Honda EV Cancellation Pushes NTN U.S. Plant Back Toward ICE Vehicle Production

NTN Corporation announced on May 14 that its manufacturing operations in the United States will temporarily pivot away from electric vehicle-related components planned for Honda Motor Co Ltd. The company stated that its U.S. production base had been preparing to manufacture EV-specific hub bearings and associated components for Honda’s upcoming North American electric vehicle lineup. However, following Honda’s decision to discontinue development and production plans for three EV models in the region, NTN will redirect manufacturing efforts toward internal combustion engine vehicle products where market demand remains comparatively stable.

The production adjustment reflects broader uncertainty in the North American EV market, where automakers and suppliers are reassessing investment timelines and production strategies. NTN indicated that demand for ICE-related products is expected to continue at a sustainable level in the near term, making the transition a practical operational response. The company had aligned part of its manufacturing preparation around Honda’s planned EV expansion, particularly for models intended to support the automaker’s next-generation electrification roadmap in North America.

Honda’s Cancelled North American EV Models

Honda had been advancing plans to manufacture its “0 Series” electric vehicles in North America as part of its future mobility strategy. The initiative included development and planned mass production of three EV models: the 0 SUV, 0 Saloon, and Acura RSX. However, on March 12, 2026, Honda officially announced the cancellation of the development and large-scale production program for these vehicles in the region. The decision was attributed to slower-than-expected EV market growth and changing industry conditions affecting demand projections.

The cancellation has created downstream effects across the automotive supply chain, particularly for suppliers that had allocated resources and production capacity to upcoming EV programs. NTN’s decision highlights how suppliers are adapting to fluctuating market dynamics by prioritizing conventional vehicle components while electrification demand stabilizes. Industry analysts continue to observe cautious investment behavior among manufacturers as EV adoption rates vary across regions and customer segments.

Impact of NTN’s Production Shift

NTN’s operational change is expected to help the company maintain production efficiency and plant utilization levels while preserving flexibility for future electrification opportunities. By redirecting manufacturing toward ICE vehicle components, the supplier can continue serving existing automotive demand without leaving newly prepared production lines underutilized. The move also reflects how automotive suppliers are balancing long-term electrification goals with immediate market realities and profitability considerations.

Although Honda’s canceled EV models have delayed certain supplier programs, both automakers and component manufacturers continue investing in electrification technologies globally. NTN’s temporary production realignment suggests that suppliers are increasingly adopting flexible manufacturing strategies capable of supporting both ICE and EV vehicle programs depending on market conditions and customer demand trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is NTN shifting its U.S. production from EV components to ICE vehicle products?
NTN is changing its production focus because Honda canceled development and planned production of three North American EV models. The supplier had been preparing EV-specific hub bearings and related components for those vehicles at its U.S. plant. With the EV programs discontinued, NTN decided to redirect manufacturing toward ICE vehicle products where demand is expected to remain stable in the short term. The shift allows the company to maintain production efficiency and continue utilizing plant capacity while adapting to current automotive market conditions.

Which Honda EV models were canceled in North America?
Honda canceled three planned North American EV models that were part of its “0 Series” electrification strategy. The discontinued vehicles include the 0 SUV, 0 Saloon, and Acura RSX EV models. Honda announced the cancellation on March 12, 2026, citing slower EV market growth and changing demand conditions. The decision affected suppliers such as NTN that had already started preparing production systems and component manufacturing plans linked to the upcoming electric vehicle programs in North America.