Driving Honda’s electric vehicle revolution

Posted in: JT - Sweden 2018 Started by Franz Fricke

Driving Honda’s electric vehicle revolution

Honda believes in “The Power of Dreams.” With the growing demand for electric vehicles, the dream of environmentally friendly, high-performance vehicles has become a reality.

The automotive industry is experiencing a huge shift toward electric vehicle ownership. Honda aims to have electric drivetrains in twothirds of cars sold in Europe by 2025. With this, Honda’s European automobile business would be at the forefront of Honda’s global aim for two-thirds of global automobile sales to feature an electric powertrain by 2030.

Axel Taebel, Branch Director of Honda Nordic

The markets in Honda Nordic (Sweden, Denmark and Norway) are receptive to this remarkable trend. The sales of electric automobiles increased 33 percent in 2017 compared with the previous year and Honda is continuing to strengthen its commitment to its Nordic markets.

“Scandinavians are very open and positive to new technologies and innovations,” said Axel Taebel, branch director of Honda Nordic. “This makes it more straightforward to introduce innovative technologies to the market, as the importance of sustainability and the need to protect the environment are very much ingrained into Scandinavian society.”

Honda Urban EV Concept

Photos provided by: Honda Nordic

The Swedish government recently decided on a new scheme to increase taxation based upon carbon dioxide emissions for diesel and petrol-driven cars, while offering tax breaks and bonus payouts to support low-emission cars such as hybrid, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

The Nordic countries are building infrastructure to accommodate electric vehicles. Charging stations are located across the countries and can be found in almost every city center parking area.

In Europe, Honda plans to introduce an electrified drivetrain version with every new model launch or full model change from 2018 onward. This will begin with this year’s launch of the new CR-V, the world’s bestselling SUV. The new CR-V with a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo petrol engine will be available first, and then followed by the Honda i-MMD Hybrid technology.

Honda also announced the production of its first battery- powered electric vehicle that will arrive in Europe by the end of 2019. It will be the production version of the Urban EV Concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. The concept gained critical acclaim for its stylish and innovative design in the European press. “We are looking forward to the launch of this car in Honda’s Nordic markets,” said Taebel.

While automobile drivers can look forward to Honda’s new vehicle launches, customer satisfaction will remain the top priority for Honda.

“With the introduction of new technologies and vehicles, we will ensure our dealer network is fully trained and well-equipped to give our customers the best experience,” said Taebel.
“Customer satisfaction lies at the heart of our business and we want to exceed customer expectations. Honda’s mission is to serve people worldwide with the joy of expanding their life’s potential.”

Honda