Honda plans $3 billion Ohio plant with 240,000-vehicle capacity

Honda announced plans on November 9 to invest $3 billion in a vehicle plant in central Ohio, designed to produce as many as 240,000 vehicles a year and begin production in 2029. The company said the project is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs and raise its annual U.S. light-duty vehicle production capacity to about 1.3 million.

The planned factory will be built on land between Honda’s existing East Liberty and Marysville plants. Honda said it will be capable of producing gasoline-powered, hybrid and battery-electric vehicles, but has not identified which models will be assigned to the site. The company describes the plant as part of a wider manufacturing program intended to support its vehicle production needs.

Honda’s announcement comes as it expands its hybrid-related manufacturing in North America. The company said its broader plans include investment in Alabama to produce a new V6 hybrid engine, and retooling at its Ohio engine plant for a next-generation four-cylinder engine. Honda also plans work at transmission facilities in Ohio and Georgia to support production of hybrid systems.

Honda said the Ohio plant’s expected output would contribute to U.S. capacity of...