Honda drops US Civic Natural Gas to focus on hydrogen fuel cell
Honda will end US sales of its Civic Natural Gas and Accord plug-in hybrid, shifting attention to a new hydrogen fuel cell model and upcoming electrified vehicles.
Honda will discontinue its Civic Natural Gas model for the US market as it prepares to launch a new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2016. The decision, confirmed by American Honda's US sales chief, reflects the company's changing approach to alternative fuels amid shifting market conditions.
End of Civic Natural Gas and Accord plug-in hybrid
The Civic Natural Gas, offered in limited numbers since 1998, never achieved wide popularity. Honda delivered about 16,000 units over nearly two decades, with sales concentrated in regions where natural gas refuelling infrastructure existed. Falling petrol prices have further eroded the model's appeal, making it less competitive against conventional petrol cars and newer electrified options.
Production of the Accord plug-in hybrid will also cease. Honda has committed to introducing a new plug-in hybrid for the US by 2018, but has not released technical details or a launch date. The Civic Hybrid will be discontinued as well, coinciding with the arrival of the next-generation Civic later in 2015.
Focus shifts to hydrogen and electrification
Honda's next step in the US is a dedicated hydrogen fuel cell model, previewed by a concept shown at the Detroit motor show in January 2015. The production version is expected to compete with the Toyota Mirai, which is also targeting early adopters in California and other regions investing in hydrogen infrastructure.
The company has also announced plans for a new battery-electric model and a further plug-in hybrid, both scheduled for release before 2018. These moves align Honda with rivals focusing on hydrogen and electric drivetrains, such as Toyota and Hyundai. For more on Hyundai's plans, see Hyundai to Unveil New Hydrogen Fuel Cell SUV in 2017.
What it means for US buyers and dealers
Dealers will no longer offer the Civic Natural Gas or Accord plug-in hybrid once current stocks are sold. Buyers seeking alternative-fuel Hondas will have to wait for the new fuel cell and electric models. The shift reflects both market demand and Honda's view that hydrogen and plug-in electrics have greater long-term potential in the US than natural gas vehicles.
Honda has not yet named its new fuel cell car or detailed its specifications, but the company has made clear that its US alternative-fuel strategy is moving away from natural gas in favour of hydrogen and electrification.
