Electric Cars

Recent online chatter in Japan hinted at widespread cancellations for the new Honda Prelude following test drives, with some sources citing performance as a key disappointment. Despite these rumors, a Honda dealership has come forward to dispute such claims, asserting that no orders have been canceled by customers who experienced the hybrid coupe firsthand. On the contrary, the test drive experience appears to have boosted buyer enthusiasm, resulting in increased interest and longer waiting lists. This clarification suggests that earlier negative reports might stem from a misunderstanding of the Prelude's intended market and capabilities, rather than actual dissatisfaction from committed buyers.

The new Honda Prelude, a hybrid sports coupe, has garnered considerable attention in its home country, Japan. While it quickly sold out its initial production allocation, some social media discussions indicated that buyers were canceling their orders after test drives, reportedly due to the car's performance not meeting expectations. An automotive blogger, investigating these claims, contacted a Honda dealership directly, which provided a starkly different account. The dealership confirmed that not only had they not experienced any cancellations from test-driving customers, but these experiences had actually led to a surge in interest. Prospective buyers who took the Prelude for a spin often requested further consultations and eagerly joined waiting lists for any potential openings.

The strong demand for the Prelude is evidenced by its swift sell-out of both initial and subsequent production batches. The dealership interviewed noted that new orders now face a waiting period of six months to a year. This sustained interest suggests that genuine customers are finding the Prelude to be a satisfactory purchase. The car's sales model, which included a lottery system and restrictions on resale, aimed to ensure that initial orders went to dedicated Honda enthusiasts. Many of these buyers, according to the dealership, were existing Honda owners, including those who previously owned the Prelude or other iconic models like the NSX or Civic.

It appears that much of the negative speculation surrounding the Prelude's performance originated from owners of other sports cars, such as the Toyota GR86, Mazda Miata, or Suzuki Swift Sport. While these enthusiasts did express interest in test driving the Prelude, they often chose not to place an order, citing reasons like price, powertrain specifications, or simply not connecting with the driving feel. This indicates a misalignment of expectations; the Prelude was designed as an electrified sports coupe balancing performance with practicality, not as a direct competitor to high-performance Type R models. For its target audience, the test drive experience has evidently affirmed Honda's vision, leading to robust sales and satisfied customers, rather than widespread disappointment and cancellations.

Embrace Freedom, Not Financial Strain: Turo's New Path to Vehicle Access

The Steep Cost of Modern Car Ownership

In today's economy, acquiring an automobile, whether brand-new or pre-owned, presents a substantial financial challenge for many individuals. With new vehicle prices approaching significant figures, most buyers resort to loans or leases. Beyond the initial purchase or monthly payments, car owners are consistently burdened by an array of additional expenses. These include insurance premiums, road tolls, registration fees, parking charges, and ongoing maintenance suchabilities like oil changes, tire rotations, replacements, wiper blade upkeep, and even regular car washes. For those who don't rely on a car daily, these cumulative costs can transform vehicle ownership into an oppressive financial weight, despite the occasional need for personal transport to simplify certain tasks.

Turo's Innovative Solution: Redefining Vehicle Access

Turo, recognized for its peer-to-peer car-sharing model akin to Airbnb, is unveiling a suite of new functionalities. These enhancements are crafted to deliver what the company terms an \"economical, convenient, and adaptable substitute for conventional car ownership,\" effectively addressing the common issues associated with it. The updated service streamlines the process for users to lease a diverse selection of vehicles, encompassing both gasoline and electric models of various types and dimensions, for periods extending a month or longer. This arrangement offers the flexibility to modify rental durations as needed and facilitates payments through comprehensive monthly installments.

Shifting Consumer Priorities: Access Over Ownership

Turo asserts that this new service provides a low-commitment option for vehicle access, liberating drivers from the necessity of dealership visits. The company highlights its role in fostering a significant consumer trend where individuals increasingly prioritize immediate access to goods and services over outright ownership. Internal research conducted by Turo reveals that 57% of American car owners express interest in long-term vehicle access without the financial encumbrances of ownership. Furthermore, Turo has observed a \"triple-digit annual growth\" in rentals spanning three months or more, identifying this as their most rapidly expanding service segment. Concurrently, data from Edmunds in Q3 2025 indicated that the average down payment for a new vehicle fell to $6,020, suggesting a strain on affordability among new car purchasers. Tim Rossanis, Senior Vice President of Turo US, articulated the company's vision, stating, \"While a car should symbolize autonomy, it has become a significant financial stressor for many. We are committed to changing this. Turo offers a novel, more adaptable method for consumers to obtain the exact vehicle they require, for the duration they need it, free from the complexities of long-term leases.\"

Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Flexible Mobility

The introduction of Turo's flexible monthly rental option will undoubtedly spark interest in how it competes within the evolving landscape of mobility services. While Turo already offers the convenience of short-term rentals extending into longer durations, its new features position it directly against established players. Competitors such as Zipcar, which maintains a significant presence in numerous American urban and metropolitan areas, and Stellantis-backed Free2move, operating in Washington, D.C., and fifteen European cities, offer similar car-sharing and rental solutions. A distinguishing factor for Turo's platform is its renowned offering of a broad spectrum of vehicles, including luxury and high-performance sports cars, providing a diverse selection that sets it apart. Rossanis underscored the mutual benefits of this new service, describing it as a \"win-win for all\" and a \"powerful new avenue\" for Turo vehicle owners to expand their businesses and for users to experience enhanced flexibility.