Honda has disclosed that it is considering a new plant in the United States to expand hybrid production capacity. A final decision is expected within several years, with operations targeted to begin around 2030, although USMCA negotiations and tariff trends could affect the investment decision.
Honda is considering building a new assembly plant in the United States to increase hybrid production capacity. It plans to make a final investment decision within several years and aims to begin operations around 2030. SUV-based hybrid models are viewed as the leading candidates for production.
The company is revising its EV investment plans and moving toward a production and sales strategy centered on hybrids. It plans to launch 15 hybrid models in North America by fiscal 2029, and the new plant would be a step toward putting this strategy into practice.
US tariff trends and the outcome of USMCA negotiations are expected to directly affect the investment decision. Following President Trump's tariff statements, the possibility of passing higher costs on to prices was indicated. Executive Vice President Kaihara (貝原) suggested that the company could change its policy if no agreement is reached, raising the possibility that the plan's scale or timing could change depending on the progress of future negotiations.
Honda has indicated that it will cancel part of its EV plans and concentrate resources on hybrids, while remaining prepared to flexibly review its existing North American production structure. With demand for Civic hybrid models rising in the United States, US sales in 2026 are expected to reach 1,430,000 units.