This article does imply the use of thermoforming in the original Passport series was to reduce manufacturing cost and weight. It also notes those Passports are built in France while the R models are made in the US, and confirms same price and weight.
https://kayakanglermag.com/boats/kayaks/icast-hobie-passport-r-series/Possibilities:
1. Europe continue to get the French thermoformed Passports while North America gets rotomolded R models. (And what happens elsewhere around the globe?)
2. All regions get both versions. (I just can't see Hobie continuing one kayak line with 2 very different manufacturing processes.)
3. Thermoformed Passports are phased out in favor of R models globally. (And maybe France shifts to rotomolding?)
Peter