Honda's EV Cut & Green Logistics: This Week's Top EV News
12 March
Honda Motor Co has announced a significant revision to its car electrification strategy, resulting in the cancellation of three EV models planned for North America: the Honda 0 SUV, Honda 0 Saloon and Acura RSX.
This decision stems from a change in the business environment, including a slowdown in the US EV market and intensified competition in Asia.
The company said at the release of its Annual Report that it expects to record substantial losses – the first since it went public in the 1950s – including write-offs and impairment on assets designated for these models.
Toshihiro Mibe, Honda CEO, said that proceeding with production in the current demand environment would likely result in long-term losses.
11 March
Europe's largest carmaker is facing a crisis that could reshape its electric vehicle ambitions.
Volkswagen has announced plans to cut 50,000 jobs across its German operations by 2030, as the company grapples with a 53% decline in operating profit to US$10.4bn – its lowest since 2016.
The job losses will impact operations across the Volkswagen Group in Germany, potentially affecting its premium EV brands including Audi and Porsche.
In a letter to shareholders, Oliver Blume, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, says: "In total, around 50,000 jobs are due to be cut by 2030 across the Volkswagen Group in Germany."
Oliver attributes the profit collapse to "operating in a fundamentally different environment".
12 March
Mercedes-Benz is pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle architecture with its latest launch, the VLE, a vehicle that challenges traditional EV categorisation by merging limousine refinement with multi-purpose versatility.
Built on the German manufacturer's new VAN.EA platform, the model could signal a shift in how premium electric vehicles are conceived and positioned in an increasingly crowded market.
The VLE arrives as Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius continues to oversee an ambitious product rollout. Having recently unveiled the latest S-Class Saloon, Ola is now introducing what he describes as a Grand Limousine, a vehicle that combines limousine driving dynamics with the practicality of an MPV.
11 March
Operating logistics networks across more than 220 countries presents significant challenges for fleet electrification, carbon reduction and environmental stewardship.
DHL Group is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth through its Strategy 2030 and 2025 Annual Report: The Next Step.
By embedding green logistics as a core strategic "fourth bottom line," the group is transforming its international network into a model of environmental and social responsibility, with electric vehicle deployment at the forefront of its decarbonisation strategy.
Despite challenging geopolitical shifts and fluctuating trade flows, DHL Group is continuing to pursue its goal of reaching net zero GHG emissions by 2050.
10 March
When the last combustion engine rolled off the production line at BMW’s Munich plant in late 2023, it marked more than the end of 75 years of internal combustion.
For Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, People and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director, it represented a profound moment of human transformation that would define the company’s approach to the electric vehicle revolution.
"I knew many of the people who worked there personally – because I had the privilege of leading that plant and our worldwide engine production for seven years in total. I’ll never forget that day," Ilka says.
"Standing in front of them, saying: ‘This chapter ends here’. That was a tough moment for everyone. We all shed a few tears, I can tell you."
