Honda to Make More 4-Cylinder Accords in U.S., Cut Minivan, Truck, SUV Production

Honda to Make More 4-Cylinder Accords in U.S., Cut Minivan, Truck, SUV Production

In response to customer demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, Honda announced today that it will increase production of 4-cylinder engines at its Anna, Ohio, engine plant and slash production of its Odyssey minivans, Ridgeline pickup trucks and Pilot sport utility vehicles.

The Japanese automaker also announced that starting next year it will increase production of 4-cylinder Accord sedans at its Marysville, Ohio, factory to reduce the number of 4-cylinder Accords it is importing from its Saitama Factory in Japan.

Honda further stated that by mid-2009, most of its V-6 Accord sedan production will shift from its Marysville plant to its factory in Lincoln, Alabama.

Through September 2008, more than 80 percent of Accord sales in the U.S. were produced in America. Following the production adjustments next year, an even higher percentage of Accords sold in the U.S. will be produced in Ohio and Alabama.

Honda built a record 1,432,731 cars and light trucks in North America in 2007, including 1,015,462 units in the U.S. Last year, 76 percent of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S.  were produced in North America, the highest percentage for any international automaker.

Honda purchased more than $18.8 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America last year.

Scott Doggett:  is an AutoObserver.com Associate Editor.