Honda introduces motor that does not need rare earths to sidestep China

Tokyo

HONDA Motor Co said that it is introducing a motor for hybrid vehicles that will not need heavy rare earth minerals, as Japan's carmakers look to circumvent sourcing the materials from China.

Magnets developed by Daido Steel Co without heavy rare earth minerals will be used starting with the Freed minivan scheduled to begin sales this autumn, Honda said in a statement on Tuesday. Toyota Motor Corp and Nissan Motor Co have also taken steps to reduce their reliance on the materials after China restricted exports beginning in 2010 amid diplomatic disputes with Japan.