On the Dash:
- Honda plans to invest $3 billion in a new Ohio assembly plant with annual capacity for 240,000 vehicles and more than 2,000 jobs, with production expected to begin in 2029.
- The expansion will increase Honda’s annual U.S. vehicle production capacity to approximately 1.3 million units and North American capacity to 1.9 million.
- Honda is expanding hybrid powertrain production in Ohio and Georgia, including a planned 250% increase in hybrid system capacity at its Ohio transmission plant.
On Nov. 9, Honda announced it will invest $3 billion to build a new auto plant in Central Ohio, creating over 2,000 new American jobs. The facility is set to begin production in 2029, pending final government approval and will have an annual production capacity of 240,000 vehicles. The plant will sit between Honda’s existing East Liberty and Marysville plants, making it Honda’s fourth auto plant in Ohio and its ninth auto-related plant in the U.S.
According to the company’s announcement, the new facility will feature production capacity for hybrid, gas-powered, and battery-electric vehicles. Currently, the automaker anticipates that the new plant, along with related manufacturing projects, will boost annual vehicle production capacity in the U.S to approximately 1.3 million units and North America’s capacity to around 1.9 million.
In May 2026, Honda announced plans to introduce 15 new Honda and Acura hybrid models globally by 2030, with North America expected to be the primary market for many of these models. Investments will be made across Ohio, Alabama, Georgia, and Canada to expand production of hybrid-electric vehicles, engines, and hybrid systems. Additionally, the automaker is positioning its manufacturing network to support both hybrid and gasoline-powered vehicles as customer demand and electrification trends evolve.
Honda describes the planned facility as one of its most advanced manufacturing plants when it opens in 2029. Planned capabilities include:
- Leading-edge automation
- Data-driven technologies
- Flexible production systems designed to enhance efficiency, quality, and competitiveness
Notably, Honda selected Ohio for the new plant due to its skilled workforce, strong supplier network, nearby research and development operations, and existing capabilities in vehicle, engine, and hybrid system manufacturing. The region also houses the L-H Battery Company joint venture facility, which can produce battery cells for hybrid and all-electric vehicles. So far, Honda has invested over $132 million in research facilities and endowed chairs at Ohio State University and has established regional workforce partnerships.
North American projects
According to the automaker, it plans to invest in its Alabama Auto Plant, which will mark 25 years of vehicle production in 2026. This investment aims to expand production of a new V6 hybrid engine and renew key vehicle and engine operations. The plant will undergo significant renovations of Line 1, which hasn’t been updated since production began in 2001.
At the Anna Engine Plant, Honda is retooling an existing production line to manufacture a next-generation four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine for future compact and midsize North American vehicles. Additionally, a new on-site parts consolidation center is expected to begin operations next year to enhance logistics efficiency and support production growth.
At the Honda Transmission Plant in Ohio, Honda is converting an existing transmission production line into a second hybrid system line, increasing hybrid system production capacity by 250% in the coming years. The facility currently manufactures two-motor hybrid systems for U.S.-built CR-V, Accord, and Civic models. Production of a next-generation hybrid system is expected to commence next year, with plans for a larger hybrid system for future U.S.-built models.
Manufacturing footprint
Meanwhile, the Honda Transmission Plant in Georgia will begin producing next-generation hybrid systems for larger vehicles in the coming years. This facility currently produces 10-speed automatic transmissions for Honda and Acura models built in Alabama and Ohio. The project will require a new transmission assembly production line, with Georgia associates collaborating with their counterparts at the Honda Transmission Plant in Ohio on the larger hybrid system. Additionally, Honda will also update and retool its manufacturing operations in Alliston, Ontario, to support next-generation hybrid-electric and gasoline-powered models.
As of 2025, nearly 99% of Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. were manufactured in North America. The company employs approximately 33,000 associates in North America and operates 18 manufacturing plants.
According to the automaker’s press release, Honda’s North American operations have an annual capacity to produce:
- 1.6 million automobiles
- Nearly 2 million engines
- 52,000 power equipment products
- Approximately 250,000 powersports products
In total, Honda has invested more than $28 billion in North America.
