nerve Damage Risk to F1 Drivers, Says Newey Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey has warned that vibrations from the team’s Honda engines could lead to permanent nerve damage for drivers within 25 laps of racing. The concerns were raised ahead of the new Formula 1 season, highlighting the ongoing challenges Honda faces as it partners with Aston Martin amid performance and reliability issues. Newey’s comments underscore the severity of the problem, which has already impacted pre-season testing and could affect the team’s competitiveness in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. The vibrations from the Honda power unit have caused multiple mechanical failures during testing, including mirrors and tail lights detaching from the cars. Newey emphasized that the most critical issue is the transmission of these vibrations to the driver’s hands, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll reporting that they could only safely complete 25 or 15 laps, respectively, before risking nerve damage. Alonso described the sensation as his hands and feet feeling numb after several laps, adding that the situation is “unusual” and could have long-term consequences if left unresolved. Aston Martin has implemented measures to address the vibrations, focusing on preventing them from damaging the hybrid system’s batteries, which were a major issue during pre-season testing. However, these fixes have not eliminated the vibrations entirely, as they continue to affect the chassis and steering. Honda F1 boss Koji Watanabe acknowledged that the effectiveness of these solutions would only be clear once the cars hit the track, with the team still struggling to fully resolve the vibration problem.#aston_martin #adrian_newey #fernando_alonso #lance_stroll #honda

New Era of Formula 1: Major Changes for 2026 Season The Formula 1 cars set to compete in the 2026 season are undergoing a radical transformation, marking the most significant rule overhaul in the sport’s history. These vehicles, which will debut at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, differ substantially from the models that concluded the 2025 season. Teams have spent the winter adapting to sweeping changes affecting engines, chassis, tyres, and fuel, all of which aim to reshape the competitive landscape. At first glance, the new cars retain their iconic single-seater design with front and rear wings and exposed wheels. However, deeper inspection reveals critical modifications. The engine architecture has evolved, with a 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid power unit now split 52-48 between internal combustion and electrical components—a shift from the previous 80-20 ratio. The electrical side now generates up to 350kW (470bhp), three times the output of last year’s units, though the battery size remains unchanged. This change was intended to attract more manufacturers to F1, a goal achieved with entries from Audi, General Motors, Ford, and Honda, which reversed its decision to exit the sport. The removal of the MGU-H, a complex energy recovery system on the turbo shaft, has left the cars energy-starved. While the MGU-K (kinetic energy recovery) remains, the absence of the MGU-H and the ban on front axle energy recovery have forced teams to rethink power management. This has led to significant adjustments for drivers, including the need to balance energy recovery with performance. The aerodynamic philosophy has also shifted. The previous "ground effect" design, which used curved venturi tunnels under the chassis to create low-pressure zones for downforce, has been abandoned.#formula_1 #audi #general_motors #ford #honda