Ex-Honda executives have blamed the current CEO for the brand’s EV failings. Honda recently posted its first annual loss in 70 years due to its EV focus. Toshihiro Mibe has been accused of failing to listen to the brand’s customers. Just weeks after Honda announced it was scrapping three EVs it planned to launch in North America and booking roughly $15.7 billion in expenses and losses for its over-commitment to EVs, chief executive Toshihiro Mibe was asked to resign. He refused. A new report reveals that, starting in late 2025, several retired Honda executives began meeting to discuss ongoing issues with the Japanese manufacturer. Over several months, they blamed Mibe and took particular issue with his neglect of China and his responsibility for the costly EV missteps. Read: Honda Previews New Fastback Sedan And Next Acura RDX, And Neither Is An EV As reported by Reuters, who spoke with two participants in these meetings, they even suggested Mibe was more focused on Honda’s golf sponsorships than its business. In April, 90-year-old former Honda chief executive Nobuhiko Kawamoto visited Honda’s headquarters and asked Mibe to step down. He said that wasn’t going to happen. What Role has Mibe Played? Toshihiro Mibe Mibe has served as Honda’s chief executive since 2021 and is taking a 30 percent pay cut for three months in response to the brand posting its first annual loss in 70 years. According to those who tried to force him out, Mibe hasn’t focused on the “genba” of his predecessors, or the “actual place” where important work gets done, like factory floors and showrooms. “The CEO does not see conditions on the ground or listen to customers, and doesn’t go to the genba,” they told Reuters. “Senior ⁠management, including the CEO, do not visit the genba. Example: China.” Although former executives wanted Mibe ousted, he had the backing of the board’s nominating committee. This committee was established with more outside directors as part of a general shift in Japan for better corporate governance and to reduce the influence of retired executives. More: Honda’s $15.9 Billion EV Disaster Just Delayed The Next Accord, Odyssey, And MDX Honda has quickly changed plans after the EV cancellations. In May, it was revealed that the automaker is developing a new-generation electric vehicle platform that will also support hybrid powertrains. The company acknowledges that the American market for EVs could change dramatically after Trump’s second term in office ends in January 2029. The outcome of this November’s midterm elections could also have a big impact on the market. Under this new strategy, Honda plans to launch 15 new hybrid models by 2029. Two of these were recently previewed: one, known simply as the Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype, and a second, a sleek SUV badged the Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype. Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype and Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype