Honda Teases Styling of Adventure-Ready Prologue Electric SUV Coming in 2024 and Shares Plan to Accelerate EV Sales Toward 2030 Français
- Styling completed at Honda Design Studio shows hint of Honda e
- Prologue to be followed by first models based on Honda e:Architecture in 2026
- Honda working closely with dealer network to prep for EV and digital sales future
MARKHAM, ON, May 18, 2022 /CNW/ - Honda released the first sketch previewing the design of the all-new Prologue full-electric SUV launching in 2024. The first Honda model designed primarily through virtual reality visualization technology, Prologue styling suggests an adventure-ready SUV capable of satisfying everyday driving and weekend getaways with a strong hint of the well-received Honda e in the front fascia.
The exterior styling of the Prologue represents the clean, simple and timeless values of the global Honda design direction, together with a long wheelbase, shorter overhang and a strong stance outfitted with a capable tire. Prologue was designed at the Honda Design Studio in Los Angeles in collaboration with a Honda design team in Japan.
"The Prologue is Honda's first electric vehicle in Canada and is the result of a strategic North American plan announced 2 years ago that includes a collaboration with GM to produce EVs in a more efficient manner," said Steve Hui, Vice President, Honda Canada. "The Prologue signifies our transition to electrification, with more Honda engineered and manufactured EVs in North America coming in 2026. Our Canadian dealers are excited to see it come to their showrooms."
Toward its global goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Honda will introduce 30 new EVs globally by 2030, with a volume of 2 million units. In North America, Honda has laid out an aggressive timeline of EV introductions based on three phases leading to 2030:
- 2024: Begin sales of the Honda Prologue, co-developed with GM
- 2026: Begin production and sales of Honda models based on the new Honda e:Architecture.
- 2027: Begin production and sales of a new series of affordable EVs, based on a new vehicle architecture co-developed with GM.
Based on these three phases, the Honda brand plans to sell around 500,000 EVs in North America by 2030.
Honda also is working closely with its dealers to help them prepare to take care of customers in the new era of BEV sales and service. This includes:
- A new dealership facility design provides dealers with a modular and flexible space reflecting changes in the way customers shop for and purchase vehicles, as well as lower inventory dealers will need to support sales in the future.
- The number and type of EV charging stations dealers will be required to install based on their expected EV sales volume through 2030.
- Guidelines regarding the types of special tools and equipment dealers will need to acquire to service Honda electric vehicles.
For the rollout of these guidelines, Honda is taking a tiered approach with dealers based on potential EV sales in their local markets. A tiered approach will allow for dealers to determine the best timing for these investments and evolve as EV sales accelerate.
A team of designers in the Honda Design Studio in Los Angeles used virtual reality to overcome challenges related to remote work requirements during the COVID pandemic and to collaborate virtually with Honda design and development team members in Japan. Prologue was conceived as a modern and fresh design that will look comfortable in the same showroom with existing Honda SUVs.
"As the project leader for the exterior design of the Honda Prologue, it was very exciting to work with a young team of designers with new capabilities to create an SUV with clean, simple lines and a strong influence from our global EV models, including the Honda e," said Jiro Ikeda, Exterior Design Leader. "We balanced that with a neo-rugged look that you see in our current lineup to ensure Prologue represents a true Honda EV."
The team also focused on aerodynamics, fine-tuning the body with a simple surface direction and fewer lines to improve range and reduce cabin noise. This is something that will become even more important for customers driving an EV, as the absence of engine sounds will make any wind noise and other sounds entering the cabin more noticeable.
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About Honda Canada
Honda Canada Inc. was founded in 1969 and is the parent company for both Honda and Acura vehicle brands in Canada. Since 1986, the company has produced Honda engines and almost 10 million cars and light trucks at its Alliston, Ontario manufacturing facilities, where the Honda Civic and Honda CR-V are currently built. Honda Canada has invested over $6.5 billion in Canada, and each year sources over $3 billion in goods and services from Canadian suppliers. Since its inception, Honda Canada has sold over five million Honda and Acura passenger cars and light trucks in Canada through a dealer network of more than 280 dealerships across the country. For more information, please visit www.hondacanada.ca.
SOURCE Honda Canada Inc.
John Bordignon, [email protected]
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