Skip advert
Advertisement

‘Honda and Volkswagen disagree on whether new cars should be global or regional’

While Honda is looking to reduce its global line-up, Volkswagen believes different car designs are needed for each region

Opinion - Honda SpaceHub

The Consumer Electronics Show is always a good event, especially with an increasing number of car makers using it to make big announcements.

What always amuses me is how many of them proudly show off their new tech, proclaiming it as a world first, without realising their rivals in the next hall are showing off exactly the same thing!

For example, coming to a car near you very soon is greater AI integration, often in the form of ChatGPT. It’s supposedly going to make it easier to talk to your car, although judging by my demo in the next-generation Volkswagen Golf it still needs some work.

Advertisement - Article continues below

However, car makers don’t agree on everything, as was clear with Volkswagen and Honda. VW’s tech boss Kai Grünitz told me, “In the past we tried to develop a kind of world car suitable for every region – take a look at the ID.4. But the last years have shown that this won’t work any more. I think you can have the same electronic architecture in the background, but the design, the way our customers react with the car will be different. And actually we have also learned that it’s not much more expensive to design different cars as long as you use the same modules in a way that the customer doesn’t see it.”

On the other side of the show (and coin), Honda was unveiling its stunning new global 0 Series EVs, a shift in strategy from its current regional line-ups. So who’s right? I asked Honda’s CEO, Toshihiro Mibe.

“We are thinking that the value of the business will change and we need to have a number of models to achieve volume,” he told me. “In an EV world we have to reduce the number of platforms. Going global is the most efficient for EVs. Let’s talk about Tesla – four models globally. We agree with that.”

The desire for Far Eastern buyers to have more screens, tech and shiny gadgets doesn’t necessarily chime with western buyers. Let’s see if tastes converge.

Click here to read more from this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Honda Super EV makes UK debut as quirky concept takes to Goodwood
Honda Super EV - front

Honda Super EV makes UK debut as quirky concept takes to Goodwood

The Super EV concept could be the replacement for the Honda e
News
11 Jul 2025
New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD
Auto Express senior staff writer Jordan Katsianis stood next to the Honda 0 SUV prototype

New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD

Honda EV plans are gathering momentum, and they’ll be realised in the groundbreaking 0 SUV next year
News
1 Jul 2025
Extra-hot electric Volkswagen GTI Clubsport models are on their way
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport - cornering

Extra-hot electric Volkswagen GTI Clubsport models are on their way

Electric hot hatches are front and centre in Volkswagen’s electric future
News
30 Jun 2025
Volkswagen leasing deals 2025
Volkswagen Golf facelift 2024 UK - front tracking

Volkswagen leasing deals 2025

The best Volkswagen leasing deals available right now
Best cars & vans
27 Jun 2025

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
18 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025