Comments on: Honda Begins Indiana Civic Production

By: Eric_Stepans

Eric_Stepans — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:26:06 +0000

Honda management tends to be conservative (in the ‘prudent’ sense of the word) with their major business decisions.

Look at how long it took them to put a V-6 in the Accord, or field a competitive minivan, or enter the pickup truck market.

If Honda sees a need for a new Civic plant, the long-term prospects probably justify it. I suspect the devaluation of the US dollar (both recent past and near future) is a major driving factor.

By: Johnster

Johnster — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:35:01 +0000

psarhjinian : Prior to this, where were Civics made? I know all Canadian ones excepting the Hybrid (Japan) and Si (not sure) are made in Alliston, Ontario, but does that cover the American market Civics, too?

My understanding is that as far as the U.S. market is concerned all Civic Coupes and some Civic Sedans are made at Alliston, Ontario. Some Civic Sedans are also made at East Liberty, Ohio. Hybrid Civic Sedans are made in Japan and imported into the U.S.

I’ve also heard that from time to time when demand is sufficient and when the currency exchange rate is favorable, extra Civics are brought in from Japan.

By: willamettejd

willamettejd — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:00:25 +0000

Good for them. Every foreign production plant opened here officially throws reality in the face of the UAW and other entities who want to unionize the demise of the American industrial landscape.

By: rtt108

rtt108 — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:49:19 +0000

Now if they would just make a full station wagon version of the Civic I’d show up at thier door with the MSRP in cash.

By: jaje

jaje — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:00:42 +0000

AG: – Yes…b/c in reality the UAW mindset is a poisonous cancer that will seriously diminish the competitiveness of its host company b/c the union will demand (not concede – took them 8 years to notice that their golden gooses are about to die) a US level wage with professions (such as laywers, doctors, etc.) and not globally competitive factory wages for the industry. These are people who may or may not have just a HS diploma. Education is a key component to wealth – the days of the $60k / year plus free pension and healthcare uaw bolt turner are over – it is no longer sustainable with today’s global economy. MFGR labor jobs should never be high paying unless it is such a critical specialization (requiring a lot of special education and training) or lack of labor to fill the positions. Even when this is the case it is not last long before globally factories are built in low wage countries for labor intensive products.

By: AG

AG — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:43:36 +0000

Isn’t this the factory that wouldn’t hire people who lived within 10 miles of a factory that employed UAW members?

By: mel23

mel23 — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:11:10 +0000

I just feel bad for all those new workers in Indiana when production gets cut back.

Anything is possible, but right now the Honda dealers near me are very low on Civics, and I think it’s very likely that Honda has lost Civic sales due to lack of inventory. The local Toyota dealer on the other hand has plenty of Corollas and even Yaris. Surprising.

By: turbobeetle

turbobeetle — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:06:20 +0000

ronin

At least they are ramping up production slowly. Even with a Great Depression 2.0 on our hands people will still need new cars and the Honda Civic is perhaps the ultimate “reality” family car. I know how important it is to haul a washing machine and 3 kids with us everywhere we go, but lets face it with the way things are going the Civic (and similar cars) will probably only become more popular.

By: psarhjinian

psarhjinian — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:06:19 +0000

Prior to this, where were Civics made? I know all Canadian ones excepting the Hybrid (Japan) and Si (not sure) are made in Alliston, Ontario, but does that cover the American market Civics, too?

Alliston was going full-tile the last time I saw it. It was impressive, especially compared to the sad world that is GM’s Oshawa Truck.

By: ronin

ronin — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:55:43 +0000

Just in time for a worldwide reduction in demand for all vehicles.

Even Honda is not immune to missing the direction of the market. I just feel bad for all those new workers in Indiana when production gets cut back.

By: menno

menno — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:43:41 +0000

Jaje said (they all need their viagra!).

Yep, sure do. There’s nothing like the prospect of selling apples on street corners to do that to a man.

By: jaje

jaje — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:51:00 +0000

I think Honda should get part of that $20B to retool their factories for more efficient cars? Oh wait…they spent their own money from profits investing it back into their business for long term security rather than dividends and overpaid salaries for management and line workers (they all need their viagra!).

By: turbobeetle

turbobeetle — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:42:14 +0000

Oh wow look. High quality and profitable small cars being built in the US…