Corporate Action Japan Engages in Dialogue with Honda Executive Vice President Kaihara 

On July 2, 2025, a shareholder group comprising Corporate Action Japan and overseas institutional investors held a dialogue with Mr. Noriya Kaihara, Executive Vice President and Representative Executive Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., as part of ongoing engagement with the company. 

The discussion focused on Honda’s revised four-wheeled vehicle electrification strategy, as announced in its “2025 Business Update” released in May. The shareholder group sought clarification on how the revised strategy aligns with Honda’s long-term decarbonization target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as the company’s views on the underlying business environment that influenced the strategic shift. 

In response, Honda reiterated that “environment and safety are top priorities” for the company and emphasized that the update does not represent a retreat from its commitment to electrification. Rather, the company explained that the revision reflects the need to remain flexible and resilient in response to a rapidly evolving market. Honda also provided detailed insights into its corporate governance framework and the nature of internal discussions at the Board level, demonstrating that management decisions are being made with a long-term perspective. The company reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to its climate goals, stating, “Our 2050 target is firm, and we are steadily progressing toward its achievement.” 

Corporate Action Japan views this dialogue as a positive reflection of Honda’s continued willingness to engage transparently with shareholders and to foster mutual understanding through constructive discussion. As the window to achieve 2050 climate goals continues to narrow, Corporate Action Japan emphasizes the growing importance of transition strategies and strongly encourages Honda to advance more concrete and effective actions in collaboration with industry associations and supply chain partners. This includes strengthening initiatives in areas such as charging infrastructure development and green steel procurement. 

We commend Honda’s sincere approach to shareholder engagement and its continued efforts to integrate climate considerations into corporate strategy. Corporate Action Japan remains committed to supporting Honda’s journey through constructive and sustained dialogue, as the company advances its role as a leader in environmental innovation.