The Serious Losses at Honda and the Crisis Facing Global OEMs

On May 21, 2026, a pivotal seminar titled "The Serious Losses at Honda and the Crisis Facing Global OEMs" will be led by Yoshihiro Tsuru-hara, the head of Auto Insight Inc. This event promises to provide meaningful insights into Honda's staggering financial setbacks and the ongoing turmoil affecting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide.

Background of the Seminar

Honda's recent announcement of potential losses reaching an astonishing 2.5 trillion yen has sent shockwaves through not only the automotive sector but also the broader industrial landscape in Japan. Participants will delve deep into the reasons behind this major financial standoff, including examining how Honda's ambitious core models, which were envisioned to integrate cutting-edge technologies, collapsed. Moreover, the seminar will explore why other major automakers from Europe and North America are also reporting significant financial losses, raising questions about the current state of the global automotive industry.

Key Discussion Points

The seminar will cover various crucial topics:
1. The Shock of the 2.5 Trillion Yen Loss Figure: Attendees will be able to analyze the details surrounding Honda's startling press conference announcing its losses.
2. Cancellation of 'CES 2026' Participation: What does Honda's unexpected decision to withdraw from this major technology showcase suggest about their future direction?
3. Insights from the March 2026 Press Conference: Exploring the key anecdotes and information shared during Honda's recent press gatherings.
4. The Discontinuation of the Three-Row SUV Model: A report on the unfortunate development halting Honda's ambitious SUV project, initially slated for release by July 2025.
5. The Fall of the '0 Series': Discussion regarding Honda’s high-stakes model that has now become an industry cautionary tale.
6. Next-Gen Body Technology - 'Gigacast': Insights into how Honda planned to leverage advanced manufacturing technologies in its upcoming vehicles.
7. Collaboration with Renesas: Discover the implications of Honda's partnerships aimed at producing ultra-high-performance semiconductors.
8. The Ambitious SDV Plans: Analyzing what the failed introduction of Honda’s first Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV), the '0 Series', means for the brand.
9. The Current EV Landscape: Investigating the disheartening scenarios surrounding Honda's existing electric models like 'Prologue' and 'Acura ZDX'.
10. The 'Ye Series' in China: A critical look at the market performance and realities of Honda’s offerings in one of the world's largest automotive markets.
11. Anticipating an Additional 500 Billion Yen Loss: Unpacking the elements contributing to further estimated losses in the 2026 fiscal year.
12. Sales Projections for the '0 Series': Predictions surrounding pricing and market positioning of the halted '0 Series'.
13. The Burden of Cumulative Losses: Insights on the anticipated carryover losses into the next fiscal year.
14. Joint Battery Manufacturing Challenges: Assessing Honda's partnership with LG Energy Solution and the hurdles they face.
15. Valuations and Financial Implications: Understanding why joint ventures are seeing inflated asset evaluations.
16. Limits of HEV Reutilization Plans: A debate over the feasibility of repurposing joint factories for hybrid vehicle production.
17. Consequences of Semiconductor Losses: The massive financial strain tied to Honda's failure to secure semiconductor supplies.
18. Software Development and Dealer Network Pressures: Discussing the burdens placed on Honda’s operations due to software and dealer compensation issues.
19. Avoiding Launch in the Face of Red Ink: Reflecting on why Honda refrained from further losses, despite mounting pressures.
20. Realities of EV Sales in the U.S.: Unpacking the current market dynamics for electric vehicles in America.
21. Worst-Case Scenario Considerations: What fears did Honda have regarding possible fallout?
22. Potential Weaknesses of the '0 Series': What were the anticipated issues even before launch?
23. Ripple Effects on 'AFEELA': How the '0 Series' cancellation influenced other upcoming models.
24. Debt Mitigation Strategies for Joint Ventures: Assessing potential frameworks and their limits in managing joint venture debts.
25. Comparative Analysis of Other Automakers: Exploring Ford, GM, and Stellantis, all experiencing tremendous red ink.
26. Toyota's Unique Strategy: Discussing Toyota's approach to balancing EV and HEV pricing amid market analytics.
27. The Advantage of Toyota's Multi-Pathway Platform: Exploring why Toyota remains at an advantage with its innovative platform.
28. Challenges in U.S. Battery Operations: The underlying issues Toyota faces regarding low operational rates at its U.S. battery facilities.
29. Lessons from Honda's Losses: Discussing the significant warnings posed to brands like Mazda and Subaru.
30. The Future of Automotive Industry Dominance: What lies ahead for global automotive competitors?
31. Open Q&A Session: An opportunity for participants to align on issues presented and expand upon the discussions.

Conclusion

This seminar aims not only to unmask the stark realities of Honda's financial crisis but also to open a dialogue on the critical transition phase where automotive companies must navigate to remain competitive. By attending, you will gain knowledge and perspective from industry veterans that could transform your understanding of the automotive market dynamics in 2026.

For more information, visit the SSK Seminar Page or contact SSK directly for queries.

About SSK

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