Honda Australia is looking to expand its local model lineup as it continues its turnaround under revitalised leadership, with more hybrids, electric vehicles (EVs), and potentially even a ute on the agenda.
Speaking to CarExpert, Honda Australia managing director Rob Thorp said the Japanese brand is looking to add more models and compete in more segments as it pursues more sales growth after recording a claimed 25 per cent increase in new vehicle orders in June 2026 – its highest monthly result in four years.
“Our plans are to look at ways of how we can expand the lineup and push into segments where we’re not currently represented,” Mr Thorp said.
“That’s part of our approach; we’re looking globally to see what we can find that would work here locally.”
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Honda Australia currently offers just six nameplates, including the new Prelude hybrid sports coupe launched earlier this year, with the recently updated CR-V and HR-V SUVs leading the company’s sales.
That number will increase to seven when the Honda Super-One electric hatch arrives later this year, with local pricing and specifications yet to be announced.
In contrast, market leader Toyota currently offers 21 nameplates in Australia, while BYD – which rocketed to second on the sales charts again last month – has expanded its range from six nameplates a year ago to 11 today.
Asked whether Honda would add more nameplates or broaden its existing model lineups, Mr Thorp said it would be “definitely a combination of both”.
He wouldn’t share further details, but Honda Australia has not ruled out releasing the 0 Series Alpha electric SUV, the only surviving model from Honda’s three-vehicle 0 Series EV strategy after the other two were cancelled before reaching production.
There’s also the question of the next-generation US-built Honda Ridgeline dual-cab ute, after Honda Australia previously ruled out the current model, which is approaching a decade on sale.
Mr Thorpe said he would not comment on specific models, but when asked about adding a ute to the local lineup last year, Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph told CarExpert: “Do we need one? Not necessarily, but if we have one it needs to be the right one.”
Other overseas Honda models that could be considered for Australia include the V6-powered Passport SUV and the larger three-row Pilot, which also has a V6 and shares its platform with the Ridgeline.
Honda Australia remains focused on hybrid models, and Mr Thorp said the current fuel crisis has not fundamentally changed the brand’s product strategy, even as EV sales reach record levels.
“If we had a BEV [battery-electric vehicle], that’d be great. We just don’t have one available at the moment. Super-One will hopefully fill that gap, but the fuel crisis hasn’t caused us to make fundamental shifts to our product lineup or strategy.
“If I could wave my magic wand, would I have one [an EV] in the medium or small SUV segments? Probably, yes. But that being said, you know, I can’t wave that wand.”
Sales of EVs in Australia reached a record 16.4 per cent market share in April 2026, rising to 19.9 per cent in May, and 23.3 per cent in June. By comparison, EVs accounted for 10.3 per cent of Australian new-vehicle sales in June 2025.
Unsurprisingly, Mr Thorpe said Honda Australia’s first EV in the Super-One couldn’t come soon enough, but reiterated his commitment to hybrid vehicles.
“We’ve got to deal with what’s in front of us. We still fundamentally believe in our hybrid strategy,” he said.
“I still believe fundamentally that the vast majority of people… the transition to hybrid is still a more natural transition than going from an ICE [internal combustion engine] environment to a BEV.”
In the first six months of 2026, sales of Honda hybrids increased by 30 per cent, and almost two-thirds of new vehicles delivered by the brand were powered by petrol-electric drivetrains as updates to the CR-V and HR-V boosted demand.
“For the remainder of this year, just by virtue of hybrid sales strength, our ICE [vehicle] demand has really pulled away, and so we’re changing our product mix, and actually arguably leaning harder into that strategy with hybrid, and for us that’s working.”
Mr Thorp said he believes there remains significant opportunity for both hybrid and electric models in Australia.
“I still think that there’s going to be a sizable market for both to be successful, and so for us, hybrid is where it’s at, so that’s what our priority is.”
Watch this space for our full interview with Honda’s local MD on Sunday (July 12), when we’ll publish the latest instalment in our Expert Insights series.