Honda Canada Starts Production of 2025 Civic Hybrid, First Time Built in Country
June 27 2024,
Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM) has initiated mass production of the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid sedan at its Alliston, Ontario plant. This milestone marks the first time the Civic Hybrid has been manufactured on Canadian soil, signalling a significant step in Honda's electrification journey.
Hybrid Innovation Takes Centre Stage
The launch of Civic Hybrid production in Canada represents a pivotal moment in Honda's strategy to electrify its vehicle lineup. With the Civic Hybrid expected to account for approximately 60% of all Civic sales in Canada, this development underscores the growing demand for eco-friendly transportation options.
This achievement is the result of a substantial $1.38 billion investment made in 2022 to upgrade HCM's facilities. The investment has positioned the Alliston plant as the North American lead for both CR-V and Civic Hybrid production, showcasing Honda's commitment to Canadian manufacturing excellence.
A Vision for an Electrified Future
Jean Marc Leclerc, President and CEO of Honda Canada Inc., emphasizes the company's forward-thinking approach: "Honda of Canada Manufacturing is a proud, Canadian innovation story that invests strategically in technology and its associates on the path to electrification." He acknowledges the complexities and challenges in transitioning to an electrified future, highlighting Honda's ambitious goal of having battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles represent 100% of North American vehicle sales by 2040.
Boosting Jobs and Community Growth
The retooling of HCM's production lines has not only secured thousands of high-quality jobs in Alliston but has also positively impacted Honda's extensive Canadian supplier network. The investment encompasses enhanced job training initiatives, expanded inclusive hiring practices, and research programs aimed at reducing the environmental impact of vehicle production.
Bobbi Curran, Vice President of Honda of Canada Mfg., notes the significance of this development for the workforce: "With the Civic Hybrid, all of our 4200 associates at Honda of Canada Manufacturing are now involved with Honda's electrification strategy." This engagement underscores the importance of community involvement in HCM's success and future growth.
Building a Comprehensive EV Value Chain
Looking ahead, Honda has unveiled plans to establish a comprehensive EV value chain in Canada. This ambitious project includes the construction of four new plants, with two to be built alongside the existing Alliston facilities. The initiative aims to create a complete ecosystem for EV production, from raw material procurement to finished vehicle manufacturing.
Honda is currently evaluating the requirements for building an innovative EV plant and a stand-alone EV battery plant in Alliston. These facilities are expected to begin production in 2028, with a projected annual capacity of 240,000 EVs and 36 GWh of batteries.
The expansion promises to secure the current 4,200 jobs at Honda's Ontario facilities while adding at least 1,000 new positions for EV and battery manufacturing. Moreover, this investment is anticipated to generate significant spinoff jobs across various sectors, including construction.
