Honda CEO Survives Failed Coup by Company Elders

[Corporate Governance] Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe survived an internal coup attempt, exposing deep-rooted crises in the company's electric vehicle transition.

Core Development: Elders Pressure CEO to Resign

90-year-old former CEO Nobuhiko Kawamoto personally visited headquarters demanding Toshihiro Mibe step down. Multiple retired executives have held secret meetings since late 2025, criticizing him for neglecting the Chinese market and overcommitting to battery-electric vehicles, leading to strategic imbalance.

Key Metrics: First Loss in 70 Years and Market Share Halved

Honda forecasts an operating loss of 420 billion yen for fiscal year 2025, its first since 1957; its market share in China has plummeted from 8% to below 3%, and it has canceled three battery-electric models planned for North America.

Strategic Foundation: Aggressive Electrification Backfires on Traditional Strengths

Under Mibe’s leadership, Honda committed $15.7 billion to electrification, but delayed technology implementation and weak market response have triggered widespread internal doubts about his "engineer mindset" and strategic resolve.