Honda is set to expand its hybrid-electric vehicle lineup with the introduction of the 2024 Honda Civic Hybrid, joining the ranks of the CR-V and Accord in Honda’s commitment to electrification. This move signifies a major step in Honda’s strategy, bringing hybrid technology to one of its most popular models, the Civic. Production of the 2024 Civic Hybrid is slated to begin in North America in Spring 2024, starting with the sedan version in Canada, followed by the hatchback in the U.S.
Production for the 2024 Civic Hybrid sedan will commence at Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM) in Alliston, Ontario. Shortly after, the hatchback variant will begin production at the Indiana Auto Plant (IAP) in Greensburg, Indiana. Crucially, the heart of the 2024 Civic Hybrid, its innovative two-motor hybrid-electric power unit, will be manufactured at the Honda Transmission Plant in Ohio. The accompanying 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine will also be produced in Ohio, at the Anna Engine Plant. This North American production underscores Honda’s dedication to regional manufacturing and its growing EV hub strategy. Both the HCM and IAP facilities already contribute to Honda’s hybrid production, currently building the Honda CR-V hybrid.
Roxanna Metz, plant co-lead of the Indiana Auto Plant, highlighted the significance of this expansion: “Our associates are proud to play an important role in the Honda electrification strategy by adding production of the new Civic hybrid to the CR-V hybrid we now build. Sales of Honda hybrid models already represent more than one-quarter of our sales in the U.S. and we are proud to help our customers transition to the electrified future with our ‘made in Indiana’ products.” This statement emphasizes the increasing consumer demand for hybrid vehicles and Honda’s proactive response.
The 2024 Honda Civic Hybrid is a cornerstone of Honda’s broader electrification strategy, aiming to integrate hybrid-electric systems into its core models. Currently, hybrid trims constitute over 56% of U.S. sales for both the Honda CR-V and Accord, demonstrating the strong market acceptance of Honda’s hybrid technology. Electrified models already make up more than a quarter of Honda’s total U.S. sales, marking a record for hybrid sales for the brand. Honda anticipates that the Civic hybrid will account for over 40% of all Civic sales, further solidifying the brand’s hybrid leadership.
Honda’s ambitious global target is to achieve carbon neutrality across all products and corporate activities by 2050. A key part of this vision is to have battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles represent 100% of its new vehicle sales by 2040. The journey towards this goal includes the launch of EV sales starting in 2024 with the 2024 Honda Prologue, Honda’s first all-electric SUV. Following this, in 2025, a mid- to large-size EV model built on Honda’s dedicated e:Architecture platform is scheduled to debut.
Further solidifying its EV ambitions, Honda has announced significant advancements in establishing its EV Hub in Ohio. This hub will be instrumental in leading the company’s transition to EV production in North America. In a substantial move in October 2022, Honda committed to investing $700 million to retool several existing auto and powertrain plants to create this EV Hub in Ohio. The Marysville Auto Plant (MAP), Honda’s pioneering auto production facility in America since 1982, will be the first U.S. Honda plant to transition to full EV manufacturing.
The EV Hub also encompasses a new joint venture EV battery plant, a partnership between Honda and LG Energy Solution located in Fayette County, near Jeffersonville, Ohio. This state-of-the-art facility is projected to be completed by the end of 2024 and will boast an annual production capacity of approximately 40 GWh, ensuring a robust battery supply for Honda’s expanding EV lineup.
Honda’s commitment to North American manufacturing runs deep. Having produced automobiles in the region for over 40 years, starting at the Marysville Auto Plant in November 1982, Honda’s North American operations are extensive. Honda’s manufacturing journey in North America began even earlier in 1979 with motorcycle production in Marysville, Ohio.
Over the past four decades, Honda has progressively expanded its local production capabilities. Currently, Honda employs over 33,000 associates in North America, supporting operations across 18 plants. These facilities have the capacity to produce 1.86 million automobiles annually, along with nearly 4 million engines, 500,000 power equipment products, and 300,000 powersports products. Notably, over 99% of Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2022 were manufactured in North America, with over two-thirds made in America, utilizing both domestic and globally sourced parts.
Honda’s cumulative investment in North American manufacturing capabilities exceeds $24 billion, including over $4.7 billion in the last five years alone. The company collaborates with over 700 original equipment suppliers in North America, with cumulative parts purchases totaling more than $562 billion, demonstrating a significant economic footprint and commitment to the region. The introduction of the 2024 Honda Civic Hybrid further cements Honda’s dedication to innovation, electrification, and North American manufacturing.
