Despite major changes in production levels, following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, things aren't all bad for Honda. In fact, the Big H plans to sink $97 million into its Lincoln, Alabama facility to ready it for imminent luxury SUV production. Specifically, they're planning to add production of the Acura MDX.
Construction, installation, and testing of new equipment are expected to be completed in little over a year. And according to a statement by Honda to employees, production of the MDX will officially shift from Canada to the U.S. in 2013.
What's the reasoning behind this decision? Essentially, Honda wanted to make more room at their facility in Canada to build the hot-selling CR-V SUV. In addition to assuming production of the MDX, the Lincoln, Alabama facility will continue to make the Odyssey minivan, Pilot SUV and Ridgeline pickups as well as each of their respective engines.
Acura, as you may or may not know, is Honda's luxury vehicle division and the MDX will be the first Acura product built in the state of Alabama. According to Mark Morrison, a spokesman for the Lincoln plant, the project will not only elevate production capacity, improve manufacturing flexibility, and support the MDX move; it will also offer improved efficiency in costs, quality and delivery for the Alabama operations overall.
Interested in more Honda news? Stay tuned. Norris Honda, located at 925 Merritt Blvd. Baltimore, MD, is dedicated to keeping you informed.
[INFO] http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2011/05/honda_to_sink_97_million_at_li.html
