This week, we celebrated the mass production launch of two exciting new products that demonstrate the continued growth of our nearly 40-year history of building products in America. The all-new 2019 Honda Insight and 2019 Acura RDX reflect the efforts of associates at our plants in Ohio, Indiana and Georgia, working together to produce the vehicle, engine, transmission and electrified components that make each vehicle special.

The 2019 all-new RDX, the first in a new generation of Acura products, was designed, developed and engineered in America, and is an example of the growing responsibility that Honda’s U.S. R&D teams in Ohio have in the creation of our vehicles. We have now developed more than 30 new cars and light trucks in America over the past three decades. 

The new Insight represents the advancement of the Honda Electrification Initiative, with the production of electrified vehicles and powertrain components in America. With the Insight built at our plant in Indiana, the two-motor hybrid system and hybrid battery system are built at two of our plants in Ohio. This is part of a leading effort that will see future U.S.-made core Honda models powered by hybrid or plug-in hybrid systems in the coming years. 

Further, this week’s new model launches demonstrate the manufacturing flexibility our associates continue to achieve. Honda Manufacturing of Indiana now builds three Honda models on one line – the Civic sedan, CR-V sporty utility vehicle and Insight hybrid sedan. Our East Liberty Plant in Ohio produces both the Acura RDX and MDX and the Honda CR-V. This flexible production capability enables us to efficiently meet the changing demands of our customers. 

I want to thank and congratulate the thousands of Honda associates across multiple states that had a role in this week’s successful launches of the Honda Insight and Acura RDX. 

Tom Shoupe Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Honda of America Mfg., Inc.