Honda to make new line of SUVs in Ohio

MARYSVILLE, Ohio (AP) -- Honda has decided to build a new line of sport utility vehicles from its Acura luxury division and make them in Ohio.
Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. announced Tuesday that it will begin producing the vehicles in 2006 at either its auto plant in this central Ohio city or at its plant in nearby East Liberty.
The vehicle will be smaller and less expensive than the Acura MDX, a seven-passenger, 265-horsepower SUV that starts at $36,400.
"It's just the way we see the market," said Honda spokesman Ed Miller. "There is a niche below the MDX both in size and price for the Acura dealers."
The new vehicle's name, size, price and features are to be announced later. Miller said production of the vehicle is not expected to result in more jobs at Honda. But he said it will help provide job security as market demand changes.
"Being flexible in manufacturing means you can keep your operations viable so you can protect the jobs you have and those of your supplier companies," Miller said.
Currently, Honda makes the Accord, Civic, Element light truck and Acura TL at its Ohio plants, which employ about 16,000 workers.