Honda Shifts Focus To Increase Automobile Production In USA -

Honda Shifts Focus To Increase Automobile Production In USA

March 31, 2008 - 03:12 PM

Automobile Production Increases at Ohio Plant

Honda Gold Wing & VTX motorcycle production will be transferred from the Ohio plant to a newly expanded state of the art production facility located in Kumamoto, Japan in 2009. The transfer only affects motorcycles, the Honda South Carolina plant will continue to produce ATV's and Watercraft here in the USA.

This results in increasing automobile production at the Ohio plant. Honda announced all it's workers will transfer to automobile operations, Honda will focus on workers skills to produce cars, light trucks and engines that are of the highest quality and value for their customers. This move will allow motorcycle distribution to be more globally positioned, while applying the latest technologies and production systems at one efficient location says Honda.

Official Press Release from Honda of America President Akio Hamada

"This was a complex decision tied to the important role that Honda plays within our North American automobile operations". " Our goal is always to achieve outstanding customer satisfaction". "This move allows us to improve competitiveness and appeal of our products by applying the latest technologies and production systems at one efficient location".

From what we have heard, Honda does not expect any interruption in the production of motorcycles. They feel on the contrary, it will boost their ability to distribute globally, while increasing automobile production at that same Ohio plant.

Marysville Ohio Plant Sets New Company Production Record

Honda of America has also set a new record for auto production at it's two Ohio assembly plants with more than 701,000 passenger cars and light trucks. It's no surprise that Honda automobiles have become so popular here in the United States that this move will bolster production of automobiles at that Ohio plant.

Marysville Ohio Plant Was Honda's First Plant In USA

The Honda Marysville plant in Ohio was the first plant ever built here in the US, producing 44,000 Gold Wing and VTX cruisers last year alone. Currently motorcycle production at that plant is around 120 motorcycles per day. In addition to the Ohio plant, Honda has another manufacturing plant located in South Carolina that produces ATVs and Personal Watercraft.

Honda Continues To Increase Efficiency In All Directions

Whether it be the latest technology in motorcycle, automobile, aviation, power equipment or air bag safety, Honda has always been one of the worlds most aggressive pioneers in finding smarter and better ways of doing just about anything they are involved with.

The next 2009 Model Dealer Convention is no different, we heard a rumor that Honda may be addressing that most dealers are finding it more and more difficult to get away from their dealerships to attend.

If the rumor is true, Honda may be setting the cutting edge technology standard of the future for other manufacturers to follow. Could they possibly be thinking of some sort of secure live streaming method via the internet?. If rumors are true, I'm sure Honda will push the technology capability to the next level for others to follow as they always have done.

Honda will not comment or say what means of communication and technology they will use to conduct the 2009 motorcycle lineup to it's dealer network, but whatever they do, we can imagine it will be driven with the latest and greatest technology. Once again it brings to mind that famous Honda slogan, "Follow The Leader" all over again, just like the good old days..

Ride Safe!!

Rick Arnoldo
President - Wingstuff.com

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Comments on this Post

	Mike April 1, 2008 - 08:27 AM There goes the the nieghborhood. One less manufacturer in the U.S. Harley must be drooling after this action.
	Michael April 1, 2008 - 09:37 PM I thought that Honda was the only true US built bike. Harley's are made of several manufactures not just harley.Is that not true?
	Chris April 2, 2008 - 11:20 AM I am sorry to hear this news. I have owned many motorcycles over the years and favor my GL 1800 above the rest. It remains the best of all the luxury/sport bikes. Fast, agile, quiet, dependable and smoooooooth. I am sure that production quality will remain high when this bike is made in Japan, but it was nice to be able to say to my Harley and Victory friends, mine is "Made in America by Americans", working and profiting from our purchases. The next generation Gold Wing will tell more about the change than anything else. I may need another Harley.
	Jim April 2, 2008 - 04:40 PM I have a 2004 Gold Wing that I really like, but I also checked where the bike was built before I bought it. I would not have bought this Gold wing if it had been made outside of the USA. I am sorry to see production of the Gold Wings moved out of the USA and over to Japan. Even though I think it is the best bike I have ever owned it will also be my last Gold Wing. I will buy a Made in America Harley for My next bike.
	Jimmy April 3, 2008 - 08:14 AM I hate to hear the news also. America is going to the pits. I love my 2002 Goldwing and was looking to buy a new one in 2010. I was proud to say it was American made and not some Jap bike. I will look at the Harley now, I will not buy another Goldwing. I really enjoyed the Goldwing rally's but I will not support it anymore. Thanks
	CWOLAW April 3, 2008 - 09:09 AM Disappointing to say the least. It's not like Goldwing owners are trying to buy a cheap bike, thus, the possible need for Honda to find cheaper labor to produce them, so they will sell. And I can't imagine that the additional cost of shipping them to the US transpacific now will produce a less expensive price tag or somehow increase profits, as sales are likely to drop due to shipping production off-shore. Regardless of Honda's reasons, I hope my 2004 Wing lasts a really long time, as my plans to purchase a newer model just went to Japan. I will only purchase an American Made bike and will cancel my plans to attend the Honda Hoot.
	Diesel Dawg April 3, 2008 - 10:22 AM Honda might regret its decision. Many of feel the same way about Honda products, if they are not made in America. I too will not buy another Honda bike until it resumes production in America. Honda is telling us that America is not its top market,Europe is. Hard to believe their attitude.
	CWOLAW April 3, 2008 - 11:30 AM I agree with you Diesel. Although I doubt it, maybe America isn't Honda's Top Market for the Goldwing & VTX, but their actions to produce them in Japan now may likely ensure it won't ever be in the future. A full boycott of Honda Hoot might let them know what we think of their decision. I believe that many European's rely on US sources for their aftermarket Wing accessories. If there is an eventual decline in Wings/VTXs in the US, what will be the incentive for US vendors (including our own beloved WingStuff) to continue carrying such products - but to sell product globally - and is that market really sufficient without the US Market? A reduction in US sources will drive prices up. I fail to see any good outcome for USA.
	Doc A April 3, 2008 - 11:47 AM I will not plan on attending the Honda Hoot this year or in the future. My friend was ready to buy a Goldwing and just read the information and cancelled his order. Honda should indeed reconsider as most of us will buy American and only American. Read the industry trade issue yesterday and the bottom line is Honda expects to add $1,500 in shipping charges to all new models made in Japan. Wont support that at all. Time to start looking at other bikes and models!
	whippersnapper April 3, 2008 - 12:52 PM Back in the late 80's, Harley's were assembled in the USA but many of their components were manufactured outside the US. I don't know if this is still true today. I love my 2002 Goldwing and would have another one as long as the quality doesn't change.
	John & Barbara April 3, 2008 - 03:38 PM Far Out! This was my very 1st Honda Goldwing (awesome machine) & I will go to Harley Davidson for my next US of A bike. And, there will always be a next bike for most of us. My current favorite Quote: Honda's management Sucks!
	Wingdude April 3, 2008 - 04:56 PM I love my Honda Goldwing, it's the best motorcycle my wife and I have ever owned and enjoyed. I also plan on purchasing another in the next year or two. Why would I want to buy a Harley Davidson over my Goldwing when almost every single part on them is made in Taiwan. Thats a fact your not seeing here in these comments, Harleys are nice looking and I do like some, but basically almost every part is made in Taiwan. My friends own Harleys and everything is cheap Taiwan components compared to the high quality components Honda uses on everything they manufacture. Everytime my Harley friends buy a factory part or accessory direct from Harley, it is always from Taiwan and cheaply made. I prefer Honda to keep making Goldwings here too, but I also understand they have become so popular around the world that this probably is a smart decision for them as a company if it helps distribution. As much as I would like to see them stay made here, if they can increase american jobs by stepping up car production, I'm ok with that too. It's hard to please everyone, I see Honda as a great company who makes the best cars and motorcycles. Sometimes we just need to be more understanding as humans beings instead of being so quick to be negative. My Goldwing has braught me so much pleasure and has allowed us to meet so many other wonderful people who love their Goldwings as much as we do. Thats my 2 cents worth. John - New york
	Richard April 3, 2008 - 05:29 PM I can't believe most of your comments. We don't live in the USA, we live on Planet Earth. Everylast one of you, big USA talkers is from some other over-the-sea country, unless your Native American of course. What kind of cars do you drive? How about a boycott on your V.C.R., CD player, Television, or even toaster? You would be living in a tent if it wasn't for most of everything we buy overseas. What is made here any more? Certainly not good cars. And since I owned a Harley I can tell you that you just want to ride a look-at-me bike. Your riding on a bad boy reputaion created by Hollywood years ago. What people say about you and what you think about yourself when your making all that noise are two different opinions. I hear one of those noise makers rattle by and I see another wanna be loser looking for his undiscoverd self. The Goldwing is the true world freedom machine. I enjoy being part of the world as a whole. Remember the Great Wall of China? The USA will end up far behind other countries if you allow yourselves to become secluded and walled in. This is a fact based on observing our car quality and sales compared to foreign models. Love your country, but catch a view from the space shuttle and see where you really live!
	Tomcat April 3, 2008 - 05:44 PM This is Tomcat from Abbotsford, B.C. Canada. I totally agree with the comments by Wingdude and Richard. The U.S. has been outsourcing everything that keeps your country viable, strong, and self-reliant; so is it any wonder that Honda is finally looking to it's bottom line too. Stop your whining and open your eyes, eh?
	twowings April 3, 2008 - 06:29 PM Well I have two 2003 Wings. A two wheeler and my wife rides a trike. I can understand why they are doing this as I sell automobiles for Ford motor company. This will not stop me from rideing eather of my Wings.What might is if the price of parts go up because the are made in Japan. They have already priced them up so high that I would have to think twice about buying a new one, and that was done her in the USA. I paid $10,000 less for my 03's thanwhat they are now. They are the best ride I have had on any of the 47 motorcyles I have had in 50 years of rideing.My brother-in-law works on the motorcyle line in Marysvill and has for 15 years. I grew up in OHIO 20miles from the plant and remember the first day they sent the frist bike down the line. Every one keep ridding them wings.
	Richard April 3, 2008 - 08:00 PM My first Honda 50 was made in Japan; my 360T probably was also as were my first Civic and Accord. I think my lawnmower was made in North Carolina and I have no idea where the generator was built. Yes, I was proud that my 2001 Gold Wing was made in America, but I still have no problem buying a quality product made in Japan.
	timmyc April 4, 2008 - 06:21 AM I have been riding a goldwing for almost twenty years.Idon't think the first one was built in the usa and it was a great machine.Something has been keeping me coming back for a new one every few years.I currently own a 2007 wing and also a 2003 road king classic, I have been lucky enough to own one of each for many years and feel that the goldwing is a much better built machine,and if one of them would have to go i will be riding my goldwing!I guess i just want to say i support honda in whatever decision they make, the bottom line is you are going to be riding the motorcycle, so don't you want to be as comfortable as you can be if so it won't be on a harley!!!
	JOHN April 4, 2008 - 07:48 AM Not wishing to cause any Anglo/US upset, but the build quality of my US-built 2006 Wing is nowhere near as good as my previous four Japanese-built Pan Europeans. Two warranty claims (display and wheels), weld spatter on the beam frame, corrosion on the fork legs, poor fitting trims - I could go on, but I won't. So maybe there are other reasons why Honda are moving production.
	Frank April 4, 2008 - 08:02 AM I'm sorry to hear this. I've bought my 1994 Aspencade in Arizona and after a 4 week roundtrip I shipped it to Germany. It run well and it was a good idea to buy an American Motorcycle. At this moment I make plans to buy a GL1800and I must be hurry up to do this in USA. I think I will not fly to Japan to buy a GoldWing there and I also think that the price for this great bike will rise up because there will be the shipping from Japan to USA. Special Greetings from Germany PS:It's not the best english
	captainmitch April 4, 2008 - 09:55 AM I just bought my 2008 Wing, and am sorry to say that it will be my last Wing, I love the bike (and my previous Wing also), but if Honda is not going to build them in the US then my concience will not allow me to buy another. I'm not a Harley fan, so I'll be searching for a real "Made in USA" bike for my next.
	canada ron April 4, 2008 - 10:31 AM i am sorry to hear that honda is going to make a mistake of going back to japan as a canadian i am wondering about the free trade agreement can i still buy a wing in canada as i have heard that a bike must be 80 percent made in america in order to come into canada this just might hurt sales in canada .
	big rick April 4, 2008 - 02:01 PM my 2001 gl-1800 is the best bike I have ever owned. It hurts to hear that production is leaving the US,but I guess honda is just watching out for the bottom line like every one else. In the meantime I will continue to own and enjoy the sweet ride and style the Goldwing ofers its owners,and look forward to the day my son has one for himself.
	eric April 4, 2008 - 03:50 PM hi there.well i feel the same as many of you about buy another gold wing.i am getting my last one this summer and attending my first and last honda hoot.we americans are at fault not buying only american in the first place.we have bought cheap junk from japan and china thinking we are getting a good deal.we have screwed ourselfs.i lok all the time for what is made here first then looking else where after blacy in maine
	Kamelspider April 5, 2008 - 01:36 PM I have been a loyal Honda owner for 28 years, but the reason I bought an originally GL 1100 and then a GL 1800 was because it was assembled in USA by American Union hands. Being an extended member of IAM/IAW unions, I have to support a next purchase of Harley, because I believe in the cause. I have been to the York plant, and have seen their QA work in progress. Parts whether or not built in Taiwan will not prevent me from buying a Harley, it is a "family business". I think Honda will regret their global decision process, because they have divorced this loyal member. I do not think transferring their union members to full time auto/engine assembly will offset the extra cost of supplying our and other countries the shipping cost of new GLs in '09. My 2002 will be my last GL. Anyone want to buy it now? Nothing wrong with it, except a bad decision for it's future cousins. I will not apologize for being an American expecting semi-American products on the market.
	Mark April 5, 2008 - 01:52 PM Check where the computer you're using was assembled, the TV you watch, the phone you use, most of the parts your car is made of, your refrigerator, stove, wash machine. We're loosing the game. Even the military looks outside of our borders for their hardware. Oh BYW, Harley is American assembled using foreign components, life our US assembled autos. Don't assume, take a look for yourself.
	Chuck April 7, 2008 - 10:21 PM I was as happy as anyone else when Honda started making wings in the states, but if you talk to any hog owner they will argue with you and say they only put the parts togather in the states, it's still a Japanese bike and hogs are made in the states and put togather in the states, but that's just not true. I do hope Honda changes there mind, but if they don't I will still love my Goldwing and I'm still not a Harley lover and never will buy one, so there all you fence walkers and fair weather fans.
	Tony April 10, 2008 - 10:35 PM It's disappointing that Honda doesn't listen to it's customers. I recently checked out the new Victory Vison and they addressed high rpms at highway speeds, the Vison runs at 1500 rpms at 70 mph, with a true 6 speed overdrive. Also claiming 62 mpg, built in USA is just the bonus I need to upgrade my 2004 wing to a new Vison. Honda has fallen from the top to the bottom in luxury touring bikes. I'm sure Honda will take awhile to realize that they will be playing catch-up. Bought my first Honda in 1970, last 2004?
	Mike April 12, 2008 - 01:41 AM I don't believe a word of what Honda is saying about this move. More Yen, less dollar is probably closer to the point. Too bad. My 2007 Goldwing is the last one I will ever buy.
	Bennie April 12, 2008 - 11:42 PM I have owned my 2006 Gold Wing for two great years, and it was my pick over the BMW LT 1200. I bought it because it was made in the USA and was the better bike. I have been going to the Hoot for four years, and have enjoyed it very much with my daughter. I will have to reconsider all th aforementioned if the manufacturer moves to Japan. I have seen enough "made in China and Japan " labels to last me a lifetime.
	Page April 20, 2008 - 08:04 PM While I like the fact that my 06 wing was built in the US, it won't affect my decision on what type of bike to purchase in the future. It all depends on price, quality and availablity of the product. I certainly won't pay $1000 over invoice for any bike, foreign or domestic.
	Gary May 29, 2008 - 03:13 PM It will be interesting to see if the prices of Goldwings alter in the UK when Honda production moves back to Japan in 2009. I have just paid the equivilant to $37,000 more than twice what they are in the US. Expensive !
	james May 30, 2008 - 10:50 PM Will ride a harley because its made in the USA? whatever, The usa made the chevey vega and ford fiesta. Would you drive one of those because its made in the USA? Get real.
	Scott June 21, 2008 - 11:53 AM If I felt like U.S. jobs were being lost I might be more upset, but I can understand why Honda would want to maximize car output in the Marysville factory and build the lower volume Wings in Japan. Plus, even though I hate to admit it, the quality level is still a little better in Japanese factories. Don't get me wrong, the quality of the US built Goldwings is outstanding and I picked up a brand new Wing just a week ago. But the quality level coming out of the Japanese factories is one step beyond outstanding. In any case I may see if I can get a tour of Marysville to see how they get put together before it's too late. I understand sentiment, but I bought my Goldwing because it's a great bike. I wouldn't buy a Harley because I don't think they are that great. And by the way...Japanese labor is not exactly cheap. If they just wanted to save on labor costs they'd build a Goldwing factiory in China or Vietnam. It sound to me like they are just balancing out their production with their factory capacities. Should I be upset that my Ford SUV has a Canadian made engine?
	cluelessinky July 4, 2008 - 05:55 PM I own an '06 Goldwing and love it. Will I buy another knowing that it was built in Japan? Until Harley develops a bike with the dependability, ride appeal and comfort of a Wing the answer will have to be - Yes.
	jsnapp July 20, 2008 - 01:01 PM Almost every component is manufactured somewhere else for both Honda and Harley - that's a given. However, the assembly process is the important factor. This is one of the last vestiges for large monies to remain within our country. As far as big bikes, Harley is still assembling and providing well-supplied support here at home. I have owned both and was in the market for a new Wing this time around - However, the nod must go to H-D until a drastic change happens We'll be looking at not only increased costs of the Goldwing itself, but also for parts and the support structure. This is stated with confidence, as I was previously employed for a Japanese manufacturer who developed in Japan, yet assembled their products here. However, a decision was made by the homeland (yes, all Japanese companies work for the collective of Japan even though they are large, separate entities on paper) to migrate their major models back to their homeland for final assembly. Production numbers looked great on spreadsheets, yet everything changed for the worse concerning parts, product availability, and support here in the US. This was primarily due to the communication structure changing between development & production there and service/support here. Prior to my departure, they ended up merging with another Japanese manufacturer in the US and now have their product back here with a slight branded name change. Perhaps Honda will realize this over time and we'll again see assembly of Goldwings here...
	ENCARNACION July 24, 2008 - 06:08 PM Good and Bad News. Expect a much better quality product made in Japan because of the QA but the NAFTA will not apply any more for buyers from Mexico an Canada. It means the Gold Wing will also be more expensive for US buyers too now froms Japan. I Hope Honda will consider a better price for the NAFTA members. (Canada, U.S. and Mexico)or our specific Country a free trade agreement with the Japan made Bikes. Isauro Marroquín AMODEN Monterrey, N.L. Mexico.
	John D. August 28, 2008 - 01:54 PM I don't like Honda moving its Gold Wing production to Japan either. However if you go through your house and throw away everything NOT made in the USA, you would be standing in your yard naked. Lets face it, very little we own is truly made in the USA.
	Night Eagle September 18, 2008 - 10:01 PM If cars are selling so well that they need to refit Ohio as an auto manufacturer, then why don't they just make another plant in the USA for the Wing. They have made a tremendous profit and the Ohio plant made 44,000 Wings last year. Doesn't sound like they are losing money to me. I have an 08 Wing and it is an awesome bike. I have riden on the comparable Harley and in my opinion, there is no comparison. However, I am American made and I expect the vehicles I drive to be the same (I have two Chevy's in my driveway. Further, has anyone looked at the maintenance schedules for the harley's? Holy Smokes! And the prices for that maintenance prices are unbelievable. Plus, the Harleys just don't last like the Wing. Guess I am glad I got mine when I did.
	FX4 April 10, 2009 - 08:39 AM Is there any updates on this? I'm a Harley rider and I love my Harley but I was considering a Wing until I read this news. Still I would like one and I haven't heard anymore about the Wing plant closing. That being said if I'm dropping 20k+ on a bike, I'm employing Americans when I do it.