In recent years, the traditional fuel vehicle market has encountered unprecedented challenges in China, and the rise of domestic brands and the rapid popularization of smart electric vehicles have made it difficult for classic models such as the Accord, Camry, Magotan, and Passat, which once dominated the mid-to-high-end sedan market, to maintain their position as “kings”.

Against this backdrop, GAC Honda introduced a plug-in hybrid version of the new Accord to cater to market demand. However, the absence of the Accord Hybrid version has sparked widespread discussion – is GAC Honda planning to abandon hybrid models in the future?

The launch of a plug-in hybrid version of the Accord specifically designed for the Chinese market during this generation change is clearly a crucial move by GAC Honda to seize market share through new energy transformation.

However, this model is not developed for the global market but is modified based on the gasoline version.

As a result, the addition of a large-capacity battery forces the fuel tank to move backward, occupying some of the trunk space. While this may not significantly impact practical use, consumers are dissatisfied with this design, believing it compromises the Accord's expected performance as a mid-to-high-end sedan, and they are unwilling to compromise on the experience.

The Accord plug-in hybrid has failed to become a market hit, instead raising more questions about why GAC Honda abandoned the Accord Hybrid version.

Behind GAC Honda's abandonment of the new Accord Hybrid version lies the question: is it due to technical shortcomings or other reasons?

The Accord Hybrid has performed steadily in overseas markets such as North America, even outperforming competitors like the Toyota Camry in terms of driving experience, including smoothness and acceleration response.

With Honda's unique strong electric motor drive design, its hybrid system provides a smooth driving experience similar to that of a pure electric vehicle, fully meeting consumers' dual demands for comfort and energy efficiency.

From a driving perspective and market positioning, the Accord Hybrid is not only comparable to the Camry Hybrid but also surpasses it in terms of handling stability and power response.

Therefore, the real reason for GAC Honda's abandonment of the Accord Hybrid version may not lie in technical aspects but is closely related to internal resource integration and production planning.

The complex relationship between GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda in engine supply is a crucial factor affecting the introduction of the Accord Hybrid version.

Both the 2.0L hybrid engine and 1.5T gasoline engine of the Accord are produced by Dongfeng Honda Engine Company, rather than GAC Honda's own factory.

It is reported that Dongfeng Honda Engine Company will soon merge into GAC Honda, and this integration may be the main reason for the delayed launch of the Accord Hybrid version.

GAC Honda may hope to produce newly designed hybrid engines in the new engine factory after completing the factory integration, ensuring product quality and supply chain stability.

This means that the return of the Accord Hybrid version is only a matter of time, rather than a complete abandonment.

Due to the temporary absence of the Accord Hybrid version, the Camry quickly filled the market gap with its 2.0L and 2.5L hybrid systems, becoming the winner in this segment and occupying a dominant position in the mid-to-high-end hybrid market. GAC Honda's move has given competitors a crucial market window.

With the completion of Honda's engine factory integration, the new Accord Hybrid version is expected to be introduced into the Chinese market soon. This is not only a future-oriented model but also a crucial milestone for GAC Honda to showcase its future strategy.

Although the absence of the Accord Hybrid version has caused market regrets, GAC Honda's strategic focus remains unshaken, and the return of the new Accord Hybrid version will be an important step forward for GAC Honda.