Honda adds Accord Hybrid production to Ohio plant
The Honda Accord Hybrid returns to the market, a 2014 model to be built at the automaker’s manufacturing facility in Marysville, Ohio. This manufacturing facility, opened in 1982, is Honda’s first production facility in the United States. The company will add 95,000 square feet to accommodate the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid and plans to hire 50 new workers.
hybrid models
The new hybrid model joins two others built by Honda in the United States. The Acura ILX Hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid are assembled at Honda’s manufacturing plant in Greensburg, Indiana.
The Marysville upgrade represents a $23 million investment by Honda. The main assembly line will be expanded and more space will be available for parts that are unique to the vehicle. Honda says the expansion will make the assembly plant more efficient and improve its parts logistics operations.
assembly plant
As the first Honda automobile assembly plant in the United States, the Marysville facility has produced at least eight generations of Accord sedans. This will be the first time the Accord Hybrid has been built there; the previous model was discontinued a few years ago and was imported from Japan.
Two hybrid Accord models will hit the market. A conventional hybrid will be joined by a plug-in hybrid, both with a twin-motor system. Each model will offer a 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine paired with an electronic continuously variable transmission. Its first engine is a 124-kilowatt electric traction motor that will work with the CVT. Its second engine is a 105-kilowatt electric motor designed exclusively for power generation.
honda accord
Adding hybrid models back to the Honda Accord lineup gives this lineup of midsize sedans and coupes additional credibility in an ultra-competitive segment. Right now, the Toyota Camry is the top-selling model followed by the Honda Accord. Just behind is the Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata. The hybrids should help further increase the visibility of the Accord, while adding yet another measure of “green” driving to the Honda lineup.
The Honda Accord Sedan is a “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety again for 2013. The new model also recently earned the highest rating from IIHS in an all-new frontal crash test, one of two midsize sedans to achieve that distinction. The NHTSA also awarded the Honda Accord Sedan its top rating of 5 stars for its exemplary performance in frontal crash, side crash and rollover tests. The Honda Accord Coupe has not been tested.