Honda of America pulled back the curtain on its upcoming Electronic Vehicle Hub in Ohio and its more than $1 billion investment that is under way in transforming local plants – the Marysville Auto Plant, East Liberty Auto Plant and Anna Engine Plant – during a media preview event Wednesday, Jan. 29, showcasing the innovations that will lead the way in the company’s next generation of automobile manufacturing.
More than 40 years ago, the Marysville Auto Plant (MAP) was the site of Honda’s first automobile manufacturing plant in America, beginning production in November 1982. Honda officials at Wednesday’s special event, attended by media from around Ohio and even globally from Japan, heralded these recent steps taken for the EV Hub in Ohio as the second founding of the company.
“We’re creating a bold and innovative future, with the spirit of going back to zero through our Honda 0 series and our Honda EV Hub,” said Bob Schwyn, Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC. senior vice president.
“Beyond adding the capability to produce EVs, we completely re-imagined our approach to manufacturing, transforming the Honda production environment with more human-friendly processes and sustainable manufacturing practices.”
Beginning in late 2025, the Honda EV Hub will begin EV production, starting with the all-new Acura RSX EV followed by Honda EV models based on the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon prototypes, officials shared Wednesday.
At MAP, the two former production lines have been consolidated into one flexible production line that will have the ability to build internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid-electric and battery electric vehicles (EVs) on the same line.
This unique processing, new technology and advanced training of local associates will set the stage for the expansion to other Honda plants across the country.
“Forty-four years ago, the Marysville Auto Plant opened, leading American Honda. MAP continues to be on the cutting edge,” said Mike Zindars, MAP plant lead.
“It’s invigorating to be able to position the Marysville Auto Plant for another 40 years of growth at a legacy facility like this,” Tim Leopold, MAP battery electric vehicle project lead, said of the transformation that has taken shape at the plant during the last two years, which continues today to prep for the late 2025 start of EV production.
“Our associates are excited and our customers are excited. The energy levels couldn’t be any higher.”
See Tuesday’s print edition of the Examiner for an in-depth story and further details about Honda’s EV Hub in Ohio and the many preparations taking shape at the local plants.
