Honda Motor Co.’s choice to build what it calls a racing-oriented “supercar” in Ohio highlights confidence in its U.S. engineers and plants. It also shows the difficulty of producing autos in Japan as the yen rises.
When the high-performance hybrid Acura NSX goes on sale within three years, it will be the most expensive and technologically advanced car ever built in the U.S. by an Asian or European automaker. Ohio will be the sole global production site for the car executives suggest will sell for more than $100,000.
“This is a halo vehicle,” said John Shook, a former Toyota engineer, referring to a model that represents the highest ideal of a brand. He is also chairman of the Lean Enterprise Institute in Cambridge, Mass., which consults on efficiency techniques.
“Where you make it makes a statement.” Shook said. “It’s a great thing for their local operation, and indicative of challenges in Japan.”
The surprise NSX plan, revealed by President Takanobu Ito in Detroit last week, follows Honda’s August announcement that a Mexican plant will make small cars to curb losses from exporting models such as the Fit from Japan. The two projects will give Honda the ability to produce its entire vehicle range, from cheapest to most expensive, within North America, a first for any carmaker based outside the U.S.
