Quote:
Originally Posted by Traum
I find it a bit strange that Honda is releasing the CRV PHEV over in Europe instead of doing it here in N.America. Honda as a brand is not very popular in Europe -- it's mostly viewed as a company with boring cars for old people. Their best markets with the most favourable brand reputation are really just Japan and the US. (Although I think they are also popular in the Guangdong and Hubei provinces in China.)
The car really would have made more sense here in N.America.
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This could be due to factors such as:
- Available resources to support a North American launch (i.e. they can't source enough batteries)
- Honda testing the model in a smaller market to gather consumer feedback and address any deficiencies before a broader launch
- Pricing challenges next to models like the Rav4 prime due to economies of scale
I also can see Honda being more conservative in changing up a cash-cow model like the CR-V - I don't think they want the model's reputation to be jeopardized without a good degree of confidence that the car will sell.