--- title: "β€˜We Have No Chance Against This,’ Honda CEO Says After Seeing Chinese Supplier Factory: TDS" date: "2026-04-07" modified: "2026-04-07" 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/we-have-no-chance-against-this-honda-ceo-says-after-seeing-chinese-supplier-factory-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # β€˜We Have No Chance Against This,’ Honda CEO Says After Seeing Chinese Supplier Factory: TDS ![BYD Yangwang U8]() *\BYD\* Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Tight, light, and dense, *TDS* gathers the latest automotive headlines from around the globe and places them in one spot. Stories are summarized in a single sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. I'm back in the *TDS* driver's seat, the first cup of coffee is gone, and it's time for a second. Let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: Spending time with the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid this week, and it's immediately proving to be the most efficient, quickest, quietest, and most refined version of the pint-sized hatchback on stilts in history. I kind of dig it. 😳 Honda CEO and President Toshihiro Mibe traveled to China and toured an auto supplier factory in Shanghai [only to leave and say](), "we have no chance against this" as the executive realized how advanced the competition has become; this comes just weeks after [Honda killed its upcoming 0 Series EVs](), which were set to start rolling off the assembly line in Ohio this year. 😬 Edmunds [tested the Geely Galaxy M9 and said]() the plug-in hybrid SUV proves Chinese cars could be seriously competitive in America. πŸ™…β€β™‚οΈ Three democratic senators, including Tammy Baldwin, Elissa Slotkin, and Chuck Schumer all urged President Trump and his administration to ensure vehicles built by Chinese automakers in Mexico or Canada [are barred from entering the U.S. market](). πŸ•΅οΈβ€β™€οΈ The NHTSA [ended its investigation]() into Tesla's summon feature. 🏒 It's the end of an era as GM [removed its brand logos]() from Detroit's RenCen. πŸ‘€ Porsche [teased a new "pure driving" 911 variant]() that is said to debut on April 14. πŸ“Ί Mazda is now [defending its screen-heavy approach]() and claims "the focus remains on driving" despite a 26-inch touchscreen in a new CX-6e model destined for Europe. πŸ“ˆ Tesla [grabbed its sales crown back]() as the world's top EV producer after BYD's sales plummeted 25%. πŸ”‹ The Rivian R2's EPA numbers are in, and it goes the distance [with 335 miles of range]() and better efficiency than the Tesla Model Y. πŸ”Š Mercedes-Benz has said it doesn't want its [new electric AMG to feel like an EV](). 🚨 Ford [recalled 422,613 vehicles]() due to windshield wiper failure. *Got a news tip or feedback? Drop us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## 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]()