Recently, Honda Technology Research Institute (China) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Honda China") and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) officially signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen their cooperation. Building on their existing cooperation, both parties will further collaborate in new technology R&D, supply chain management, and other areas, driving product technology upgrades through innovation and injecting new momentum into the transformation of user experience.
It is reported that as a key focus of this deepened cooperation, both parties will further engage in comprehensive upgraded cooperation in areas such as LFP batteries, CTB (Cell to Body) integration technology, supply chain optimization, and R&D of 12V and hybrid power batteries, promoting the upgrade of the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry.
In the future, Honda China and CATL will continue to explore new business cooperation models.
Masayuki Igarashi, Executive Managing Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (China), previously stated, "To meet the rapidly changing demands of the Chinese market, Honda must leverage the strengths of outstanding local enterprises in China and drive transformation at Chinese speed."
Unlike its previous conservative strategies, Honda is now proactively delegating partial control over key technologies such as intelligent driving, AI large models, and battery integration to Chinese technology companies.
During the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, Honda announced that it will collaborate deeply with outstanding local Chinese enterprises Momenta, DeepSeek, and CATL to launch strategic cooperation in the fields of intelligence and electrification, opening a new chapter in Honda's era of intelligent electrification.
Since 2024, the market shares of the three major Japanese automakers in China have continued to decline. Brands such as GAC Toyota, FAW Toyota, GAC Honda, and Dongfeng Nissan are all facing pressure from insufficient penetration of new energy vehicles and lagging intelligent responses.
Currently, Honda is accelerating through this period of transformational pain. In April this year, Honda China's terminal sales reached 43,689 units, with cumulative sales from January to April exceeding 200,000 units. This achievement stands out particularly against the backdrop of the overall decline of Japanese brands. Despite the Japanese automotive market share in China dropping to 15.2% in April, a ten-year low, Honda has maintained its position through electrification transformation.
