日经中文网·2026-03-26 03:37Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant impact of declining EV demand in the U.S. on Honda's EV strategy, leading to the cessation of the AFEELA 1 electric vehicle development by Sony Honda Mobility, which highlights the widening gap in electrification competition between Japanese and Chinese companies [1][3]. Group 1: Company Developments - Sony Honda Mobility announced the suspension of its AFEELA 1 EV development due to reduced EV demand in the U.S., which has forced Honda to completely adjust its EV strategy [1]. - The AFEELA 1 was priced starting at $89,900, with plans for delivery in North America by 2026, but all accepted reservation deposits will be refunded [1]. - The second model, originally scheduled for delivery after 2028, has also been canceled [1]. Group 2: Strategic Adjustments - Honda, Sony Group, and Sony Honda will discuss future development directions, with Sony Group acknowledging a "certain impact" on its performance due to these changes [3]. - Honda had previously set a goal to convert all new vehicles to EVs and fuel cell vehicles by 2040, with a planned investment of 10 trillion yen by 2030, of which 3.5 trillion yen has already been invested [4]. - Due to the low demand and the adjustment of EV support policies by the Trump administration, Honda decided to suspend the flagship EV development and may incur losses of up to 2.5 trillion yen by the fiscal year ending March 2027 [4]. Group 3: Industry Context - Other Japanese automakers, like Subaru, are also reevaluating their EV strategies in light of slowing demand in North America, with Subaru planning to strengthen hybrid vehicle development [5]. - Chinese companies, particularly BYD, are rapidly expanding their influence in the EV market, with BYD expected to surpass Tesla in EV sales by 2025, becoming the global leader [5]. - Chinese firms are also leading in autonomous driving technology, with Huawei applying its self-developed operating system and driving assistance features to partnered automotive brands, posing a competitive threat to Japanese companies in both EV and future autonomous driving markets [5].