Japanese automaker Honda Motor to invest $3 billion to establish a new automobile manufacturing plant in Central Ohio, US, as it looks to expand hybrid vehicle production in North America. The facility is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs and take the company's annual US vehicle production capacity to around 1.3 million units, the automaker announced.
Located close to Honda's existing manufacturing operations in Ohio, the new facility is likely to commence production in 2029, subject to final government approvals.
The investment is part of a wider manufacturing expansion across Honda's operations in Ohio, Alabama and Georgia. The projects will strengthen the company's integrated US production network, with a focus on increasing output of hybrid-electric vehicles, engines and hybrid systems.
"As Honda approaches 50 years of building products close to our customers in America, we are making one of the most significant commitments in our history to position Honda for the next 50 years,” Bob Nelson, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., said in a statement.
“These investments strengthen America’s role as a cornerstone of Honda’s global future and reflect our confidence in our more than 30,000 Honda associates and the strength of American manufacturing. By expanding our comprehensive R&D and manufacturing capabilities, we will be better positioned to serve our customers and contribute to the economic vitality of the communities where we operate."
Hybrid Vehicle Strategy In North America
Honda said the investments reflect its approach of manufacturing products closer to customers and its confidence in the region's workforce, innovation capabilities and long-term growth prospects.
The expansion is intended to build the foundation for next-generation manufacturing capabilities and cater to rising demand for Honda and Acura vehicles, including hybrid-electric models. It will also support the production of several new models currently under development at Honda's US research and development operations.
In May 2026, Honda announced plans to introduce 15 new Honda and Acura hybrid models globally by 2030, with North America expected to be the primary market for several of these vehicles.
The planned investments across its manufacturing facilities in Ohio, Alabama, Georgia and Canada are expected to support this strategy and facilitate the production of future models in the region.
Honda Targets 1.9 Million Units Of North American Production Capacity
The new Ohio facility, along with projects at Honda's existing manufacturing plants, will form an integrated production network for future hybrid and gasoline-powered vehicles.
The network will link vehicle assembly operations with expanded engine and hybrid system manufacturing capabilities, allowing Honda to strengthen its regional production base.
Following the investments, Honda expects its annual automobile production capacity in the US to reach approximately 1.3 million units. Its total production capacity across North America is projected to increase to around 1.9 million vehicles annually.
