Honda Malaysia: Hybrid Is “The Right Technology For Now”, More e:HEV Models Coming

The 2023 Honda Media Gathering event saw the automaker making few announcements on its future business plans and upcoming model launches. Apart from that, the Japanese automaker also unveiled plans to roll out more hybrid models in near future, as the firm still believes in the potential of hybrids in our local market.

Speaking during the event, Honda Malaysia President Sarly Adle Sarkum noted that while electrification is the biggest global automotive trend, he believes that hybrid technology still has its place in the country, before transitioning into full-blown electrification.

“Electrification is the global trend and future of mobility for the automotive industry. As such, Honda is also stepping up its electric vehicle (EV) development efforts progressively. Honda believes that the hybrid technology is the right approach at this point of time, particularly in Malaysia,” said the Honda boss.

However, Honda Malaysia still believes that the future of mobility is going to be electrified, as the firm will be planning to phase out ongoing technology for more electrified ones in the future.

“We want to ensure Malaysians’ needs are being fulfilled with the most practical and relevant technologies before fully adopting EVs,” Sarly added.

In line with the marque’s plan to further adopt and explore the potential of hybrid technologies in this country, Honda Malaysia now plans to bring in more hybrid models, which is now being embedded in the brand’s three key pillars for their new models. Said pillars are Advanced Technology, Premium Offerings, and Sporty Appeal.

Part and parcel of Honda Malaysia’s attempt to promote its hybrid technology is by equipping its models’ range-topping RS variants with the Atkinson Cycle e:HEV hybrid powertrain. This move is also in-line with the marque’s aforementioned three key pillars, where the formula combines the RS’s premium offerings and sporty appeal with the hybrid powertrain’s cutting-edge technology.

As for now, all Honda Malaysia models, with the exception of the Accord saloon and CR-V, features a hybrid e:HEV variant, with the newest edition being the Honda Civic 2.0 e:HEV RS that made its debut late last year.

However, this plan might not go smooth sailing, as the marque is still struggling with the global semiconductor shortages, which has led to mounting outstanding delivery delays for its models. 

Commenting on this matter, Honda Malaysia Executive Coordinator Yujiro Sugino said this breakage in the supply chain has caused the firm to delay or hold-off the deliveries of the hybrid models. As the advanced technology of Honda’s e:HEV powertrain warrants more semiconductor parts to operate, such shortages surely will have a direct impact on the hybrid models’ waiting period.

Speaking of the waiting period, Honda Malaysia is still trying to resolve the backorders received prior to the SST exemption waiver, and is poised to complete them by the end of this month.