Honda CEO States That Pursuing Independent Car Software Development "Is Not Logical"

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      Honda intends to keep discussing potential partnerships with various automakers regarding software as the shift to an electric future progresses.

      Last week in Japan, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe shared with reporters that, “for software-defined vehicles, it doesn’t make sense for a single company to develop everything alone.”

      Mibe mentioned that Honda's experience collaborating with GM on the Prologue and the recently discontinued Acura ZDX taught them that, “coming up with a single winning strategy in the EV segment is challenging.”

      Although the expense of software development is quite high, it doesn't necessitate the same level of capital investment as hardware. According to Mibe, collaborating with more partners allows Honda to distribute and manage development costs more effectively.

      Mibe mentioned both GM and Nissan as potential partners for Honda to share software development costs, but he did not confirm any upcoming collaborations.

      Ideally, Mibe expressed that Honda aims to be at the forefront of technology so that if they develop technology, they can share it with other automakers, which would be most beneficial. Nevertheless, Honda will keep looking for ways to collaborate with other car manufacturers.

      This perspective is also reflected by Volkswagen Group, which invested $5.8 billion last year to establish a joint venture with Rivian to gain access to the startup's zonal electrical architecture and software framework.

      Honda facilitated The Drive's story by providing travel, accommodations, and access to engineers.