Honda to recall 200,000 hybrid vehicles in China to fix brake issues

MANILA: According to a report from Reuters, China's State Administration for Market Regulation recently announced that Honda will recall slightly over 200,000 hybrid vehicles due to problems with brake pedal sensors in select models.

The Japanese automaker's partnership with Dongfeng Motor Group Co-produced 105,608 hybrid vehicles between October 8, 2018, and September 7, 2020. Additionally, Honda's manufacturing partnership with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co-produced 95,081 hybrid vehicles between August 27, 2018, and August 6, 2020.

The recall would start on March 31, 2023, and it would address a problem with lubricating oil that was put into brake pedal sensors during the production process and could lead to problems with the sensors over time.

Last year, Honda Motor China announced that Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., a Honda automobile production and sales joint venture in China, started sales of the all-new e:NS1 electric vehicle. Another Honda joint venture, GAC Honda Automobile Co., Ltd, began taking reservations for the all-new e:NP1 model last May 2022.

The 2022 Honda e:NS1 and e:NP1 are the first "e:N Series" models developed as the first Honda-brand EV models in China, which combine the DNA of Honda Monozukuri (art of making things) with the cutting-edge electrification and intelligence technologies of China.

For the e:NS1 and e:NP1, Honda newly developed the e:N Architecture F which consists of an electric motor that delivers both instantaneous output and dedicated control in various driving situations, a large-capacity battery that enables a range of up to 510 kilometers, and dedicated body frames.

A sporty and exhilarating driving experience unique to Honda was pursued by incorporating original Honda technologies, including aerodynamic technologies Honda has amassed through the development of sports models.

In the area of intelligence technologies, as standard equipment, the all-new e:NS1 and e:NP1 will feature the latest connectivity technologies available in China including Honda Connect 3.0, the new-generation connected technology developed exclusively for EVs and a large 15.1-inch Display Audio.

In addition, the all-new e:NS1 and e:NP1 are designed to offer a safe, comfortable and smart "space" for mobility by making various intelligence technologies available, including the Driver Monitoring Camera (DMC), which assists safe driving by detecting potential dangerous behavior such as inattentive driving and an indication of drowsiness experienced by the driver.

As to exterior design, the new identity of the e:N Series is expressed by the luminescent "H" emblem in the front and a new "Honda" emblem in the rear which replaces the traditional "H" marque.

Starting with e:NS1 and e:NP1, Honda will introduce 10 e:N Series models by 2027 and accelerate electrification in China throughout the value chain including sales and production operations, a previous release said.

With the market introduction of e:NS1 and e:NP1, Honda will make a full-fledged launch of its online stores in China, where the entire process of ordering, from consideration of various options to the placement of an order, can be done online through one-on-one direct communication.

At the same time, Honda will guide customers into the world of the e:N design concept of "perceiving the future at a glance and by touch" and offer customers a completely new purchasing experience.

Moreover, Honda will renew existing showrooms. GAC Honda will start rolling out showrooms specializing in the sales of electrified vehicles and building new showroom locations at shopping malls starting from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Dongfeng Honda will install a section dedicated to the e:N Brand at each of its existing stores.

To ensure stable quality and quantity of customer deliveries of e:N Series models, whose lineup will continue to expand in the coming years, GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda, respectively, will each build a new dedicated EV production plant, with an aim to become operational in 2024.

Photos from Honda

Also read: Local Honda models recognized at Media's Choice Awards