Honda Odyssey axed from PH model lineup

Following the departure of the Jazz subcompact hatchback, Mobilio MPV, and the Brio Amaze small sedan, Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) has seemingly culled another model from its local lineup. A quick look at its official website reveals that the Odyssey minivan has been dropped from the roster. 

The Odyssey is no longer included in HCPI's model range

We reached out to the company regarding the matter, and it turns out to be true. According to the automaker, the Odyssey (or at least the Asia-spec model) will no longer be offered, since it was one of the models produced by Honda’s Sayama plant in Japan which the company recently closed as part of its efforts towards electrification.

HCPI adds that it still has two other seven-seat models for Filipino customers in the form of the BR-V subcompact and CR-V Diesel compact crossovers. Then again, the company is missing a good opportunity by removing the Odyssey from the Philippine lineup, as it could have been a formidable rival to the recently arrived all-new Kia Carnival.   

It would have been a worthy rival to Kia's all-new Carnival minivan

The current Asian release has been selling since 2013 and is already on its second facelift. Note that there are two styles of the minivan (both in their fifth generation) released worldwide, with the bigger version still being sold in North America, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. 

Unlike the U.S. model equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive, the smaller JDM Odyssey packs a hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.4-liter gasoline engine accompanied by two electric motors, and is available with an all-wheel drivetrain. 

The JDM Odyssey sports its second facelift and a hybrid powertrain

The Japan-spec Odyssey remains part of Honda’s official lineup in its home turf, and is still being offered in China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei as well. With the Sayama plant ceasing operations in two to three years, it might only be a matter of time before the model disappears from these markets as well.    

Do you agree with HCPI’s decision to remove the Odyssey from its local lineup?   
         
Whether it’s new additions to our market or models saying goodbye, you’ll hear about it at Philkotse.com.