Honda has urged Vietnam to step up policy support for environmentally-friendly vehicle manufacturing and allocate land for public charging infrastructure, as the Japanese automaker accelerates its transition toward hybrid and electric models in the country.

The request was made during a Tuesday working session in the northern province of Phu Tho between Honda Vietnam and a delegation from the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Policies and Strategies, led by its deputy head Nguyen Duc Hien.

Honda Vietnam CEO Sayaka Arai called on the Government to adopt a policy framework for green transport transition and devise a clear roadmap for transitioning from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric mobility, according to Phu Tho newspaper, a media entity under the provincial Party Committee.

In reply, Hien welcomed the company’s proposals, particularly its orientation toward hybrid vehicle production in line with Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

He also urged Honda Vietnam to further clarify its plans for charging infrastructure development, emissions management, and the future direction of gasoline vehicle production.

The Vietnamese official asked the Japanese manufacturer to set targets for vehicles sold domestically versus those for export, expand the use of automation in manufacturing, accelerate green transition across production processes, and strengthen linkages with domestic supporting industries and raw material suppliers.

Honda entered Vietnam in 1996, initially establishing its presence in the former Vinh Phuc province, now part of Phu Tho following their merger in July last year.

After nearly 30 years, the company now runs three manufacturing plants with a combined annual capacity of more than 2.7 million vehicles.

The automaker has marked a series of production milestones over the years, including the opening of its second plant and the launch of its first scooter model in 2008; the rollout of its 10 millionth motorcycle in September 2011; the inauguration of its third plant in Ninh Binh province in November 2014; the production of its 20 millionth motorcycle in September 2016; the launch of its first electric motorcycle in March 2025; and the completion of its 40 millionth motorcycle in June 2025.

Honda Vietnam said localization rates have reached about 97% for motorcycles and roughly 26% for automobiles.

The company currently offers eight motorcycle product lines and commands around 83% of Vietnam’s motorcycle market, while holding about 9% of the domestic automobile market. Roughly 25% of its output is exported.

Honda Vietnam employs more than 10,000 workers, with average monthly income of about VND19 million ($723). In 2025, the company contributed more than VND11.88 trillion ($452.2 million) to the state budget, according to official figures.

As part of its green transition strategy, Honda Vietnam said it will begin assembling the hybrid Honda CR-V e:HEV in early 2026, marking a key step in expanding low-emission vehicle production in Vietnam.