2016 Honda Civic sedan to begin production in Indiana
Honda plant in Greensburg kicked off production of the redesigned 2016 Honda Civic sedan, the vehicle’s 10th-generation model.
Honda Manufacturing of Indiana on Tuesday kicked off production of the redesigned 2016 Honda Civic sedan, the vehicle’s 10th-generation model.
The Civic has been one of things that has helped generate almost $97 million in investments in Honda’s Indiana facility. That money largely has been used to update manufacturing processes and technology.
“Indiana has been a great place for us to grow our business,” said Bob Nelson, president of Honda Manufacturing of Indiana. “We’ve been producing for just over seven years now and we’ve spent over $900 million in investment. This new model solidifies our position going forward.”
The Greensburg facility, which opened in October 2008, employs more than 2,000 people. It only produces the Civic, and its capacity is 250,000 vehicles annually.
The compact vehicle has been loaded with features, such as a digital speedometer, automatic climate control and automatic headlamps, to name a few.
Nelson said the sportier-looking 2016 model is meant to make Honda more competitive.
“This is the culmination of a few years of our associates’ engagement in the design and development process,” said Jennifer Cissell, a new model project team member. “To really have this line off right now is the ultimate in terms of expression for gratitude for everybody’s efforts.
“It’s really a fantastic feeling.”
Car and Driver reviewed the Civic and said it is “a Civic we can applaud, even if it’s not the Civic we want to see.” The magazine said the vehicle’s high points were a well-dressed interior, turbocharged power and a willing chassis. Its flaws, however included “more creases than a rack of trousers and uncooperative technology.”
The car, which boasts a sleek look, was crafted by many Hoosier hands, Cissell said.
“It’s a totally different experience looking at it from the inside. I kept reminding my team that we are some of the first people in the world to see this car firsthand.
“It’s an important and big responsibility.”
Call Star reporter Kris Turner at (317) 444-6047. Follow him on Twitter: @krisnturner.
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