Honda's Transformative Move in EV Construction, Shaking Up the World
Critiquing Chinese Electric Sedans, Honda’s ‘Saloon Promises the “Wow Factor”.
Chinese cars are no longer the uninspired copies they were before.
Even though Chinese automobiles have become much better in terms of quality, Daisuke Tsutamori, one Honda’s e-mobility design division creative director is determined to go the extra mile.
In an unapologetic interview with Automotive News Europe, Tsutamori commented on the Chinese electric sedans’ designs and he labeled them as refined but superficial.
As per him, Honda’s new edgy EV presented at CES provides simplicity that has been lacking in the designing of these cars built by the manufacturers from China.
Honda's Critique:
Tsutamori did not hesitate to voice his many opinions on the current designs of Chinese electric sedans.
He acknowledged the polish but claimed that it was superficial, and he is looking for something more fundamental.
This lays the ground for Honda’s characteristic style, as it moves away from a surface look to bring about an actual “wow” factor in design.
The "Saloon" Concept:
The ‘Saloon’, shown at the Consumer Electronics Show, was a nice car that caught my attention with its clean and very cool appearance.
Notably, Tsutamori emphasized the wow factor of its design that paves a great way for global releases in North America by 2026.
Although it is an idea, the designer Toshinobu Minami states that 90 percent of this concept will be transferred to its industrial model.
Beyond Aesthetics:
This very concept of Saloon does not limit to the looks but ideally represents Honda's drive towards electric mobility.
The flagship model of the now euthanized Honda e hatchback is essentially a two-door saloon.
Sitting on an independent dedicated electric platform underpinning the "0 Series" lineup, it comes with a low ground clearance and promises to provide a surprisingly spacious interior space for its driver’s experience.
Inspiration and Legacy:
The "Saloon" concept has some references to the past, such as the Kiwami silhouette that is more than twenty years old.
On the one hand, Tsutamori explained that they intended to portray Honda’s values differently.
Automotive designers often looked to the iconic designer, Marcello Gandini who worked on the Lamborghini Miura for inspiration as Honda respected the automobile history while moving their brand identity forward.
Looking Ahead:
The name of the production model has yet to be settled, but expectations are surely high for a title that move beyond ‘Saloon.’
Designer Toshinobu Minami did hint at further creativity in Honda’s ability innovation.
With the automotive industry moving towards electric vehicles, Honda’s Saloon is ready to revolutionize the market with its disruptive design and dedication to a fresh era of driving.