--- title: "Honda CEO Says Going It Alone on Car Software “Doesn’t Make Sense”" date: "2025-11-08" modified: "2025-11-08" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/it-doesnt-make-sense-honda-ceo-justifies-open-collaboration-on-next-gen-car-software" categories: - "Honda News" - "News" - "News by Brand" --- # Honda CEO Says Going It Alone on Car Software “Doesn’t Make Sense” ![2026 Honda Passport]() Honda plans to continue to talk with various automakers about partnering on software as the march towards the electric future continues. In Japan last week, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe told journalists that, “when it comes to software defined vehicles it doesn’t make sense for one company to try and develop everything.” Mibe said Honda learned from its collaboration with GM on [the Prolog]()[u]()[e]() and [Acura ZDX](), the latter of which [the automaker just killed](), “it’s difficult to come up with one clear winning strategy in (the) EV. (segment).” But software development cost is very high, however it does not require the same capital investment as hardware. The more partners Honda works with the more development costs can be spread and absorbed, according to Mibe. Mibe name-dropped both GM and Nissan as examples of automakers Honda could work with to help allocate software development costs but stopped short of confirming any future partners. Ideally, Mibe said in terms of technology Honda would like to have the leading position, so if the automaker develops technology and shares it with other automakers that would be best. But Honda will continue to explore how it can work with other automakers. The mentality Mibe presented is shared by Volkswagen Group, which spent $5.8 billion last year to [create a joint venture with Rivian]() and get access to the startup automaker’s zonal electrical architecture and software stack. *Honda provided The Drive with travel, accommodations, and access to engineers for the purpose of writing this story.* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()