China's retail sales of passenger vehicles increased by 18.1% year-over-year and 7.6% month-over-month in June, according to the Passenger Car Association (PCA). New energy vehicle (NEV) retail sales reached 1.11 million units in June, marking the highest monthly figure for the year, with a 29.7% year-on-year growth and an 8.2% sequential increase. However, some major electric vehicle manufacturers experienced a softening in demand. In contrast, Honda's vehicle sales in China declined by 15.2% year-over-year to 58,468 units in June.

In India, passenger vehicle retail sales rose by 2.5% year-over-year in June, while overall automobile sales grew by 5%, despite challenges from a high base last year, the rare earth crisis, and U.S. tariffs. Market conditions remain uncertain, with dealers anticipating a challenging period ahead.

Suzuki Motor Corp. overtook Mercedes-Benz Group AG to become Japan’s leading car importer in June, registering 4,780 vehicles, according to the Japan Automobile Importers Association. The tally represents roughly a 230-fold increase from a year earlier and positions Suzuki ahead of the long-time import leader for the second time this quarter.

The surge was driven by strong demand for the Jimny Nomad, a five-door version of Suzuki’s Jimny assembled in India and priced from ¥2.65 million ($18,300). The model drew about 50,000 pre-orders before its April launch, forcing the carmaker to suspend new orders after just four days. Imports are set to rise further as Suzuki boosts Indian production of the Nomad starting this month. The company also imports the India-built Fronx compact SUV, introduced in October.

Honda Motor Co. has likewise benefited from India-sourced models, with registrations of its WR-V compact SUV surging and helping it finish the first half in second place behind Mercedes-Benz. The latest figures underscore Japanese consumers’ growing appetite for affordable, compact sport-utility vehicles regardless of manufacturing location, a shift that is reshaping the import landscape.

Spanish motorcycle racer Borja Gómez died on 3 July after a crash during the first free-practice session for the FIM European Stock Championship at France’s Nevers Magny-Cours circuit. The 20-year-old fell in a turn, came to rest in a gravel trap and was fatally struck by another bike, according to initial track reports. Medical personnel attended immediately, but the rider was pronounced dead at the circuit.

Gómez arrived in Magny-Cours as leader of the European Stock standings with 45 points, having won the previous round in Jerez and finished second at the season opener in Estoril. The Murcia-born rider had contested 15 Moto2 grands prix in 2022–23, was Spanish Supersport champion in 2021 and runner-up in the national Superbike championship last year. He was racing a Honda CBR1000RR-R for Team Laglisse and also served as a test rider for Honda’s World Superbike programme.

Team Laglisse confirmed his death, stating “with all the pain in our hearts” that the rider had passed away following the accident. Tributes quickly followed from fellow competitors and regional officials, who hailed Gómez as one of Spain’s most promising talents in motorcycle racing.

Honda Motor Co. said it has revised its plan to build a new factory in Japan that will make next-generation fuel-cell modules, citing changes in the global hydrogen market.

The automaker will scale back the plant’s initial production capacity and push back the start of full operations. Honda had earlier aimed to begin production in the fiscal year ending March 2028 with an annual capacity of about 30,000 units.

The company did not disclose a new capacity target or timeline but said the project remains part of its broader strategy to expand hydrogen technology across commercial vehicles and stationary power systems.

Nissan Motor Co. held its shareholder meeting amid scrutiny over its financial performance and restructuring plans. The company reported a loss exceeding 670 billion yen in the previous fiscal year and announced a plan to cut 20,000 jobs worldwide by 2027 as part of a major restructuring effort. The CEO, Ivan Espinosa, apologized for the poor performance and faced shareholder criticism over high executive compensation, including payments exceeding 600 million yen to former executives.

Nissan also revealed plans for large production cuts at its main Oppama plant in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, reducing output to 20% of capacity during July and August. Despite shareholder dissatisfaction and calls for management accountability, all company proposals were approved. Meanwhile, Honda announced a shift in strategy for its next-generation fuel cell parts, planning to build a new factory in Japan with an annual production capacity initially targeted at 30,000 units by the fiscal year ending March 2028, though the start date is now uncertain due to weakening demand. Toyota is delaying production of electric vehicles in the U.S. to prioritize a popular gasoline-powered SUV amid softening demand for plug-in vehicles. Additionally, Tesla has paused production of its Optimus humanoid robots to redesign the model, a process expected to take about two months, making the company's 2025 goal of producing 5,000 units unlikely. Toyota also began shipping Triad-made batteries to its assembly plants, marking a milestone in its supply chain.

Jorge Martín, the reigning MotoGP world champion, is currently embroiled in a contractual dispute with Aprilia regarding his status for the 2026 season. Despite Aprilia's claims that Martín remains under contract, his manager Albert Valera has stated that the rider is free to sign with any team, with Honda identified as a potential option. The conflict has escalated to the point where Aprilia is prepared to pursue a courtroom battle over the contract. MotoGP promoter Dorna, led by CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, has issued a warning that Martín will not be allowed to race for a rival manufacturer if he is involved in ongoing legal disputes with Aprilia. Meanwhile, Martín has made a successful return to racing after an 88-day absence due to a crash at the Qatar GP, testing Aprilia’s RS-GP bike at Misano and preparing for his comeback at the Czech Grand Prix in Brno. The situation remains tense as all parties, including Martín, Aprilia, Honda, and MotoGP promoters, assert their positions amid the unfolding dispute.

Jorge Martín, the reigning MotoGP world champion, is at the center of a contractual dispute with Aprilia regarding his 2026 season. While Aprilia claims Martín remains under contract, his manager Albert Valera has publicly stated that the rider is free to sign with any team for the 2026 season, with Honda mentioned as a potential option. The situation has prompted intervention from Dorna, the MotoGP organizing body, which has indicated it will not allow Martín to race for a rival manufacturer if he is involved in a legal conflict with Aprilia. Additionally, MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has reportedly threatened not to register Martín for upcoming races amid the ongoing dispute. Aprilia is also cautious about hastening Martín's return to competition. The conflict remains unresolved as Martín approaches a potential comeback in the series.

Honda and Nissan are reconsidering a business collaboration in the United States following the collapse of their merger plans four months ago. This renewed interest is driven by the impact of U.S. tariffs imposed under the Trump administration, which have complicated the outlook for both Japanese automakers. The tariffs, including a 145% levy on Chinese goods effective since April 2025, have led to significant challenges in the automotive sector.

Japanese automakers have responded by sharply reducing export prices to North America, with a record 12% decline in May, suggesting they are absorbing some tariff costs to maintain market share. Meanwhile, Subaru is focusing on new models like the Forester SUV to mitigate tariff effects. Separately, investigations have identified Nagoya as a suspected underground hub facilitating the shipment of fentanyl chemicals from China to the U.S. via Mexico, highlighting concerns over illicit drug trafficking routes involving Japan. Additionally, Japan has expressed opposition to the 25% auto tariffs, with officials stating they cannot accept such measures. The scope of Trump-era tariffs has also expanded to cover additional sectors, including beer cans and refrigerators.

Ola Electric Mobility Ltd’s stock fell as much as 6.3% on Monday, touching an all-time low of about Rs 43.2 on the BSE and Rs 43.16 on the NSE, after a block trade involving 2.41 crore shares. The transaction, executed at Rs 44 apiece, represents roughly 0.55% of the scooter maker’s equity and is valued at Rs 107 crore.

The heavy turnover—about 15.5 million shares on the BSE and 36.6 million on the NSE by mid-morning—extended a slide that has left the stock well below its August 2024 IPO price of Rs 76. Market participants said the identities of the buyer and seller were not immediately disclosed.

Monday’s deal follows a larger block earlier this month, when 14.22 crore shares changed hands at Rs 51.40, with Hyundai Motor India widely reported as the seller. Investor sentiment has also been weighed by Ola Electric’s March-quarter net loss widening to Rs 870 crore and revenue dropping 62% year-on-year to Rs 611 crore.

Chicago police are searching for the driver of a white 2019 Honda Accord that fatally struck a pedestrian on DuSable Lake Shore Drive in the Lakeview neighborhood at about 3:34 a.m. Saturday, June 21. Investigators say the car was traveling north near Addison Street when it hit the victim and continued without stopping.

The victim was identified as 26-year-old Brendan Siddall, a member of the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Read more

Maverick Viñales delivered a surprise at Mugello by setting the quickest lap of 1:44.634 in Friday’s pre-qualifying session, giving KTM Tech3 its first headline result of the season. The Spaniard edged Ducati factory rider Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia by 0.110 seconds, while championship leader Marc Márquez was 0.146 seconds back in third. Alex Márquez completed an all-Spanish top four, and Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo secured fifth place despite requiring a medical check after a fall that left him with a sore left shoulder.

Read more

Honda is recalling about 259,033 Honda and Acura vehicles in the United States after regulators found a defect that could compromise braking performance.

Documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that the brake-pedal pivot pin in certain 2023–25 Honda Pilot SUVs, 2021–25 Acura TLX sedans and 2023–25 Acura MDX crossovers may not have been properly staked during assembly. An unsecured pin can allow the pedal to shift sideways, hindering a driver’s ability to slow or stop the vehicle and increasing crash risk.

Read more

Honda has issued a recall of more than 259,000 vehicles across the United States due to a defect in the brake pedal that could increase the risk of crashes and injuries. The recall affects both Honda and Acura models. The company has not specified which models or production years are impacted, but the defect involves the brake pedal potentially malfunctioning, posing a safety hazard to drivers. Owners of the affected vehicles are advised to check if their cars are included in the recall and to seek repairs to address the brake pedal issue.

Honda Motor Co., Japan's second-largest carmaker, has successfully conducted its first test of an experimental reusable rocket prototype. The test involved a vertical takeoff and landing from the company's research base in Taiki Town, Hokkaido, where the rocket reached an altitude of approximately 271 to 300 meters and flew for about 56 seconds before landing within 37 centimeters of its target. Developed entirely in-house, this achievement marks the first successful reusable rocket launch and landing by a private company in Japan. Honda aims to expand into the space sector with plans to provide satellite launch services and is targeting spaceflight capabilities by 2029. The test rocket, known as the H3, demonstrated the ability to reverse thrust and land precisely, reflecting technology similar to that used by SpaceX. Honda's entry into the commercial space race represents a notable development in Japan's aerospace ambitions.

China successfully carried out a zero-altitude launch escape test of its new Mengzhou crewed spacecraft at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on 17 June. The two-minute pad-abort demonstration, the first of its kind in China since a similar Shenzhou test in 1998, proved the capsule’s ability to propel itself clear of the launch pad in an emergency and represents a major step in the country’s crewed lunar exploration programme.

Read more

Honda Motor Co. plans to take an equity stake in Rapidus, the state-supported semiconductor start-up building advanced chips in Japan, Nikkei reported. The investment, whose size has not been disclosed, is intended to secure domestic supplies of high-performance processors for Honda’s next-generation vehicles and follows Toyota Motor Corp.’s earlier backing of Rapidus.

Parts supplier Denso Corp. signalled the automotive industry’s growing focus on semiconductors by divesting its entire holding of Honda shares and purchasing stock in Japanese chipmaker Rohm Co., according to a regulatory filing released the following day.

Read more

Japanese companies continue to play a vital role in the U.S. economy through substantial investments and partnerships. Honda has invested over $25 billion in American states, communities, and workers over more than 60 years, leveraging U.S. manufacturing expertise to advance new mobility solutions.

Mitsubishi Corporation has also maintained a presence in the U.S. for over seven decades, contributing to the strong economic ties between the two countries. Discussions between U.S. and Japanese officials, including meetings with Honda President and CEO Toshihiro Mibe, Mitsubishi President and CEO Katsuya Nakanishi, and Japan Association of Corporate Executives Chair Takeshi Niinami, highlight the ongoing collaboration and shared vision for economic growth. Additionally, states like Iowa and Ohio emphasize the importance of the U.S.-Japan partnership, with Iowa recognizing Japan as its third-largest export partner and Ohio hosting numerous Japanese companies that employ tens of thousands of residents.

Daihatsu has unveiled the new generation of its Move mini vehicle, marking the first full redesign in 11 years and the company's first new model launch since a certification scandal in April 2023. The new Move introduces sliding doors for the first time in its history, a feature increasingly essential in Japan's family car market. The model starts at 1.35 million yen and offers two distinct styles, including a refined "Noble Chic" package with copper accents. This launch comes amid growing competition in the kei car segment, with Chinese EV manufacturer BYD planning to introduce a lightweight electric kei car to the Japanese market by 2026.

Meanwhile, Nissan is considering bringing its latest Chinese electric sedan, the N7, to Japan, and has recently introduced new compact SUVs and high-performance models. Other Japanese automakers like Honda and Toyota are also releasing new models, including Honda's compact minivan and Toyota's GR sports cars and compact SUVs. Additionally, Japanese startup KG Motors aims to invigorate the domestic EV market with ultra-small, affordable electric vehicles, potentially outselling Toyota in Japan. The evolving landscape reflects intensifying competition and innovation in Japan's automotive sector, especially in the light vehicle and electric vehicle categories.

Honda has been announced as a founding partner and the official automotive sponsor of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. This partnership marks Honda's largest involvement with the Olympics to date and includes providing accessible vehicles from its longstanding mobility program to support athletes and officials during the event. Honda will also serve as the official automotive sponsor for Team USA athletes starting with the 2026 Winter Games in Italy. The addition of Honda as a founding partner is the sixth new sponsorship secured for the 2028 Games this year and the first tier-one sponsor since 2021. The Los Angeles 2028 organizing committee has surpassed $1.5 billion in sponsorship revenue amid a surge of deals in the first half of 2025.

Motorcycle sales in May 2025 showed robust growth across multiple markets. Royal Enfield recorded 89,429 sales, marking a 3.3% increase from April, with domestic sales stable and exports rising 29% month-on-month. Suzuki Motorcycle sales increased by 16% in the same period. In Colombia, motorcycle registrations reached a record high of 89,909 units in May 2025, representing a 35.88% increase compared to May 2024. Overall, 19,707 vehicles were registered in Colombia during May, with several models gaining popularity in the market.

China's retail sales of passenger vehicles increased by 18.1% year-over-year and 7.6% month-over-month in June, according to the Passenger Car Association (PCA). New energy vehicle (NEV) retail sales reached 1.11 million units in June, marking the highest monthly figure for the year, with a 29.7% year-on-year growth and an 8.2% sequential increase. However, some major electric vehicle manufacturers experienced a softening in demand. In contrast, Honda's vehicle sales in China declined by 15.2% year-over-year to 58,468 units in June.

In India, passenger vehicle retail sales rose by 2.5% year-over-year in June, while overall automobile sales grew by 5%, despite challenges from a high base last year, the rare earth crisis, and U.S. tariffs. Market conditions remain uncertain, with dealers anticipating a challenging period ahead.

Suzuki Motor Corp. overtook Mercedes-Benz Group AG to become Japan’s leading car importer in June, registering 4,780 vehicles, according to the Japan Automobile Importers Association. The tally represents roughly a 230-fold increase from a year earlier and positions Suzuki ahead of the long-time import leader for the second time this quarter.

The surge was driven by strong demand for the Jimny Nomad, a five-door version of Suzuki’s Jimny assembled in India and priced from ¥2.65 million ($18,300). The model drew about 50,000 pre-orders before its April launch, forcing the carmaker to suspend new orders after just four days. Imports are set to rise further as Suzuki boosts Indian production of the Nomad starting this month. The company also imports the India-built Fronx compact SUV, introduced in October.

Honda Motor Co. has likewise benefited from India-sourced models, with registrations of its WR-V compact SUV surging and helping it finish the first half in second place behind Mercedes-Benz. The latest figures underscore Japanese consumers’ growing appetite for affordable, compact sport-utility vehicles regardless of manufacturing location, a shift that is reshaping the import landscape.

Spanish motorcycle racer Borja Gómez died on 3 July after a crash during the first free-practice session for the FIM European Stock Championship at France’s Nevers Magny-Cours circuit. The 20-year-old fell in a turn, came to rest in a gravel trap and was fatally struck by another bike, according to initial track reports. Medical personnel attended immediately, but the rider was pronounced dead at the circuit.

Gómez arrived in Magny-Cours as leader of the European Stock standings with 45 points, having won the previous round in Jerez and finished second at the season opener in Estoril. The Murcia-born rider had contested 15 Moto2 grands prix in 2022–23, was Spanish Supersport champion in 2021 and runner-up in the national Superbike championship last year. He was racing a Honda CBR1000RR-R for Team Laglisse and also served as a test rider for Honda’s World Superbike programme.

Team Laglisse confirmed his death, stating “with all the pain in our hearts” that the rider had passed away following the accident. Tributes quickly followed from fellow competitors and regional officials, who hailed Gómez as one of Spain’s most promising talents in motorcycle racing.

Honda Motor Co. said it has revised its plan to build a new factory in Japan that will make next-generation fuel-cell modules, citing changes in the global hydrogen market.

The automaker will scale back the plant’s initial production capacity and push back the start of full operations. Honda had earlier aimed to begin production in the fiscal year ending March 2028 with an annual capacity of about 30,000 units.

The company did not disclose a new capacity target or timeline but said the project remains part of its broader strategy to expand hydrogen technology across commercial vehicles and stationary power systems.

Nissan Motor Co. held its shareholder meeting amid scrutiny over its financial performance and restructuring plans. The company reported a loss exceeding 670 billion yen in the previous fiscal year and announced a plan to cut 20,000 jobs worldwide by 2027 as part of a major restructuring effort. The CEO, Ivan Espinosa, apologized for the poor performance and faced shareholder criticism over high executive compensation, including payments exceeding 600 million yen to former executives.

Nissan also revealed plans for large production cuts at its main Oppama plant in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, reducing output to 20% of capacity during July and August. Despite shareholder dissatisfaction and calls for management accountability, all company proposals were approved. Meanwhile, Honda announced a shift in strategy for its next-generation fuel cell parts, planning to build a new factory in Japan with an annual production capacity initially targeted at 30,000 units by the fiscal year ending March 2028, though the start date is now uncertain due to weakening demand. Toyota is delaying production of electric vehicles in the U.S. to prioritize a popular gasoline-powered SUV amid softening demand for plug-in vehicles. Additionally, Tesla has paused production of its Optimus humanoid robots to redesign the model, a process expected to take about two months, making the company's 2025 goal of producing 5,000 units unlikely. Toyota also began shipping Triad-made batteries to its assembly plants, marking a milestone in its supply chain.

Jorge Martín, the reigning MotoGP world champion, is currently embroiled in a contractual dispute with Aprilia regarding his status for the 2026 season. Despite Aprilia's claims that Martín remains under contract, his manager Albert Valera has stated that the rider is free to sign with any team, with Honda identified as a potential option. The conflict has escalated to the point where Aprilia is prepared to pursue a courtroom battle over the contract. MotoGP promoter Dorna, led by CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, has issued a warning that Martín will not be allowed to race for a rival manufacturer if he is involved in ongoing legal disputes with Aprilia. Meanwhile, Martín has made a successful return to racing after an 88-day absence due to a crash at the Qatar GP, testing Aprilia’s RS-GP bike at Misano and preparing for his comeback at the Czech Grand Prix in Brno. The situation remains tense as all parties, including Martín, Aprilia, Honda, and MotoGP promoters, assert their positions amid the unfolding dispute.

Jorge Martín, the reigning MotoGP world champion, is at the center of a contractual dispute with Aprilia regarding his 2026 season. While Aprilia claims Martín remains under contract, his manager Albert Valera has publicly stated that the rider is free to sign with any team for the 2026 season, with Honda mentioned as a potential option. The situation has prompted intervention from Dorna, the MotoGP organizing body, which has indicated it will not allow Martín to race for a rival manufacturer if he is involved in a legal conflict with Aprilia. Additionally, MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has reportedly threatened not to register Martín for upcoming races amid the ongoing dispute. Aprilia is also cautious about hastening Martín's return to competition. The conflict remains unresolved as Martín approaches a potential comeback in the series.

Honda and Nissan are reconsidering a business collaboration in the United States following the collapse of their merger plans four months ago. This renewed interest is driven by the impact of U.S. tariffs imposed under the Trump administration, which have complicated the outlook for both Japanese automakers. The tariffs, including a 145% levy on Chinese goods effective since April 2025, have led to significant challenges in the automotive sector.

Japanese automakers have responded by sharply reducing export prices to North America, with a record 12% decline in May, suggesting they are absorbing some tariff costs to maintain market share. Meanwhile, Subaru is focusing on new models like the Forester SUV to mitigate tariff effects. Separately, investigations have identified Nagoya as a suspected underground hub facilitating the shipment of fentanyl chemicals from China to the U.S. via Mexico, highlighting concerns over illicit drug trafficking routes involving Japan. Additionally, Japan has expressed opposition to the 25% auto tariffs, with officials stating they cannot accept such measures. The scope of Trump-era tariffs has also expanded to cover additional sectors, including beer cans and refrigerators.

Ola Electric Mobility Ltd’s stock fell as much as 6.3% on Monday, touching an all-time low of about Rs 43.2 on the BSE and Rs 43.16 on the NSE, after a block trade involving 2.41 crore shares. The transaction, executed at Rs 44 apiece, represents roughly 0.55% of the scooter maker’s equity and is valued at Rs 107 crore.

The heavy turnover—about 15.5 million shares on the BSE and 36.6 million on the NSE by mid-morning—extended a slide that has left the stock well below its August 2024 IPO price of Rs 76. Market participants said the identities of the buyer and seller were not immediately disclosed.

Monday’s deal follows a larger block earlier this month, when 14.22 crore shares changed hands at Rs 51.40, with Hyundai Motor India widely reported as the seller. Investor sentiment has also been weighed by Ola Electric’s March-quarter net loss widening to Rs 870 crore and revenue dropping 62% year-on-year to Rs 611 crore.

Chicago police are searching for the driver of a white 2019 Honda Accord that fatally struck a pedestrian on DuSable Lake Shore Drive in the Lakeview neighborhood at about 3:34 a.m. Saturday, June 21. Investigators say the car was traveling north near Addison Street when it hit the victim and continued without stopping.

The victim was identified as 26-year-old Brendan Siddall, a member of the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Read more

Maverick Viñales delivered a surprise at Mugello by setting the quickest lap of 1:44.634 in Friday’s pre-qualifying session, giving KTM Tech3 its first headline result of the season. The Spaniard edged Ducati factory rider Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia by 0.110 seconds, while championship leader Marc Márquez was 0.146 seconds back in third. Alex Márquez completed an all-Spanish top four, and Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo secured fifth place despite requiring a medical check after a fall that left him with a sore left shoulder.

Read more

Honda is recalling about 259,033 Honda and Acura vehicles in the United States after regulators found a defect that could compromise braking performance.

Documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that the brake-pedal pivot pin in certain 2023–25 Honda Pilot SUVs, 2021–25 Acura TLX sedans and 2023–25 Acura MDX crossovers may not have been properly staked during assembly. An unsecured pin can allow the pedal to shift sideways, hindering a driver’s ability to slow or stop the vehicle and increasing crash risk.

Read more

Honda has issued a recall of more than 259,000 vehicles across the United States due to a defect in the brake pedal that could increase the risk of crashes and injuries. The recall affects both Honda and Acura models. The company has not specified which models or production years are impacted, but the defect involves the brake pedal potentially malfunctioning, posing a safety hazard to drivers. Owners of the affected vehicles are advised to check if their cars are included in the recall and to seek repairs to address the brake pedal issue.

Honda Motor Co., Japan's second-largest carmaker, has successfully conducted its first test of an experimental reusable rocket prototype. The test involved a vertical takeoff and landing from the company's research base in Taiki Town, Hokkaido, where the rocket reached an altitude of approximately 271 to 300 meters and flew for about 56 seconds before landing within 37 centimeters of its target. Developed entirely in-house, this achievement marks the first successful reusable rocket launch and landing by a private company in Japan. Honda aims to expand into the space sector with plans to provide satellite launch services and is targeting spaceflight capabilities by 2029. The test rocket, known as the H3, demonstrated the ability to reverse thrust and land precisely, reflecting technology similar to that used by SpaceX. Honda's entry into the commercial space race represents a notable development in Japan's aerospace ambitions.

China successfully carried out a zero-altitude launch escape test of its new Mengzhou crewed spacecraft at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on 17 June. The two-minute pad-abort demonstration, the first of its kind in China since a similar Shenzhou test in 1998, proved the capsule’s ability to propel itself clear of the launch pad in an emergency and represents a major step in the country’s crewed lunar exploration programme.

Read more

Honda Motor Co. plans to take an equity stake in Rapidus, the state-supported semiconductor start-up building advanced chips in Japan, Nikkei reported. The investment, whose size has not been disclosed, is intended to secure domestic supplies of high-performance processors for Honda’s next-generation vehicles and follows Toyota Motor Corp.’s earlier backing of Rapidus.

Parts supplier Denso Corp. signalled the automotive industry’s growing focus on semiconductors by divesting its entire holding of Honda shares and purchasing stock in Japanese chipmaker Rohm Co., according to a regulatory filing released the following day.

Read more

Japanese companies continue to play a vital role in the U.S. economy through substantial investments and partnerships. Honda has invested over $25 billion in American states, communities, and workers over more than 60 years, leveraging U.S. manufacturing expertise to advance new mobility solutions.

Mitsubishi Corporation has also maintained a presence in the U.S. for over seven decades, contributing to the strong economic ties between the two countries. Discussions between U.S. and Japanese officials, including meetings with Honda President and CEO Toshihiro Mibe, Mitsubishi President and CEO Katsuya Nakanishi, and Japan Association of Corporate Executives Chair Takeshi Niinami, highlight the ongoing collaboration and shared vision for economic growth. Additionally, states like Iowa and Ohio emphasize the importance of the U.S.-Japan partnership, with Iowa recognizing Japan as its third-largest export partner and Ohio hosting numerous Japanese companies that employ tens of thousands of residents.

Daihatsu has unveiled the new generation of its Move mini vehicle, marking the first full redesign in 11 years and the company's first new model launch since a certification scandal in April 2023. The new Move introduces sliding doors for the first time in its history, a feature increasingly essential in Japan's family car market. The model starts at 1.35 million yen and offers two distinct styles, including a refined "Noble Chic" package with copper accents. This launch comes amid growing competition in the kei car segment, with Chinese EV manufacturer BYD planning to introduce a lightweight electric kei car to the Japanese market by 2026.

Meanwhile, Nissan is considering bringing its latest Chinese electric sedan, the N7, to Japan, and has recently introduced new compact SUVs and high-performance models. Other Japanese automakers like Honda and Toyota are also releasing new models, including Honda's compact minivan and Toyota's GR sports cars and compact SUVs. Additionally, Japanese startup KG Motors aims to invigorate the domestic EV market with ultra-small, affordable electric vehicles, potentially outselling Toyota in Japan. The evolving landscape reflects intensifying competition and innovation in Japan's automotive sector, especially in the light vehicle and electric vehicle categories.

Honda has been announced as a founding partner and the official automotive sponsor of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. This partnership marks Honda's largest involvement with the Olympics to date and includes providing accessible vehicles from its longstanding mobility program to support athletes and officials during the event. Honda will also serve as the official automotive sponsor for Team USA athletes starting with the 2026 Winter Games in Italy. The addition of Honda as a founding partner is the sixth new sponsorship secured for the 2028 Games this year and the first tier-one sponsor since 2021. The Los Angeles 2028 organizing committee has surpassed $1.5 billion in sponsorship revenue amid a surge of deals in the first half of 2025.

Motorcycle sales in May 2025 showed robust growth across multiple markets. Royal Enfield recorded 89,429 sales, marking a 3.3% increase from April, with domestic sales stable and exports rising 29% month-on-month. Suzuki Motorcycle sales increased by 16% in the same period. In Colombia, motorcycle registrations reached a record high of 89,909 units in May 2025, representing a 35.88% increase compared to May 2024. Overall, 19,707 vehicles were registered in Colombia during May, with several models gaining popularity in the market.