Japanese carmaker Honda is planning to invest$23m to expand its Ohio auto manufacturing plant in the US,to add the production of the new 2014 Accord Hybrid sedan.
The investment will be aimed at expanding the facility by 95,000sft to accommodate the assembly processes and logistics for the production of the new hybrid.
As part of the project,the main assembly line will be extended and additional space for associated parts receiving and sub-assembly operations will be added.
Being the third hybrid built by Honda in the US and the first in Ohio,the new two-motor model will be powered by the Earth Dreams Technology 2.0L i-VTEC 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine incorporated with a 124KW traction electric motor.
According to the carmaker,the electric motor can function as an electric continuously variable transmission(e-CVT)and a 105KW electric motor for power generation.
In the last three years,the carmaker has invested$800m in the Ohio manufacturing facilities for launching on-site parts consolidation centers,refurbishing auto assembly and painting operations,in addition to key investments at the Anna Engine Plant,as well as itstransmission plant in Russells Point.
The new hybrid sedan is scheduled to go on sale during autumn 2013.