Honda Aims to Exploit North American Demand by Opening Another Factory: TDS
Honda
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Welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, The Drive’s morning news summary presenting the top automotive headlines from around the globe.
The Downshift provides a brief overview of news with links to full articles for those looking for more details. This is your update for Monday, July 20, 2026.
🏭 Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe expressed interest in establishing an eighth factory in North America to enhance production in the company's most profitable region, which accounted for about 40% of global sales last year. “I want to significantly increase sales in North America,” Mibe stated in an interview with the Yomiuri Shinbun newspaper last week. “The fundamental idea is to manufacture where there is demand.” [Automobile News]
🤏 Peter Kronschnabl, managing director for Genesis in Europe, mentioned that Hyundai’s luxury division is “considering” smaller model options but has not yet made any confirmations. [Autocar]
🥨 In June, electric vehicles surpassed all other types of new cars sold in Germany for the first time. EV sales reached 84,057 units, while traditional hybrids followed closely with 83,315 registrations, and gasoline vehicles totaled 60,796. Diesel and plug-in vehicles each accounted for fewer than 34,000 units. [InsideEVs]
🔌 Pilot Flying J’s newest travel centers in Massachusetts and Florida, along with upgrades to existing locations, have brought the total to over 300 sites in the U.S. offering EV charging. [Electrek]
🧾 Aston Martin did not refute a report from late last week indicating that the luxury car manufacturer has been in continuous discussions with lenders, including those from BlackRock-owned HPS Investment Partners, to improve liquidity. [Reuters]
🛻 Todd Johnson, who contributed to the GMC Hummer EV and Chevrolet Silverado EV projects at General Motors, has joined Scout as the Vice President of Manufacturing. [Scout Motors]
🏁 Weekend race results:
WRC Rally Estonia: Sami Pajari triumphed for Toyota Gazoo Racing
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at North Wilkesboro Speedway: Chandler Smith achieved victory for Front Row Motorsports
Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli claimed victory for Mercedes
IndyCar at Nashville: Race postponed to 3 p.m. Monday due to rain
NASCAR Cup Series at North Wilkesboro Speedway: Joey Logano won for Team Penske
NHRA Drag Racing Sonoma Nationals Finals: Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Jordan Vandergriff (Funny Car), and Greg Stanfield (Pro Stock) were winners in their respective categories
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Honda Aims to Exploit North American Demand by Opening Another Factory: TDS
Last year, North America was a significant contributor for Honda, accounting for 40% of its worldwide sales. This might lead to the establishment of an eighth factory in the area.