Honda produces 10 millionth automobile in North America; prepares to add new plant

Honda reached produced its 10 millionth vehicle in North American last week. The company began local production in 1982 in Marysville, OH, and will open its 11th North American plant, in Lincoln, AL, this fall.

Each year, Honda assembles more than 1 million vehicles in North America, including the Honda Accord, Civic and Odyssey, and the Acura TL, CL, MDX and EL (Canada only model). It also produces both V-6 and 4-cylinder auto engines and automatic transmissions.

With a recent production increase at Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM) in Alliston, Ontario, Canada, Honda's annual North American vehicle production capacity will increase to 1.18 million units by 2003. That is 20,000 units more than the previously announced target of 1.16 million units.

The production increase at HCM reflects Honda's expansion in production of light truck class vehicles -- HCM currently has exclusive worldwide responsibility for production of the Honda Odyssey minivan and the Acura MDX sport utility vehicle. In the fall of 2001, Honda will open its 11th North American plant in Lincoln, AL, for the production and assembly of the Odyssey and V-6 engines.

In 2000, more than 75% of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in America were produced and assembled in North America. Increasingly, Honda's North American operations have taken on major responsibilities within the company's global strategy. Eight different models – the Honda Accord Coupe, Civic Coupe, Civic GX natural gas vehicle, Odyssey, and the Acura TL, CL, MDX and EL are produced exclusively in North America.

This growth has led to an expanding role within Honda's "Global Product Supply Network." American Honda has exported more than 600,000 North American-assembled automobiles to more than 90 countries. In this way, Honda's North American plants serve not only as a regional supply base, but also as part of a true global network.