Honda is considering a new US plant to expand its hybrid range. Earlier this year, it cancelled three battery-electric models intended for the country. Hyundai also plans to add 500,000 units of capacity in North America and offer 10 hybrid models in the region. Cox Automotive data put the share of US car shoppers more likely to consider a hybrid amid higher petrol prices at 56 per cent; both carmakers are putting the vehicles at the centre of growth plans through 2030.
A senior Honda executive said the company is considering a new US plant to widen its petrol-electric hybrid range from 2030. Earlier this year, the carmaker cancelled three battery-electric models intended for the United States. Honda plans 15 new hybrids by March 2030, aimed mainly at North America. The company also posted its first annual loss since it was founded in 1948.[1]
Hyundai said it would add 1.27 million units of global capacity by 2030, including 500,000 units in North America. The company said it would offer 10 hybrid models in the region and expected hybrids to account for half of North American sales. Its hybrid sales rose 71 per cent in the second quarter. Cox Automotive data put the share of US car shoppers more likely to consider a hybrid amid higher petrol prices at 56 per cent. The two measures are consistent with higher petrol prices supporting hybrid interest, but they do not establish that petrol prices caused the sales increase because the Cox data measures stated consideration rather than completed purchases. Honda's option of a new US plant alongside 15 planned hybrids and Hyundai's programme of 500,000 units of capacity and 10 hybrid models in North America show both companies putting hybrid production at the centre of regional growth through 2030.[2], [1]
Hyundai raised its 2030 consolidated operating margin target from 8 per cent to 9 per cent to above 9 per cent. It left its 2026 guidance at 6.3 per cent to 7.3 per cent. The shares fell 3.3 per cent; the wider market gained 1.3 per cent. Separately, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is under review; US officials have declined to extend it automatically.[2]
