HCM, which already produces the Honda Odyssey minivan and Acura MDX sport utility vehicle on its second line, will begin mass production in spring 2002 of the all-new Honda Pilot SUV. Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA), Honda's new U.S. light truck and engine plant, will produce at a rate of approximately 150,000 Odysseys per year by the end of 2002.
In his annual year-end address, Yoshino outlined the results of and continued actions toward Honda's corporate strategy focused on speed, efficiency and flexibility based on the company's advanced technology, global reach and focus on the customer. A key strategy is the "made by global Honda" approach of efficiently and flexibly using Honda plants worldwide to satisfy customers anywhere.
In this context, Yoshino foresees an important role for Honda's operation in Asia and China to supply products as well as components to Honda's global operations, which also will allow Honda in Japan to focus more on the domestic market. Other highlights of the address include:
- Honda will for the first time, import into Japan an inexpensive scooter made in China to generate new demand in Japan and stimulate the local motorcycle market.
- The "WIC (What is a car?)" concept vehicle exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show will be launched in Japan in February 2002.
- Production of the Japan version of the Odyssey minivan will begin at Honda's Guangzhou plant in China in spring 2002. Also the production capacity of the plant will increase from the current 50,000 units to 120,000 units per year by March 2003 in order to meet the expected increase in demand in the near future.
- Groundbreaking for a new Honda auto plant in Indonesia will occur in January 2002.
- In 2002, Honda will begin production of a new small car based on Honda's Global Small Platform and i-series engine in Thailand, and will export it to Japan in 2003 - utilizing Honda's Global Supply Network.
- Honda's Asian operations will play a key role as a supply station in Honda's Global Supply Network, exporting parts for powertrains to Honda plants in other regions.
- The Fit small vehicle, the first product based on Honda's Global Small Platform, will be produced and sold in Brazil in 2003.
Honda is the world's preeminent engine-maker, with 2001 production expected to exceed more than 12 million engines globally for its diverse line-up of automobiles, motorcycles and power products. Honda began operations in North America in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Using domestic and globally-sourced parts, Honda began assembling motorcycles in America in 1979, with U.S. automobile manufacturing starting in 1982. Honda designs, manufactures and markets its products in North America and worldwide. Honda currently builds products in 11 manufacturing plants in North America, with three major R&D centers in the U.S.