Honda plans $2.5 billion hybrid vehicle plant in Ohio

Honda is planning a $2.5 billion hybrid vehicle plant in Ohio with production expected in 2030, multiple media outlets are reporting. 

The plant would produce about 250,000 large hybrid models annually, including SUVs, according to Automotive World. The vehicles would compete against Toyota and Hyundai’s hybrid lines. 

Construction could start in 2027 but Automotive World reports plans are dependent on state subsidies. 

The Columbus Dispatch reports that Honda would not confirm the plan with the newspaper. 

“Honda has always grown our U.S. production operations steadily, using highly flexible production lines and making efficient use of existing facilities before we consider adding capacity to meet higher customer demand,” a spokesperson told the newspaper . “We will continue to take a thoughtful approach to determine the best way to meet the needs of our customers.”

Honda stopped plans to make three electric vehicles in Ohio in March, the newspaper reports. The news followed with plans to produce more hybrid and conventional engine vehicles in North America, including in Ohio. 

Officials told the newspaper that a current plant in Marysville is versatile enough to produce two or three models at a time and that it could pivot for a new vehicle model.

CBT News reports that CEO Toshihiro Mibe said in July that the automaker’s seven North American plants were nearing their combined annual capacity of 1.67 million vehicles and that a new plant would give the company a buffer to raise output when needed. It adds that 40% of Honda’s global sales are in North America. 

The automaker also said that it plans to launch up to 15 next-generation hybrid models globally by the end of March 2030, CBT states.

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