Hondanews Online Newsroom

North American Operations: 2010 Monthly Sales Reports

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:29:00 -0800

North American Operations: 2009 Monthly Sales Reports

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:26:00 -0800

North American Operations: 2008 Monthly Sales Reports

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:24:00 -0800

North American Operations: Statement by American Honda Regarding Spare Tire/Tire Information Placard Recall: 2011-2012 Ridgeline

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:37:00 -0800

Honda will voluntarily recall 206 model-year 2011 and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles in the U.S. to inspect whether the factory-installed spare tire matches the spare tire information included on the FMVSS mandated tire information placard installed on the vehicles’ driver-side doorjambs. If the tire information placard and the installed spare tire do not match, Honda will either provide customers with a compact spare tire that matches the information included on the originally installed tire information placard or install a new placard that reflects the spare tire that was installed at the factory.

The Ridgeline sold in the United States normally is factory-equipped with a compact spare tire. In affected vehicles, a full-sized spare tire specified for certain export markets may have been mistakenly installed in the In-bed Trunk® during vehicle assembly. For these vehicles, the tire size and recommended cold inflation pressure for the installed (full-size) spare tire are not correctly displayed on the vehicle’s tire-information placard, and thus the tire-information placard does not comply with FMVSS requirements. No crashes or injuries have been reported.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage owners of all affected vehicles to take their trucks to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. Mailed notification to customers will begin in mid-February 2012. In addition to contacting customers by mail, in mid-February, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require inspection by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

North American Operations: President Iwata, Honda of America Mfg., Announced $98 Million Investment

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:43:00 -0800

President Iwata, Honda of America Mfg., Announced $98 Million Investment

North American Operations: Honda’s Anna, Ohio Engine Plant Manager Discusses New Engines

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:43:00 -0800

Honda’s Anna, Ohio Engine Plant Manager Discusses New Engines

North American Operations: American Honda Reports January Sales Increase; Civic Up Nearly 50 Percent

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:54:00 -0800

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today reported January 2012 monthly new-vehicle sales of 83,009, an increase of 8.8 percent over January 2011. The Honda Division posted January 2012 sales of 74,628, an increase of 9.3 percent year-over-year.

In its first full month of sales, the all-new Honda CR-V set a January record with sales of 18,960, up 16.0 percent over last year's record-setting total of 16,339. The Civic also continued to build momentum with sales of 21,883, up an impressive 49.5 percent compared to January 2011. The Accord posted January sales of 13,659, up 1.5 percent from the same period last year. Honda's Ridgeline pickup posted its second consecutive month of double-digit sales growth, up 45.6 percent year-over-year to 1,245 units.

"Honda's return to full strength on the manufacturing front is already beginning to pay dividends on the sales floor," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "On top of kicking off 2012 with record January sales for the new CR-V, it's gratifying to see how many Civics we can sell when we actually have Civics to sell. It's great to see customers embrace this great vehicle now that our dealers have enough cars on their lots."

The Acura Division's January sales totaled 8,381, up 5.3 percent compared to January 2011, with two models registering strong sales increases. Sales of the TL sedan reached 2,283, up 43.4 percent from the same period last year, while TSX sales totaled 2,266, a year-over-year increase of 16.7 percent.

For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.automobiles.honda.com. For media inquiries please visit www.hondanews.com. For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries please visit www.acuranews.com.

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North American Operations: Honda to Invest $98 Million in Anna Engine Plant for Production of Advanced Transmission Components

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:30:00 -0800

Honda announced today that it will invest $98 million at its Anna, Ohio engine plant as part of a strategy to build the company's next-generation powertrain technologies in Ohio. The move is aligned with a $120 million investment, announced last year, for the production of a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) in Russells Point, Ohio.

The Anna Engine Plant will manufacture high-tech pulley components for Honda's new CVT technology, which is part of the new Honda 'Earth Dreams' powertrain technology lineup, to be deployed for the first time in the U.S. in the all-new, more powerful and fuel-efficient 2013 Honda Accord.

Honda will produce its technically advanced CVT on a new assembly line at Honda Transmission Mfg. of America, Inc. in Russells Point. The modernization and expansion of the Russells Point transmission plant, along with the new pulley component production at the Anna plant, will create 150 new jobs.

Since November 2010, Honda has announced new investments exceeding $500 million in its two auto plants and two powertrain plants in Ohio.

"For decades, our two Ohio powertrain plants have worked together to deliver advanced products for our customers," said Hide Iwata, president and CEO, Honda of America Mfg., Inc. "The production of this new CVT technology puts the Buckeye State right in the middle of Honda's global strategy."

The new transmissions will debut in the all-new 2013 Honda Accord models that will come to market later this year. The Accord for the U.S. market is built only in Ohio at the Marysville Auto Plant.

"Applying Honda's new Earth Dreams Technologies in the production of engines and transmissions will greatly enhance the driving performance of Honda vehicles, and help us achieve fuel economy leadership in every segment over the next three years," said Iwata.

While the Anna plant prepares for its production launch, the nearby Russells Point transmission plant will proceed with CVT production this summer. These transmissions require highly sophisticated pulley components. Initially, these components will be supplied from Honda operations in Japan, before CVT production for U.S. models is taken up by the Anna plant in 2013.

"Our associates have incredible experience and we are counting on them to help us introduce an even higher level of powertrain technology for our customers," Anna Engine Plant Manager, John Spoltman, said. "The new CVT technology will be mated with Honda's new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter direct-injection engine, which will also be produced here at the Anna Engine Plant."

Earth Dreams technology defines Honda's next-generation engine and transmission strategy to realize advanced levels of both performance and fuel efficiency. Introduction of the new CVT for mid-size cars, will improve fuel economy by approximately 10 percent compared with the current five-speed automatic transmission.

The new component production operation at Anna will utilize 84,000 square feet of plant space for lathing, heat-treating, grinding and subassembly of precision CVT pulley systems. With the capacity to manufacture 1.18 million V-6 and four-cylinder engines annually, the Anna Engine Plant is the largest automobile engine factory in Honda's global production network.

At the Russells Point transmission plant, CVTs will be manufactured on a sophisticated assembly line that is being constructed as part of a $70 million, 200,000-square-foot expansion of the facility. An additional $50 million is being invested in a 75,000-square-foot expansion of the facility for additional aluminum casting operations to support the CVT assembly line.

Honda Transmission Mfg. of America currently employs 1,050 associates. In addition to automatic transmissions, the Russells Point plant also manufactures four-wheel-drive systems. Both plants manufacture the precision steel parts for engines and transmissions, and four-wheel-drive components.

Today's announcement continues a series of major initiatives by Honda in its Ohio operations. In January, the Acura luxury brand revealed that the all-new Acura NSX supercar will be developed in Ohio and built at a new manufacturing operation in central Ohio. And since November 2010, Honda has now announced more than $500 million in investments for advanced technologies and systems at it four existing Ohio plants.

Other major initiatives now underway include construction of on-site parts consolidation centers at Anna and East Liberty, a sophisticated new stamping press at the Marysville Auto Plant, and several major projects at East Liberty to expand assembly lines, implement new paint technologies and consolidate vehicle quality operations.

About Honda Manufacturing in Ohio
Based on Honda's longstanding commitment to "build products close to the customer," Honda began operations at its first U.S. auto plant nearly 30 years ago, on November 1, 1982, in Marysville, Ohio. Honda now has the capacity to build 680,000 automobiles annually at its two auto plants in Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio.

Honda employs more than 13,500 Ohioans. The company's total investment in its extensive operations in the state exceeds $8 billion.

In addition, in 2011 Honda purchased nearly $6 billion in parts and materials from more than 150 Ohio suppliers, and more than $16 billion in parts and materials from 600 domestic suppliers in North America.

Honda has seven auto plants in North America have the capacity to manufacture 1.63 million automobiles annually, using domestic and globally sourced parts. More than 80 percent of the Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. are built in North America.

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For more information, contact:
Ron Lietzke at Honda of America Mfg.: 937-441-0968
ron_lietzke@ham.honda.com

Connect with Honda of America, and Acura and Honda brands:
Honda of America Mfg., Inc. (Press Room): www.ohio.honda.com
Acura Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.acuranews.com
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com

North American Operations: Honda's Continuously Variable Transmissions Undergo Leak Testing

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:30:00 -0800

Honda's Continuously Variable Transmissions Undergo Leak Testing

North American Operations: Honda will build new continuously variable transmission in Ohio

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:30:00 -0800

Honda will build new continuously variable transmission in Ohio

North American Operations: NAER 2011 Cover Memo

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 -0800

NAER 2011 Cover Memo

North American Operations: New Acura NSX Supercar to be Built in Ohio and Developed in the U.S.

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:40:00 -0800

Acura today announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit that an all-new Acura NSX supercar will be manufactured in Ohio. In addition, the new sports car will be developed in the U.S., including the Ohio Center of Honda R&D Americas, Inc. (HRA).

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO Takanobu Ito unveiled a concept version of the Acura NSX today in Detroit. Although Acura is keeping most of the vehicle's details under wraps, the new NSX will employ a lightweight chassis, a mid-mounted V-6 engine and Acura's innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system. Ito said the new supercar will come to market within three years.

Along with unveiling the NSX concept, Ito announced that it will be built in Ohio. Honda plans to produce the new supercar near its current auto production operations in central Ohio at a unique, advanced manufacturing operation. The original Acura NSX was built at Honda plants in Japan from 1990 to 2005.

"Honda associates are up to the challenge of producing the new NSX for global customers with a high degree of craftsmanship," said Hidenobu Iwata, head of Honda's North American manufacturing operations and president of Honda of America Mfg., Inc. "Honda associates in Ohio have been building high-quality Honda and Acura vehicles for nearly 30 years, so this news in many ways is a culmination of their determined efforts."

A team from HRA Ohio Center will lead the continued design and development of the new vehicle. Headquartered in Torrance, Calif., Honda R&D Americas has major research and vehicle development operations in the Raymond, Ohio center, where much of the work on the NSX will take place.

"We have a rich history of creating innovative new products for our customers in the U.S. and in markets around the world," said Hiroshi Takemura, president of Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "The responsibility to develop the all-new Acura NSX demonstrates the maturity of our organization, the know-how of our associates and their ability to create an advanced and innovative supercar."

About Honda Manufacturing in Ohio
Based on Honda's longstanding commitment to "build products close to the customer" Honda opened its first auto plant in the U.S. nearly 30 years ago, on November 1, 1982, in Marysville, Ohio. Today, Honda builds more cars and light trucks in the state of Ohio than all other automakers combined. Honda has the capacity to build 680,000 passenger cars and light trucks at its two auto plants in Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio.

The company's Anna, Ohio, engine plant, with capacity of 1.18 million units, is the largest automobile engine factory in Honda's global production network. Honda also manufactures automatic transmissions in Russells Point, Ohio.

Honda currently employs more than 13,500 Ohioans and has invested more than $8 billion in its extensive operations in the state. In addition, Honda annually purchases nearly $7 billion in parts and materials from more than 150 Ohio suppliers and more than $17.5 billion in parts and materials from more than 600 North American suppliers.

Honda has seven auto plants in North America with the overall capacity to manufacture 1.63 million automobiles. Using domestic and globally sourced parts, approximately 90 percent of the Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. are built in North America.

About Honda R&D in Ohio
Honda began auto research and development in Ohio in 1985. Today, the Honda R&D Americas, Inc. Ohio Center is engaged in complete product creation, encompassing everything from market and technology research to engineering design, prototype fabrication and testing, local parts procurement, and support for mass production.
Honda's U.S. R&D operations have developed 24 new models and are responsible for six vehicles in the company's current U.S. product portfolio—the Honda Odyssey minivan, Pilot SUV, Ridgeline pickup, and the Acura TL, MDX and ZDX luxury-performance automobiles.

About Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The 2012 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan and Sport Wagon, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV, the MDX luxury SUV and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.

For more information, contact:
Ron Lietzke at Honda of America Mfg.: 937-441-0968
ron_lietzke@ham.honda.com

Gary Robinson at Acura Public Relations: 310-783-3165
Gary_robinson@ahm.acura.com

Connect with Acura and Honda brands:
Acura Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.acuranews.com
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com

North American Operations: American Honda Reports December Sales

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:45:00 -0800

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today reported December monthly new-vehicle sales of 105,230, a decrease of 18.8 percent on a daily selling-rate* basis. American Honda's 2011 annual vehicle sales totaled 1,147,285, a decrease of 7.1 percent compared to 2010.

The Honda Division's December monthly sales of 92,101 represented a decrease of 19.3 percent compared to 2010. Honda Division's 2011 annual sales of 1,023,986 decreased 6.9 percent compared to 2010. The three top-selling Honda models for 2011 were Accord, 235,625; Civic, 221,235; and CR-V, 218,373.

"As we eagerly close one of the most challenging years American Honda has weathered, we are well-positioned for a strong 2012," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "Although we still had low inventory in December, our production levels are now back to normal. The new year brings the promise of positive momentum with the all-new CR-V now on sale and a concept version of the ninth-generation 2013 Honda Accord Coupe to be unveiled next week at the North American International Auto Show."

Monthly Odyssey sales increased by 13.2 percent to 11,489, and Pilot sales increased 12.6 percent to 11,641. Additional models with monthly sales gains included Fit, up 5.7 percent to 5,138, setting a new December sales record, and Ridgeline with a sales increase of 21.2 percent to 1,468.

The Acura Division's year-end sales totaled 123,299, down 8.0 percent compared to 2010 results. December Acura sales totaled 13,129, a decrease of 15.2 percent. The MDX led the division with annual sales of 43,271, followed by the TL with sales of 31,237 and the TSX with sales of 30,935.

*The annual Daily Selling Rate (DSR) is calculated with 307 days for 2011 and 306 days for 2010. December 2011 and December 2010 both included 27 selling days. All percentages represent DSR.

North American Operations: Honda Surpasses $75 Million in Ohio Philanthropy

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:53:00 -0800

With its latest round of charitable giving announced today, Honda of America Mfg., Inc. surpassed $75 million in philanthropic contributions to local communities in Ohio. This total includes more than $50 million in direct corporate grants to non-profit organizations, $22 million from Honda associate contributions and $3 million in donated products and services.

Honda reached this milestone with the recent announcement of nearly $300,000 in new grants to several Central Ohio organizations. Earlier today, company officials recognized this accomplishment at a small celebration at the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA, which was granted $100,000 for its capital campaign.

Since 1979, Honda's charitable giving programs have supported numerous local needs and programs. These include major grants to hospitals, community centers, theaters, food banks, after-school programs, nature preserves and parks.

"From the beginning, our aim has been to be a good neighbor and to support the many organizations that are dedicated to improving the communities around us," said Honda of America Vice President Rick Schostek. "By partnering with great organizations like the YMCA, we've been able to support a number of important initiatives that have enriched many lives."

While Honda has engaged directly with a wide range of charitable organizations, it is the company's associates that have been instrumental to carrying out its community initiatives. Over the past 30 years, Honda associates have contributed more than $22 million to hundreds of United Way agencies. In addition, associates have also volunteered more than 660,000 hours of service to local non-profit organizations of their choice through the company's Honda Hero program. Honda has directly supported these associates by providing nearly $1.6 million to their organizations.

"Beyond the number, $75 million in philanthropy really represents the efforts of thousands of Honda associates who genuinely care about our communities and want to make a difference by getting involved," said Caroline Ramsey, government and community relations manager for Honda of America. "Our philanthropic donations have assisted a wide variety of community needs and we remain committed to ongoing partnerships with non-profit organizations throughout the region."

About Honda in Ohio
Honda started motorcycle production in 1979 and opened its first auto plant in the U.S. in 1982, in Marysville, Ohio, and today has the capacity to build 680,000 passenger cars and light trucks at its two auto plants in Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio. Honda also manufactures automobile engines in Anna, Ohio, and automatic transmissions in Russells Point, Ohio.

Honda plants have the capacity to manufacture 1.63 million automobiles at its seven auto plants in North America. Approximately 90 percent of the Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. are built in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Last year, Honda purchased more than $17.5 billion in parts and materials from more than 600 North American suppliers, including approximately 150 in Ohio.

More information about Honda of America's charitable giving programs can be found at: http://www.ohio.honda.com/community/giving.cfm

Connect to Honda:
Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (for media only): http://www.hondanews.com
ASIMO on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/asimo
ASIMO on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/asimo
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda Web Site: http://www.honda.com

North American Operations: Honda Surpasses $75 Million in Ohio Philanthropy

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:48:00 -0800

Honda Surpasses $75 Million in Ohio Philanthropy

North American Operations: Honda Surpasses $75 Million in Ohio Philanthropy

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:46:00 -0800

Honda Surpasses $75 Million in Ohio Philanthropy

North American Operations: Honda Surpasses $75 Million in Ohio Philanthropy

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:45:00 -0800

Honda Surpasses $75 Million in Ohio Philanthropy

North American Operations: New Acura Sedan to be Built at Award-winning Plant in Greensburg

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:58:00 -0800

Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC (HMIN) today announced that it will be the exclusive manufacturer of the Acura ILX, an all-new luxury sedan going into mass production in Indiana in the spring of 2012. The new Acura ILX sedan will be positioned at the gateway to the Acura lineup and will be offered with both gasoline and gas-electric hybrid powertrain options. The new Acura ILX will be Acura's first-ever hybrid model, as well as the first Acura model to be produced in Indiana.

"Building this all-new Acura vehicle as the exclusive global source is a big responsibility for our associates," said HMIN President Jun Nishimoto. "I am very proud of what our Indiana team has accomplished in such a short time, and we have great confidence in our ability to produce a world-class luxury vehicle that exceeds the expectations of Acura customers."

The Acura ILX will join the TL sedan, ZDX crossover vehicle, and the MDX and RDX sport-utility vehicles as the fifth Acura model produced exclusively in North America. Acura finished second among all luxury brands in the J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study.

HMIN was recognized earlier this year for its outstanding quality as one of only three automobile plants globally to earn a Platinum Award for outstanding quality based on the results of J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Survey℠ (IQS). The plant recently added nearly 1,000 associates to support the move to two-shift production, which started on Oct. 24, 2011, doubling the plant's capacity to 200,000 vehicles per year. The Acura ILX will be the first hybrid vehicle to be made in America at a Honda plant. Gasoline engines for the new Acura ILX will be produced at the Anna, Ohio, engine plant of Honda of America Mfg., Inc.

Acura will unveil a concept version of the new ILX sedan at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit during media preview days, Jan. 9-10, 2012. Acura also will debut a new RDX sport-utility vehicle and a concept version of the next-generation Acura NSX supercar at the show, as it moves to further strengthen its product lineup with new products, new technologies and a sharper brand focus.

About HMIN

Honda Manufacturing Indiana, LLC (HMIN) in Greensburg, Ind., began operations with production of Civic Sedans in October 2008. HMIN added production of Honda's natural gas-powered Civic Sedan in May 2009, and began producing Civic for export to markets outside North America in September 2009. With employment of approximately 2,000 associates and capital investment exceeding $550 million, HMIN started operations as a zero-waste-to-landfill factory, meaning no waste is sent to landfills, and maintains one of the lowest environmental footprints of any automobile plant in Honda's global production network.

About Honda in America

Next year, Honda will celebrate 30 years of producing automobiles in America. Based on Honda's longstanding commitment to build products close to the customer, Honda currently operates 14 manufacturing facilities in North America, producing a wide range of Honda and Acura automobiles, automobile engines and automatic transmissions, Honda all-terrain vehicles, and Honda power equipment products, such as lawn mowers, mini-tillers and general purpose engines. Honda products are made in North America using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Today, the company has four auto plants in the U.S. and seven in North America with a new auto plant under construction in Celaya, Mexico, which will begin producing subcompact cars in 2014. Honda's total automobile production capacity in the region, currently at 1.63 million vehicles per year, will grow to more than 1.87 million vehicles annually in 2014. In 2010, more than 87 percent of the Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. were built in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

About Acura

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The 2012 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan and Sport Wagon, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV, the MDX luxury SUV and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.

Connect to Honda:
Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (for media only): http://www.hondanews.com
Honda in America: http://www.hondainamerica.com
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/americanhonda
Honda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/honda
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda Web Site: http://www.honda.com

North American Operations: Disconnecting High-Bay Lights at Honda

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:25:00 -0800

Disconnecting High-Bay Lights at Honda

North American Operations: Honda Building Management System

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:25:00 -0800

Honda Building Management System

North American Operations: Honda New Instrument Panel Paint Line

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:25:00 -0800

Honda New Instrument Panel Paint Line

North American Operations: Saving Energy, Honda Plants Earn 2011 ENERGY STAR

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:20:00 -0800

Two Honda auto plants in Ohio have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2011 ENERGY STAR due to the company's ongoing efforts to operate energy-efficient facilities. This marks the fifth consecutive year that both Honda auto plants in Ohio, in Marysville and East Liberty, have earned this recognition.

The EPA bases the award on the amount of energy needed to produce an automobile, taking into account factors such as vehicle size and production volume. Electricity and natural gas represent 95 percent of total energy consumption in the production of automobiles. Honda has ongoing conservation initiatives to minimize the environmental impact from the use of fossil fuels, including a reduction of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.

"Improving the energy efficiency of Honda factories is the single biggest focus of the company's efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our operations," said Karen Heyob, leader of Honda's environmental initiatives at Honda of America Mfg. "Virtually every Honda associate is involved in conserving energy use in our plants."

Established in 1982, the Marysville Auto Plant employs more than 4,000 associates who produce* all the Honda Accord sedans and coupes sold in America, as well as the Acura TL and Acura RDX models. With 2,500 associates, the East Liberty Auto Plant (ELP) pioneered the use of waterborne auto painting and returnable parts containers when it started production in 1989. Today, ELP is the primary production site for the Honda CR-V and Honda Crosstour.

Honda's energy-reduction efforts range from real-time monitoring of electricity use to advanced compressed air management programs. For example, the company mounted aggressive programs to eliminate air leaks in compressed air systems, and to optimize the use of compressed air by reducing pressure. In addition, real-time monitoring helps identify equipment that can be turned off when production isn't taking place during breaks, between shifts and on weekends.

At the Marysville Auto Plant, Honda's highest volume auto plant in North America, centralized steam used for heat and humidification was replaced with more efficient localized systems. A new "fog" humidification system for the plant's painting operations is 80 percent energy efficient and automatically shuts off when not needed.

A major paint renovation at the East Liberty plant has reduced the size of automobile painting booths by 43 percent and streamlined operations by reducing the number of painting robots. With completion of this four-year project in 2012, the resulting savings in heating and electrical power consumption will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 10,000 tons annually.

The East Liberty plant also recently completed installation of a new instrument panel paint line that utilizes benchmark coating and energy conservation technologies. The new line doubles paint transfer efficiency compared with the old system and additional energy savings comes from recycling 90 percent of the conditioned paint booth air.

A Building Management System at the Marysville facility is programmed to automatically shut off building functions when not needed, including pumps, chillers, air compressors, lights and air-handling systems. In addition, the plant has disconnected 1,071 high-bay lights in areas where illumination no longer is needed, reducing CO2 emissions by 611,000 kilograms annually.

Honda Environmental Leadership

Honda announced earlier this year that it has achieved one of the most important targets in the company's longstanding "Green Factory" initiative in North America: zero-waste-to-landfill. Ten of 14 Honda manufacturing plants in North America are now operating with zero waste to landfill, while the remaining four plants are functioning with "virtually zero" waste to landfill.

In addition, Honda Engineering North America, Inc.'s Powertrain Division in Anna, Ohio, and Honda Canada, Inc.'s new head office in Markham, Ontario, each earned LEED "greenbuilding" certification, bringing to 11 the number of LEED-certified Honda facilities in North America, the most LEED-certified buildings of any automaker.

Honda has been steadily expanding its portfolio of LEED-certified green buildings in North America since 1999, when the company's Gresham, Oregon, parts warehouse and service training facility became the first mixed-use industrial building in America to achieve LEED-Gold EB (Existing Building) certification.

Honda also is a leader in the development of leading-edge technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions, including vehicles powered by advanced gasoline engines and natural gas-powered engines, as well as gasoline-electric hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell-electric vehicles.

In 2006, Honda became the first automaker to announce voluntary CO2 emissions reduction targets for its global fleet of automobile, powersports and power equipment products. Honda exceeded those 2010 targets by reducing CO2 emissions in each category by more than 10 percent.

Today, the company is striving for even greater reductions in CO2 emissions that contribute to global climate change. Honda this year announced new global goals for 2020 that include a targeted 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from its automobile, motorcycle and power equipment products, as compared to 2000 levels.

About Honda in North America

Honda opened its first auto plant in the U.S. in 1982, in Marysville, Ohio, and today has the capacity to build 1.63 million automobiles at its seven auto plants in North America. In 2010, more than 87 percent of the Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. were built in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Last year, Honda purchased more than $17.5 billion in parts and materials from more than 600 North American suppliers.

Connect to Honda:

Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (for media only): http://www.hondanews.com
ASIMO on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/asimo
ASIMO on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/asimo
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda Web Site: http://www.honda.com

*From domestic and globally sourced parts.

North American Operations: American Honda Reports November Sales

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:43:00 -0800

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted November sales of 83,925 vehicles, a decrease of 10.1 percent, the company announced today. American Honda year-to-date sales reached 1,042,055, down 5.7 percent versus last year, based on the daily selling rate*.

Honda Division posted November sales of 74,016, a decrease of 9.9 percent versus November 2010. The Pilot continued its momentum with sales of 10,487, up 32.6 percent. The Civic was the top-selling Honda model for November with sales of 17,133, a decrease of 0.7 percent compared to last year. The CR-V posted sales of 16,426, a decrease of 13.7. The Accord posted sales of 14,355 a decrease of 17.9 percent.

"The impact of the Thailand flooding on our North American production levels continued to be felt in November," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "We're looking forward to closing the year on a strong note as production recovers and the all-new CR-V goes on sale this month."

Acura Division recorded November sales of 9,909, a decrease of 11.2 percent versus November 2010, and year-to-date sales of 110,170, down 7.1 percent. The MDX was the top-selling Acura model for the month with November sales of 3,308 down 24.2 percent. The TSX posted record November sales of 2,691.

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 25 days for November 2011 and 24 days for November 2010. Year-to-date DSR is calculated with 280 days for 2011 and 279 days for 2010. All percentages reflect DSR.

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North American Operations: Honda Honors Suppliers for Environmental Achievement

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:32:00 -0800

As part of its global initiative to reduce the impact of manufacturing on the environment, Honda presented its Green Factory Environmental Achievement Recognitions to five OEM suppliers in North America that have excelled at conserving natural resources, reducing energy use and eliminating waste to landfills.

Two recipients dramatically reduced landfill waste by implementing recycling programs. Another saved enough electricity to power 275 households. And two implemented systems that cut water use by 58 percent and 74 percent, respectively, reducing the volume sent to municipal wastewater treatment systems by millions of gallons each year.

Honda presented the recognitions during its 19th annual Environmental, Safety and Ergonomics Symposium held in Dublin, Ohio, near Columbus. In addition to recognizing top environmental achievements, the suppliers attended seminars and roundtable sessions on environmental topics ranging from energy and waste reduction to environmental compliance.

The event recognizes environmental stewardship among Honda's nearly 600 OEM suppliers in North America, and reflects Honda's ongoing commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its products and operations, including its parts supply chain.

"Honda encourages supplier excellence in energy reduction, pollution prevention and conservation of natural resources," said Tom Lake, division manager of Honda's North American Purchasing Division. "This program recognizes suppliers that benefit society by working to reduce their environmental footprint, and provides an opportunity to share best practices and environmental initiatives."

Honda's history of presenting environmental recognitions to suppliers dates to 2002. Since then, the company's environmental recognition programs have evolved to focus not only on recognition but also on the sharing of knowledge and ideas within the supplier base.

"We evaluate each project for its innovation and transferability to other areas, in addition to the Green Factory benefits," said Robert Bottom, staff engineer, who manages the program. "The results are two-fold, both helping their operations and benefitting the environment."

All five 2011 recognition winners presented their initiatives to more than 85 suppliers attending the symposium. Nissin Brake Ohio, Inc., recipient of Honda's 2011 Corporate Citizenship Award, also provided an overview of their operations and their award-winning activities. The annual award recognizes well-rounded corporate citizens with strengths in six different areas, including ethics and compliance, health and safety, community involvement, government relations, diversity and the environment.

2011 Honda Green Factory Environmental Achievement Recognitions

Pollution Prevention

Highland Industries, Inc., Cheraw, S.C.
Highland implemented a recycling program that resulted in an 88 percent weight reduction in landfill waste. Highland supplies fabric for airbags.

Delphi Delco Electronics de Mexico de R.L. de C.V. Delnorte Operations, Matamoros, Mexico
Delphi Delco Electronics began multiple recycling and source reduction activities, which have eliminated over 500,000 pounds of landfill waste. This facility supplies security electronics and immobilizers.

Energy Reduction

Delphi Delco Electronics de Mexico de R.L. de C.V. Deltronicos Operations, Reynosa, Mexico
Through multiple energy reduction activities, Delphi Delco Electronics reduced electricity consumption by more than 3 million kWh per year, enough electricity to power 275 U.S. households. These activities included reducing power demand during non-production periods, the reduction of chilled water system setpoints and improved equipment utilization. This facility supplies safety system electronics and major radio components.

Conservation of Natural Resources

Celina Aluminum Precision Technology, Inc. (CAPT), Celina, Ohio
Celina Aluminum re-engineered their wastewater system to allow for reuse, reducing discharge to the city sewage treatment facility by 58 percent. CAPT manufactures pistons, cylinder heads, lower blocks and brake knuckles.

UGN, Inc., Somerset, Ky.
UGN is using an existing, on-site decorative pond as a heat sink to cool process water from its plastics molding operations. This reduces the use of fresh water and eliminates the need to add chillers, reducing water and electricity consumption. Annual wastewater reduction exceeds 25 million gallons, approximately 74 percent of the total generated by the facility. UGN, Inc., offers a variety of materials that support acoustic automotive trim applications.

About Honda's Environmental Initiatives
Honda is a leader in the development of leading-edge technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions, including vehicles powered by advanced gasoline engines and natural gas-powered engines, as well as gasoline-electric hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell-electric vehicles.

In 2010, Honda was named America's "Greenest Automaker" for the fifth consecutive time by the Union of Concerned Scientists. The award is earned by the company with the lowest combined score of its smog-forming and greenhouse gas emissions (primarily CO2) in its U.S. automobile fleet. Further, Honda earned the #1 ranking on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy list of the "Greenest Vehicles" for the 11th year in a row in 2011.

In addition to its ongoing efforts to improve the environmental performance of its products, Honda has worked to reduce the environmental footprint of its manufacturing operations in North America, where the company has the capacity to produce more than three million Honda and Acura products each year. These comprise automobiles (including engines and transmissions), all-terrain vehicles, general-purpose engines and power equipment products. Honda's "Green Factory" initiatives include efforts to increase energy efficiency, reduce emissions and waste, and enhance recycling activity.

About Honda in North America
Honda opened its first auto plant in the U.S. in 1982, in Marysville, Ohio, and today has the capacity to build 1.63 million automobiles at its seven auto plants in North America. In 2010, more than 87 percent of the Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. were built in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Last year, Honda purchased more than $17.5 billion in parts and materials from more than 600 North American suppliers.

For more information on Honda's environmental leadership, including additional initiatives by Honda's manufacturing operations and their suppliers, go to http://corporate.honda.com/environment/2011-report/

North American Operations: Honda Supplier UGN, Inc.

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:29:00 -0800

Honda Supplier UGN, Inc.

North American Operations: Honda's Newest Website Launched as Resource for Public Policy Audiences

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:02:00 -0800

The Honda Government Relations office today launched a new website to provide the latest information about the company’s investment in America and efforts to enhance fuel efficiency, develop advanced safety technologies, and deliver top-level quality to customers.

HondaInAmerica.com was developed to be a resource for policymakers, regulators and media at the federal, state and local levels. Comprehensive data is now available online about the company’s employment, manufacturing, and purchasing history in America. Seven investment sections – Manufacturing, Employment, R&D, Parts & Suppliers, Environment, Safety and Communities – detail Honda’s U.S. operations through charts, tables and videos.

“For more than 20 years, Honda Government Relations produced a comprehensive data book that became a valuable resource to congressional and agency staff, and automotive and policy media,” said Edward B. Cohen, Vice President of Government & Industry Relations for Honda North America, Inc. “We now offer our audiences the same valuable information through a site that both extends our reach and is more environmentally sustainable.”

To demonstrate Honda’s presence in all 50 states, the website also features a U.S. Investment Map, plotting Honda facility, dealership and supplier locations on a state-by-state level and listing capital investment, total direct and indirect employment and philanthropic activities.

HondaInAmerica.com includes a Honda Video section covering a range of relevant topics including innovative technologies, alternative fuel vehicles, community outreach and advanced safety capabilities. Other features include a News and Views section for users to access Honda news releases, opinion pieces, issue briefs and articles in real-time.

“We are very proud to tell the story of our company’s 50 year history in America. By demonstrating Honda’s commitment to the U.S. through building products here, employing Americans in all 50 states, purchasing from local suppliers, and engaging in U.S.-based R&D, we can help lawmakers understand the economic and societal impact we have on their state and district.” said Cohen.

Data found at HondaInAmerica.com:

87 percent of Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2010 were made in North America, the highest percentage of any international automaker.
With 11 R&D facilities in the U.S. today, Honda has more than any international auto manufacturer.
Honda purchased over $90 billion in U.S. parts and materials in the past five years.
Honda operates nine manufacturing facilities in the U.S., producing 955,000 automobiles, 1.04 million vehicle engines, 933,000 general-purpose engines, 863,000 transmissions, 342,000 power equipment, and 84,000 all-terrain vehicles
Honda has had no layoffs in more than 50 years of operations in the U.S.

Visit HondaInAmerica.com for more information!

About Honda

Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. As a company devoted to the advancement of human mobility, Honda's innovative research and development efforts during the past decade have yielded such diverse outcomes as humanoid robotics, walking assist devices, HondaJet, fuel cell electric vehicle technology, thin film solar cells, increased rice crop yields and functional nano-materials – in addition to the design and development of automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment products. Based on its belief in the value of technology to address the needs of society, it is Honda's mission to develop products that anticipate and satisfy the evolving needs of its customers while meeting society's demand for cleaner, safer, more efficient and sustainable means of transportation and human mobility.

Connect with Honda:

Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (For Media Only): http://www.hondanews.com
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/honda
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Honda Web Site: http://www.honda.com

North American Operations: Honda to Invest $84 Million and Add 100 Jobs to Increase Annual Production to 340,000 Vehicles and Engines

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:25:00 -0800

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC (HMA) marked its 10th anniversary of the start of production by announcing today that it would invest an additional $84 million, hire 100 new full-time associates and increase annual production capacity to 340,000 vehicles and engines. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley and other local and state officials helped Honda associates celebrate the 10-year milestone.

Combined with previous investments announced earlier this year, Honda is investing a total of $275 million and adding 140 total jobs to increase manufacturing flexibility and production capacity in Alabama. The newest $84 million investment is tied to the addition of the Acura MDX luxury sport utility vehicle to the company’s existing production lineup of the Honda Odyssey minivan, Honda Pilot SUV, Honda Ridgeline pickup truck and the V-6 engines that power each vehicle.

“Numbers and milestones measure results, but it is our people – our Honda associates – who are the driving force in all of our accomplishments in Alabama,” said Tom Shoupe, HMA president. “This new investment in our Alabama facility will enhance our production flexibility and better position Honda to meet customer demand for our lineup of fuel-efficient passenger cars and light trucks.”

HMA began production with the Honda Odyssey on Nov. 14, 2001. With today’s announcement, HMA’s annual production capacity will increase by 40,000 units to 340,000 vehicles and engines by 2013. Honda’s cumulative investment in its Lincoln facility will total more than $2 billion by 2013. HMA employs more than 4,000 associates.

The $84 million investment will add a third stamping line to the existing two stamping lines which have the capability to produce vehicle body parts of both steel and aluminum. The more than $190 million in investments HMA announced earlier this year includes construction and equipment investments to improve manufacturing flexibility and production capacity.

About Honda
Honda opened its first auto plant in the U.S. in 1982, in Marysville, Ohio, and today has the capacity to build 1.63 million automobiles at its seven auto plants in North America. In 2010, more than 87 percent of the Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. were built in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Last year, Honda purchased more than $17.5 billion in parts and materials from more than 600 North American suppliers.

North American Operations: Honda Manufacturing of Alabama

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:24:00 -0800

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama

North American Operations: Honda Manufacturing of Alabama President Tom Shoupe

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:22:00 -0800

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama President Tom Shoupe

North American Operations: Honda Manufacturing of Alabama

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:20:00 -0800

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama

North American Operations: Honda Manufacturing of Alabama

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:17:00 -0800

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama

North American Operations: Honda's 'Sweet Dreams' Float to Lead 2012 Rose Parade®

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:06:00 -0700

Honda's 2012 Rose Parade float entry, "Sweet Dreams," will lead the 123rd Rose Parade, Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, and introduce "Just Imagine…" as this year's Parade theme. Honda's float celebrates childlike imagination and Honda's belief in The Power of Dreams. This year marks Honda's 51st year of collaboration with the Tournament of Roses® and second year as presenting sponsor. Honda's new electric vehicle, the Honda Fit EV, will be the parade's official pace car.

"The creativity and imagination represented in the Honda float will truly capture the spirit of the 123rd Rose Parade theme, 'Just Imagine…,'" said Tournament of Roses president Richard W. Jackson. "I'm looking forward to 'Sweet Dreams' leading the Parade on January 2."

Parade-watchers will witness a 55-foot-long vision of a child's dreamlike imagination in which anything is possible. Sheep jump over a smiling crescent moon under a fanciful starry sky, leading to dreams of candy and gingerbread castles, hot air balloons, unicorns and a favorite teddy bear. In a rare encore performance, replicas of three past award-winning Honda floats are represented: a dreamy race car ("The Power of Dreams," 2003), the longest float in Rose Parade history ("Families across America," 2005) and a fanciful sailing ship that pays tribute to Honda's philanthropic activity ("Ship of Dreams," 2010). Representing more than just dreams of the past, the float also looks to the future with replicas of Honda's innovative products and technologies – the HondaJet – and ASIMO, the world's most advanced humanoid robot.

"The Rose Parade is Honda's opportunity to wish a happy New Year to everyone watching the Parade whether along the route or on television," said Stephan Morikawa, assistant vice president of American Honda Corporate Community Relations. "It's also a chance to work with the Tournament to showcase Honda's imaginative, innovative technologies."
In a parade first, the replicas of the HondaJet, "Families across America" and "Ship of Dreams" will be satellite units ranging from 13-feet-long to 26-feet-long propelled by Honda ATVs that will move independently of the main float unit. For the second straight year, Honda's main float will be propelled by a specially configured hybrid, low-emission engine to help the float function more efficiently and reduce its carbon footprint.

The Honda float and satellite units include a variety of flowers, plants and seeds that will later be ground up for mulch after the parade activities are concluded. Some of the flowers that will be used include white mums, white orchids, white roses, white everlasting, strawflower, lavender mums and roses, and blue irises combined with cotton, pampas grass, blue statice and orange lentil seeds.

Honda first collaborated with the Tournament of Roses in 1961 to provide two-wheeled vehicles for 1962 Parade operations. Honda has been a float participant in the Rose Parade since 1977 and has also served as the official Tournament of Roses vehicle since 1994. As presenting sponsor, the Honda float will lead the Parade and introduce the theme every year. It will not be a commercial entry and will not be part of the judging process. Prior to becoming presenting sponsor in 2011, Honda floats won awards 15 of the previous 16 years.

About Honda
Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. production of motorcycles in 1979 and automobiles in 1982. With nine U.S. plants, Honda has invested more than $11 billion in its U.S. operations. The company employs nearly 25,000 associates and annually purchases $12 billion in parts and materials from more than 530 U.S. suppliers. Honda vehicles are manufactured using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (For Press Only): http://www.hondanews.com
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Twitter: http://twitter.com/americanhonda
Honda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews

Honda Website: http://www.honda.com

North American Operations: 2012 Honda Rose Parade Float Rendering

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:03:00 -0700

2012 Honda Rose Parade Float Rendering

North American Operations: American Honda Reports October Sales

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:05:00 -0700

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted October sales of 98,333 vehicles, an increase of 3.3 percent, the company announced today. American Honda year-to-date sales reached 958,130, down 5.3 percent versus last year, based on the daily selling rate*.

Honda Division posted October sales of 87,218, an increase of 3.2 percent versus October 2010. Honda trucks posted October sales of 44,852, an increase of 12.3 percent due to strong sales of the Pilot, CR-V and Odyssey. The Pilot showed the largest sales gain for October, with sales of 12,466, up 58.5 percent. The CR-V posted a sales increase of 11.2 percent on sales of 19,326 and the Odyssey posted a sales increase of 8.6 percent on sales of 10,415. The Accord recorded sales of 22,589, up 9.4 percent and the Civic, posted monthly sales of 16,173, down 1.9 percent.

"As dealer inventories continued to replenish in October, we saw increased momentum over last month’s sales," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. “We look forward to continued strong demand for our products despite these continuing challenging times due to the flooding in Thailand and ensuing production limitations.”

Acura Division recorded October sales of 11,115, an increase of 4.8 percent versus October 2010, and year-to-date sales of 100,261, down 6.6 percent. The MDX was the top-selling Acura model for the month with October sales of 3,691 down 2.8 percent. The TSX posted record October sales of 2,977, an increase of 37.3 percent.

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 26 days for October 2011 and 27 days for October 2010. Year-to-date DSR is calculated with 255 days for 2011 and 255 days for 2010. All percentages reflect DSR.

For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.honda.com. For media inquiries please visit www.hondanews.com. For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries please visit www.acuranews.com.

North American Operations: Statement by American Honda Motor Co., Inc Re: Impact of Thailand Flooding on Honda's Automobile Operations in North America

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:00:00 -0700

The Honda family of companies in North America would like to express its deepest sympathy and concern for the victims of the devastating floods in Thailand and the sincere hope for the earliest possible relief and recovery from the damaged areas.

As the flooding in Thailand continues, a number of Honda suppliers in Asia currently are unable to maintain parts production, which is disrupting the flow of parts to our production operations in North America. To better manage the available parts supply in North America and globally, effective November 2, Honda will take the following actions:

Honda will temporarily adjust automobile production at all six Honda auto plants in the U.S. and Canada. Currently, it is anticipated that this situation will require adjustments for the next several weeks.
Auto production will be at approximately 50% of the original plan through Nov. 10. Subsequent adjustments will be announced as they are determined based on the parts supply situation.
All Saturday overtime work will be canceled through November.
A non-production day is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 11.
The December on-sale date of the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V could potentially be delayed by several weeks. The on-sale date will be announced in the near future.

In 2010, 87 percent of the Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the United States were produced in North America. While the vast majority of parts and materials used to produce these products are purchased from suppliers in North America, a few critical electronic parts are sourced from Thailand and other regions of the world. Honda is working closely with its suppliers in Thailand and throughout its global network to reestablish the flow of parts for the products made in North America.

As in the past, Honda remains focused on minimizing the impact to its associates and their families and plans no layoffs at any of its North American facilities. Non-production days will continue to be treated as “no pay, no penalty,” meaning Honda associates can report to work, use a vacation day, or take the day off without compensation or penalty.

Honda deeply regrets any inconvenience this may cause to its customers, and is working closely with its suppliers and operations throughout the world to overcome this situation.

Contacts: Jeffrey A. Smith in Los Angeles, 310-781-5442, or Ed Miller in Detroit, 313-202-3150

North American Operations: Honda Auto Plant in Indiana Begins Second Shift of Production

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 06:30:00 -0700

Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC (HMIN), which produces the popular Civic Sedan and alternative-fuel Civic Natural Gas, today began a second production shift for the first time, which increases production at the plant to its full 200,000-unit annual capacity and adds approximately 1,000 new associates to Honda's operations in Indiana.

The addition of a second shift at HMIN follows the return to normal production levels at all seven of the Honda automobile plants in North America, following the disruption of parts supplies as a result of the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

HMIN was recognized earlier this year for its outstanding quality as one of only three automobile plants globally to earn a Platinum Award for quality based on the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Initial Quality Survey℠ (IQS). Earlier this month, the plant began production of the redesigned 2012 Civic Natural Gas, the only OEM-made natural gas vehicle available for retail purchase in America.

"We are taking an important step forward in the realization of our dream," said HMIN President Jun Nishimoto. "Our associates have made this one of the highest quality plants in the world, and now we have the opportunity to share their commitment to excellence with even more Honda customers. It's a great day for Honda in Indiana."

Hiring of new associates began in June, with specific training taking place over the past several months in virtually every major production process, including stamping, welding, painting, plastic injection molding, sub-assembly and final assembly operations.

The production expansion at HMIN also has resulted in additional business growth and employment opportunities for numerous suppliers to the plant. Parts for Indiana-built Civics are supplied from 225 companies in the U.S. and Canada, including 20 suppliers in Indiana, 28 in Michigan, 18 in Kentucky, 13 in Texas, 10 in Tennessee and 74 in neighboring Ohio. In addition, Ohio is home to Honda's engine plant in Anna, which produces engines for Indiana-made Civics, and its plant in Russells Point, which manufactures automatic transmissions for Civic models.

Honda has the capacity to build 1.63 million automobiles at its seven auto plants in North America, which combined have nine assembly lines. In 2010, more than 87 percent of the Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. were built in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Honda opened its first auto plant in the U.S. in 1982, in Marysville, Ohio, meaning the company will mark its 30th anniversary of U.S. auto production next year.

About HMIN

Honda Manufacturing Indiana, LLC (HMIN) in Greensburg, Ind., became Honda's fourth auto plant in the U.S. and its seventh in North America when it began production of Civic Sedans in October 2008. The plant marked production of its 100,000th Civic in February 2010. With employment approaching 2,000 associates and capital investment exceeding $550 million, HMIN today produces the Civic Sedan and Civic Natural Gas, including Civics for export to markets outside of North America. HMIN started operations as a zero-waste-to-landfill factory, meaning no waste is sent to landfills, and maintains one of the lowest environmental footprints of any automobile plant in Honda's global production network.

Connect to Honda:
Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (for media only): http://www.hondanews.com
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/americanhonda
Honda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/honda
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda Web Site: http://www.honda.com

North American Operations: American Honda Reports September Sales

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:10:00 -0700

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted September sales of 89,532 vehicles, a decrease of 8.0 percent, the company announced today. American Honda year-to-date sales reached 859,797, down 6.2 percent versus last year, based on the daily selling rate*.

Honda Division posted September sales of 79,522, a drop of 8.2 percent versus September 2010. Honda trucks posted sales of 41,375, an increase of 7.0 percent due to strong sales of the CR-V, Pilot and Odyssey. The CR-V was the top-selling model for September, with sales of 19,604, up 9.5 percent. The Pilot posted a sales increase of 27.9 percent on sales of 10,306. The Accord recorded sales of 18,639, down 13.8 percent and the Civic, which is nearing full production, posted monthly sales of 13,724, down 26.4 percent.

"Our U.S. manufacturing facilities are finally up to full production and the results are starting to show with increased CR-V, Pilot and Odyssey sales,” said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "Truckloads of new vehicles began arriving the last week of September and shoppers can now feel more confident that they will find what they want at their local Honda dealer."

Acura Division recorded September sales of 10,010, a decrease of 6.6 percent versus September 2010, and year-to-date sales of 89,146, down 7.9 percent. The TSX was the top-selling Acura model for the month with record September sales of 3,112 up 37.9 percent.

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 25 days for September 2011 and 25 days for September 2010. Year-to-date DSR is calculated with 229 days for 2011 and 228 days for 2010. All percentages reflect DSR.

North American Operations: Honda Transmission Mfg. Invests Additional $50 Million to Expand Ohio Aluminum Casting Operations

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:37:00 -0700

Building on a series of recent investments at Honda manufacturing facilities across the state of Ohio, Honda Transmission Mfg. of America, Inc. today announced a $50 million expansion to increase capacity for the casting of aluminum transmission cases. This latest project brings Honda's total new capital investment in its Ohio operations to more than $400 million, and more than $8 billion since the company started manufacturing in the state in 1979.

The 75,000-square-foot expansion at the Russells Point plant will house high-pressure die-casting operations to support the addition of a third transmission assembly line that began construction in December 2010. The new assembly line announced earlier, part of a 200,000-square foot plant expansion, will increase the plant's capabilities to manufacture Honda's latest transmission technologies.

The two projects together will create more than 100 jobs by 2013 as production begins at these two new operations. In addition, earlier this year, Honda Transmission added 60 new jobs to support the start of a second shift to produce automatic transmissions for the all-new 2012 model Honda Civic.

"This latest investment in Ohio is another example of how we intend to meet the needs of our global customers by implementing advanced technologies in our production operations and in our products," said Honda Transmission President Yuji Takahashi. "It also demonstrates our commitment to Honda's Ohio production operations to reduce the environmental impact of our facilities while positioning this facility to compete at the highest levels on a global basis."

The expansion will house advanced aluminum casting machines to support production of Honda's latest transmissions, and introduces an efficient melting furnace to the plant's operations. Honda Transmission now receives approximately 100,000 pounds of molten aluminum per day from two aluminum mills in Indiana.

"The new melting furnace will implement technologies that will improve efficiencies and reduce our environmental impacts," said Plant Manager Gary Hand. "These improved efficiencies will reduce waste and energy consumption."

Already a zero waste-to-landfill facility, Hand adds that the plant will continue reusing and recycling all leftover materials from its operations, sending no waste to landfills.

The investment also includes construction of a new associate entrance, along with a new lobby entrance and activity center, at the south end of the facility. When completed, Honda Transmission's extensive casting, machining, forging and assembly operations will encompass 1 million square feet.

These projects are the latest in a series of investments at this state-of-the-art transmission facility. Earlier this year, Honda Transmission completed a $25 million renovation of the plant's aluminum machining lines, steel gear production, and to increase flexibility on the current assembly lines. These modifications resulted in adding domestic production of six-speed automatic transmissions this year for some Honda Odyssey models.

Since starting production of automatic transmissions in 1996, Honda Transmission has steadily expanded to keep pace with Honda's growth in the new passenger car and light truck model segments. Production of transmission gears was added in 2006 and four-wheel-drive assemblies in 2007. Those projects, which doubled the plant's size, localized production of most steel gears and four-wheel-drive assemblies for Honda's North America operations.

Honda Transmission currently employs approximately 1,000 associates who manufacture transmissions and four-wheel-drive assemblies for automobiles produced at the Marysville and East Liberty auto plants in Ohio, as well as other plants in North America. The impact of Honda Transmission's production extends to some 50 domestic suppliers that provide more than 500 parts for the plant's production.

Other Major Honda Construction In Ohio

Since November 2010, Honda has undertaken a series of plant innovation projects in Ohio exceeding $355 million. These projects are central to Honda's future in Ohio and its ability to compete globally.

Construction is under way on a 155,000-square-foot expansion at the East Liberty Auto Plant for new door and instrument panel sub-assembly lines, and extension of its automobile assembly line. Additionally, construction began this year on a 40,000-square-foot expansion to consolidate the plant's Vehicle Quality Department.
At the Marysville Auto Plant, a new stamping press is under construction that will increase the speed, precision and capacity of the plant's metal-forming capabilities. The $64 million project encompasses 24,000 square feet in the plant.
On-site parts consolidation centers under construction at the Anna Engine Plant and East Liberty plant will improve efficiency by reducing parts handling and truck shuttles.
Beginning operations in early 2012, the $31 million consolidation center at the Anna plant, encompassing 320,000 square feet, will eliminate approximately 2.8 million pounds of CO2 emissions per year by reducing truck traffic.
The 396,000-square-foot center at the East Liberty facility will eliminate 2.5 million pounds of CO2 emissions per year - when fully operational in 2014.

More About Honda's Ohio Operations

Since starting auto production in 1982 using domestic and globally sourced parts, Honda has produced more than 14 million vehicles at it's two Ohio auto plants. In Anna, Ohio, Honda's largest auto engine plant in the world manufactures four-cylinder and V-6 engines for automobile production in Ohio, Indiana and Canada.

In addition to its manufacturing operations, Honda has established substantial R&D and engineering operations in Ohio, along with a large regional parts distribution center and other operations that support product development, manufacturing and sales in North America. Among all its operations, Honda directly employs approximately 13,400 Ohioans and tens of thousands more through its suppliers and other business partners.

Honda purchased $6.7 billion in parts from 150 Ohio suppliers last year, and a total of $17.5 billion in parts purchases from nearly 600 domestic suppliers in North America.

North American Operations: Honda Transmission Expansion

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:35:00 -0700

Honda Transmission Expansion

North American Operations: Honda Transmission Expansion

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:35:00 -0700

Honda Transmission Expansion