Honda Produces 20 Millionth Automobile in North America

Honda produced its 20 millionth automobile in North America based on January 2009 production totals to be released this week. Honda began local auto production in 1982, in Marysville, Ohio.*

“The production of 20 million cars and light trucks in North America was achieved through the ultimate in teamwork by our suppliers, business partners and dealers working together with Honda associates to create joy for our customers,” said Tsuneo Tanai, president & CEO of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. and head of Honda’s production operations in North America, covering the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

In a letter thanking the more than 34,000 associates working in the company’s manufacturing, sales, marketing and R&D operations in North America, Tanai said: “Most importantly, we owe our deepest appreciation to our customers, as none of our accomplishments would be possible without the loyalty they have shown to their Honda and Acura products.”

Consistent with Honda’s commitment to produce products close to the customer, more than 77% of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2008, were produced in North America- a total of 1,421,427 units. Further, 11 different models are produced exclusively in North America- the Honda Accord Coupe, Civic Coupe and Si, Civic GX natural gas vehicle, Odyssey, Pilot, Element and Ridgeline and the Acura TL, MDX, RDX and CSX (Canadian exclusive model).

Honda has four U.S. automobile plants in Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio; Lincoln, Alabama; and Greensburg, Indiana; two plants in Alliston, Ontario, Canada; and a plant in Jalisco, El Salto, Mexico.

In addition to the 20 million cars and light trucks, Honda’s cumulative North American production of automobile engines exceeds 18.4 million units, mostly in Ohio and Alabama, with automatic transmission production now exceeding 13 million units at plants in Ohio and Georgia.

Honda currently partners with more than 620 North American suppliers, including 545 in the U.S., and purchased more than $19.5 billion in parts and materials from its North American suppliers in 2008.

Honda also continues to grow its automobile export program, including both finished vehicles and component parts sets, such as Honda’s U.S.-made engines and components sourced from U.S. suppliers. From the start-up of automobile exports in 1987 through 2008, Honda exported 922,668 vehicles made in North America to world markets.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment in 1959 of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda’s first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. motorcycle production in Ohio in 1979, and U.S. automobile production in 1982. The company has invested more than $10.6 billion in its North America operations, including 16 major manufacturing facilities employing more than 34,000 associates, to produce Honda and Acura automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, personal watercraft, lawn mowers, general-purpose engines, and other power equipment products.