Acura confirms plans to introduce hybrids due to slower EV adoption and changing consumer demand.
RDX and MDX crossovers are likely candidates as hybrid retrofitting evaluations are underway.
Ohio facility will build ICE, hybrid, and electric models on shared production lines for flexibility.
Acura has confirmed it will introduce hybrid vehicles into its lineup in the next few years, reversing a previous plan to focus exclusively on fully electric vehicles. The announcement was made by Katsushi Inoue, senior managing director and chief officer of automotive operations at Honda Motor Co., during Monterey Car Week.
The company cited changing market conditions and consumer demand as the primary reasons for the all-in-EV reversal. “It has always been an option, but now we are taking this [hybrid] option very seriously,” said Inoue, noting that EV adoption in the U.S. has been slower than in regions such as Europe.
Honda Unveils Teaser Page for All-New Hybrid Prelude Ahead of September Launch
While Acura did not disclose which models will receive hybrid powertrains, the brand indicated that both all-new hybrid models and hybrid variants of existing vehicles are being explored. Retrofitting hybrid systems into current platforms, however, is a complex process that could take several years. The RDX and MDX crossovers are considered likely candidates, given their popularity and size.
Acura will rely in part on hybrid powertrain experience from its parent company, Honda, which currently offers hybrid variants of the Accord, Civic, and CR-V. The brand’s Ohio-based flexible manufacturing facility will be central to its new approach. The plant is designed to support production of internal combustion, hybrid, and battery electric vehicles on the same lines. This setup enables Acura to quickly adapt output based on evolving customer preferences.
Despite the increased emphasis on hybrids, Acura continues to invest in EV development. The company unveiled the RSX EV prototype at Monterey, a high-performance electric SUV that will be the first model built on Acura’s new in-house EV platform. It will also be the first vehicle produced at the Ohio facility using its flexible manufacturing lines.
Source: Edmunds
