Torrance, CA -
American Honda today announced that production of Honda side-by-side MUVs will
transfer in 2013 from Honda de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (HDM) to Honda of South
Carolina Mfg., Inc. (HSC) in Timmonsville, SC. Honda currently markets the Big
Red side-by-side in the U.S.
These changes
are part of a global Honda strategy tied to future growth forecast in the
side-by-side segment. Current plans call for the completion of side-by-side
production at HDM in 2013, with production to begin at HSC in the summer of
2013 to meet the needs of U.S.
customers and for export to global markets.
Currently
dedicated solely to the production of Honda all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), HSC
has the capacity to produce more than 250,000 vehicles and 310,000 engines
annually. Based on the increased production capacity and future expansion
potential, it was determined that HSC was the right location for Honda
side-by-side production.
HSC is one of
nine major Honda factories in the U.S. Since it began operation in
1998, HSC has manufactured more than 2.5 million Honda ATVs.
Following the
move of side-by-side production, HDM will increase capacity for the production
of additional two-wheel products to meet growing market demand in Mexico.