The first vehicle built by HCM was the Accord in 1986.
Currently, they assemble the Civic and CR-V.
Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM) reached a significant milestone today as it celebrated the production of its 10 millionth vehicle in Canada. The landmark vehicle, a 2023 Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid, rolled off the production lines in Alliston, Ontario, marking a remarkable achievement in the history of automotive manufacturing in the country.
Honda of Canada Mfg. celebrates building its 10 millionth vehicle in Canada | Photo: Honda
Honda made history in 1986 when it became the first Japanese automobile manufacturer to establish a production facility in Canada. Since then, HCM has been the birthplace of iconic Honda models such as the Accord, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, and Acura EL, CSX, and ZDX vehicles. The three HCM plants currently specialize in the production of Honda CR-Vs, Civics, and four-cylinder engines.
Over the years, HCM has earned numerous prestigious designations, solidifying its position as a leading manufacturing facility. In 2015, the plant was appointed the global lead plant for the Honda Civic, and currently, it holds the same designation for the all-new, 6th generation, 2023 Honda CR-V.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work, commitment and dedication of generations of HCM associates, I want to thank and congratulate them on this historic milestone,” said Jean Marc Leclerc, President and CEO Honda Canada. “Since 1986, HCM has been a class leader in Canadian automotive manufacturing and production and one of Honda’s most important facilities on a global scale. It’s been a pillar of the local economy and community for decades and will be for generations to come.”
Here’s a snapshot of HCM’s timeline:
1986 – History is made as the first vehicle built at HCM, a Honda Accord, is driven off the line. HCM becomes the first Japanese automobile manufacturer to establish a production facility in Canada.
1988 – HCM begins the proud tradition of building Civics. The first Civic was a 3-door model.
1989 – Mr. Honda visits HCM and tours the plant on his way to be inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in Detroit.
1993 – Production of the Civic Coupe model begins with the 1993 model.
1998 – Plant 2 officially opens with Honda’s first entry into the light truck market – the Honda Odyssey.
2002 – HCM launches the Honda Pilot and is the sole supplier globally for this product.
2006 – HCM celebrates its 20th anniversary and manufactures Honda Canada’s four-millionth vehicle, a Civic.
2008 – The Engine Plant opens and begins production of four-cylinder engines.
2012 – HCM produces the six-millionth vehicle and donates it to the local hospital. HCM begins building the Honda CR-V for the North American market.
2015 – HCM is the global lead for the next-generation Civic
2017 – The CR-V is the 2018 Motor Trend SUV of the Year.
2018 – Engine Plant produces its two millionth engine. HCM Plant 2 celebrates 20 years of production; Engine Plant celebrates 10
2022 – Honda Civic named North American and Canadian Car of the Year
2022 – HCM is the global lead plant for manufacturing the all-new 2023 CR-V and North America lead plant for the CR-V Hybrid
2023 – HCM produces the 10 millionth Honda vehicle manufactured in Canada, a 2023 Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid
And here are a few quick facts:
HCM, which operates two manufacturing facilities and an engine plant in Alliston, Ontario, is known for its flexibility and production capabilities. Both manufacturing facilities currently produce Honda Civic (Sedan and Si) and CR-V (hybrid and petrol) models, along with four-cylinder engines. With an annual capacity of over 400,000 vehicles and 190,000 engines, HCM plays a vital role in meeting the demand for Honda vehicles in Canada and beyond. Approximately 100,000 Canadian-built Civic and CR-V units are sold annually in Canada.
