Honda builds its 30 millionth car in North America

On September 15, Honda marked a major milestone as the company's eight auto plants in the United States, Canada and Mexico reached the 30 million mark in total automobile production. Honda started auto production in North America in Marysville, Ohio, on November 1, 1982. Last year, more than 97 percent of the Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were produced in North America.

"The production of 30 million automobiles in North America is the result of the support we have received from our customers and the communities that serve as a strong foundation of our operations in North America," said Takuji Yamada, president of Honda North America, Inc. "This is an incredible achievement by Team Honda – including the tremendous dedication and teamwork of our associates, past and present, together with our suppliers, dealers and business partners."

Honda was the first Japanese automaker to begin production of automobiles in the U.S. and North America. Since production started in Marysville, the carmaker has established automobile manufacturing operations in East Liberty, Ohio; Lincoln, Ala.; Greensburg, Ind.; Alliston, Ontario; Canada; El Salto, Jalisco, Mexico and Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico. A fifth U.S. auto plant, the Performance Manufacturing Center, in Marysville will begin production next year of the next-generation Acura NSX supercar.

Honda auto production in North America is supported by engine manufacturing operations in Anna, Ohio; Lincoln, Ala.; Alliston, Ontario and Celaya, Mexico and by the production of automatic transmissions in Russells Point, Ohio, Tallapoosa, Ga., and Celaya. Total investment in Honda's North American auto, engine and transmission facilities tops $17 billion, with these operations now employing more than 28,000 associates.

Honda's automotive manufacturing operations produce 11 different models, including five passenger cars and six light trucks, and have the capacity to produce 1.92 million automobiles each year.

Honda is supported by a network of 713 suppliers in North America, with purchasing of parts and components last year exceeding $26 billion.