Honda has officially started mass production of the highly anticipated 2018 Accord at its Marysville, Ohio plant. This marks the beginning of the 10th generation of the popular midsize sedan, signaling a significant step forward for the “Next Gen Honda Accord”. The company has invested a substantial $267 million in the Marysville facility, the long-term home of the Accord, and added 300 new jobs to support the production ramp-up.
A significant portion of the investment, around $220 million, has been allocated to modernize technologies and processes within the plant. This includes a state-of-the-art $165 million welding department equipped with 342 robots, enhancing efficiency and precision in the vehicle’s construction. Furthermore, Honda’s Anna, Ohio engine plant received a $47 million boost to facilitate the assembly of the “next gen honda accord”‘s new, fuel-efficient turbocharged 1.5L and 2.0L engines.
New production technologies extend beyond the welding department. Laser brazing is now employed for the sedan’s roof, contributing to a cleaner and stronger finish. Advanced stamping techniques are also in place, enabling the creation of the “next gen honda accord”‘s sculpted and stylish body panels.
Adding to the production advancements, a new subassembly process has been introduced at Marysville specifically for the Accord Hybrid’s motor and battery unit. This is notable as the Accord Hybrid production returns to Ohio after a period in Japan, streamlining operations and reinforcing the plant’s role in producing diverse Accord models.
Rob May, the Marysville plant manager, expressed confidence that the new jobs and production enhancements will enable Honda to meet the expected strong consumer demand for the “next gen honda accord”.
Further investments related to the “next gen honda accord” include $149 million allocated to Honda’s Russells Point, Ohio, and Tallapoosa, Georgia, plants. These investments are dedicated to the production of the new 10-speed automatic transmission, a key feature enhancing the driving experience of the new Accord.
The 2018 Accord is slated to hit dealerships across the U.S. in the fall. Despite a general downturn in the midsize sedan market, the Accord has shown resilience. While experiencing a sales decrease of 4.5% through August compared to the same period last year, this is less severe than the 17.5% drop seen across the Lower Middle segment, according to WardsAuto data. In comparison to Toyota’s Camry, which is also newly redesigned for 2018 and a major competitor, the Accord is holding its ground in a challenging market. Through August, Accord deliveries reached 221,013 units, placing it second in the segment behind the Camry’s 247,775, even though Camry sales have declined by 7.1%. The launch of the “next gen honda accord” is keenly anticipated to further solidify Honda’s position in the competitive sedan market.
