Honda's research and development in China is shifting towards Chinese leadership.

On the opening day of the 2026 Beijing International Auto Show, Honda announced its plans to launch an electric car in the Chinese market developed by its joint venture partner under the Honda brand. This adjustment in research and development strategy is in response to increasing competition from local Chinese brands and a decline in sales. Honda is seeking to optimize its research and development system in China to revitalize its business. Lin Zhibin, Vice General Manager of GAC Honda, responded to the current situation facing the company at the 2026 Beijing International Auto Show, stating: "At present, we are in a stage of comprehensive strategic transformation, with capacity, production lines, and technology layout being simultaneously optimized and adjusted. The adjustment of the Guangzhou fuel production line is mainly for structural optimization and efficiency upgrading. The main purpose is to eliminate low-efficiency, outdated capacity, focus on high-efficiency output, and align with the production requirements of future new products and new technologies to prevent waste of production resources."