Core Viewpoint - Increasing number of multinational automakers are shifting their focus from pure electric vehicles to hybrid technology, following Toyota's lead, due to slowing growth in the electric vehicle market [2][3][6] Group 1: Company Strategies - Honda announced a shift in its electric vehicle strategy, reducing its investment from 10 trillion yen to 7 trillion yen and lowering its target for electric vehicle sales to below 30% by 2030 [3][10] - Ford plans to introduce hybrid versions of all its gasoline models by 2030 and has postponed the launch of some electric models due to ongoing losses in its electric vehicle division [4][5] - Mercedes-Benz and other automakers have also abandoned their aggressive electric-only strategies, opting for a diversified product lineup that includes hybrids [5][6] Group 2: Market Trends - In Q1 of this year, global sales of hybrid vehicles surpassed those of pure electric vehicles, with hybrids accounting for 16% of the market compared to 14.5% for pure electric [6][7] - In Europe, hybrid vehicle sales are projected to reach 4.06 million units in 2024, a 20% increase year-on-year, while sales of pure electric vehicles are expected to decline by 1.3% [7][8] - The U.S. market is also seeing a significant rise in hybrid vehicle sales, with a 36.7% increase year-on-year, contributing to overall new car sales growth [7][8] Group 3: Policy and Economic Factors - Changes in U.S. policy under the current administration have created uncertainty in the electric vehicle market, leading to a reassessment of electric vehicle strategies by automakers [8][9] - In Europe, the EU has softened its emissions targets and regulations, allowing for more flexibility in the transition to electric vehicles, which has influenced automakers' strategies [9][10] Group 4: Financial Performance - Ford's electric vehicle division reported a pre-tax loss of $5.1 billion in 2024, prompting a reevaluation of its electric vehicle strategy [11][12] - In contrast, Toyota's hybrid vehicle sales grew by 23.6% in the last fiscal year, contributing to a record net profit of 4.765 trillion yen [12][13] Group 5: Technological Developments - Hybrid technology is evolving, with companies like Toyota and Honda investing in new systems that improve fuel efficiency and reduce costs [14][15] - The rise of plug-in hybrids and range-extended vehicles is gaining traction, particularly in the Chinese market, as automakers adapt to changing consumer preferences [15][16]