At the Japan Mobility Show 2025 in Japan, Mr. Yusuke Kondo, Business Director of Honda Vietnam’s Automobile Division, confirmed that the Honda City hybrid will not be distributed in the Vietnamese market.
This decision is not due to technical limitations or policy constraints but stems from Honda’s customer-centric approach. In reality, at a price point of around $26,000, Vietnamese consumers have not yet shown a high demand for hybrid technology.
This market-driven decision is evident when comparing prices in Thailand, where the Honda City e:HEV is available. The RS hybrid variant is priced at 799,000 baht (approximately $20,000), while the gasoline-only RS version costs 749,000 baht (around $19,000). Applying similar exchange rates and tax structures in Vietnam, the City e:HEV would likely exceed $26,000, significantly higher than the current City RS price of $23,000 in Vietnam.
At this price, the City e:HEV would surpass the typical budget for compact sedan buyers, significantly reducing its competitiveness. This is especially true in a market that prioritizes affordability and operational costs over fuel-saving technology.
Despite not introducing the City e:HEV, Honda Vietnam remains committed to its hybrid strategy. Mr. Yusuke Kondo announced that the Honda CR-V e:HEV will be locally assembled in Vietnam starting in 2026 at the Honda Vietnam plant in Phu Tho. This strategic move aims to reduce import costs, stabilize pricing, and enhance the competitiveness of Honda’s electrified models.
This shift indicates that Honda is focusing its hybrid efforts on higher-end segments, where consumers are more willing to invest in advanced technology, rather than experimenting with mid-range models like the City.
While there are no immediate plans, analysts suggest that the absence of the City e:HEV in Vietnam may not be permanent. As technical infrastructure, tax policies, and consumer awareness of hybrid vehicles improve, this compact sedan could make a comeback, serving as a bridge between traditional gasoline cars and fully electric vehicles.
TH (Tuoitrethudo)
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