Okinaga's questions to Honda Motor Co Ltd (HMC) leadership • Q1 2026
Question
Mr. Okinaga from Nikkei inquired about the financial impact of the reduced US-Japan auto tariff, the outlook for tariffs on vehicles from Canada and Mexico, and whether Honda's strategy of emphasizing US production remains unchanged.
Answer
CFO Eiji Fujimura acknowledged the tariff reduction from 25% to 15% as a positive development but noted that details on timing and retroactive application are still pending. He affirmed that while Honda's preference for free trade is unchanged, the company must adapt to the 'new normal.' Mr. Fujimura reiterated the strategy to increase US production, potentially by adding a third shift, and highlighted the critical need to localize the production of core hybrid components like motors, batteries, and ECUs currently imported from Japan.