Honda Canada Unveils the New Civic Hybrid
January 19 2024,
Honda Canada has recently unveiled the new Civic Hybrid, marking the expansion of its hybrid-electric vehicle lineup. This announcement comes alongside the news that the production of the 2025 Civic Hybrid will commence this spring at Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM) in Alliston, Ontario.
Historical Significance and Manufacturing Excellence
The Civic, a staple in Honda's portfolio, was introduced in Canada 50 years ago. It has been a popular choice among Canadian drivers, consistently ranking as one of the top-selling passenger cars for over 25 years. HCM, playing a pivotal role in the Civic's success, began its production in 1988. The plant recently celebrated the milestone of its six-millionth, made-in-Canada Civic in November 2023. Today, HCM employs 4,000 associates and has been a leader in Honda’s global manufacturing, recently becoming the lead plant for CR-V Hybrid production. The Civic Hybrid's production at HCM underscores Honda's commitment to Canadian manufacturing and its role in North American operations.
Civic Hybrid Specifications and Sales Expectations
The 2025 Civic Hybrid is equipped with Honda's two-motor hybrid-electric system, which has garnered awards for its performance. This system is designed to offer a sportier driving experience and improved fuel economy, particularly at highway speeds. Honda anticipates that the Civic Hybrid will account for over 40% of Civic sales in North America, reflecting the growing consumer interest in hybrid vehicles.
Honda’s Electrification Strategy
As part of its broader strategy for electrification, Honda aims for carbon neutrality in its products and corporate activities by 2050. The company plans to make battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles represent 100% of its new vehicle sales by 2040. The journey towards this goal begins with the launch of the 2024 Honda Prologue, Honda's first all-electric SUV, and continues with the introduction of a mid- to large-size EV model in 2025. At the recent CES 2024, Honda Motor also showcased its new global electric vehicle series, the 'Honda 0 Series', which includes the Saloon and Space-Hub concept models. A production model based on the Saloon concept is set for a 2026 launch.