US – The production of the tenth-generation model has been enabled by a $267m investment in new technologies and processes, plus the addition of 300 personnel. The Accord has been a bestseller in America for the past 41 years.
The investment at Marysville Auto Plant (MAP) included $165m for a new welding section equipped with 342 robots, while the nearby Anna factory received $47m to support the production of 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged engines; the 2018 model will be the first in the Accord line-up to feature turbo power. Although the engine will be US-made, the 2018 Accord will also use globally sourced parts, says Honda.
Production of the latest Accord will also involve new stamping techniques for the "more sharply sculpted body", laser brazing for the roof, structural adhesives for body rigidity and acoustic spray for cabin quietness. In addition, MAP has created a new subassembly process for the Intelligent Power Unit that will feature on the Accord Hybrid which is due to return to production in Ohio.
“The new jobs and production growth will enable us to meet anticipated strong demand for the new Honda Accord,” commented Rob May, MAP plant manager.
The Accord has been in continuous production at MAP since November 1982 and the cumulative volume has now exceeded 11m units. Honda says it was the first model from a Japanese carmaker to be made in America.
