Honda Canada to build CR-V model for Europe

This will be the first time Honda Canada will export vehicles to Europe. The model in question is the cross-over CR-V.

Honda will upgrade its factory in Alliston to meet the demand.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper was on hand for the announcement today.

He says the new free-trade deal with the European Union made the Honda exports possible.

The revelation comes in the wake of Honda celebrating the completion of its seven-millionth vehicle in Canada.

Honda became the first Japanese automaker to manufacture cars in Canada in 1986 when the company opened the doors of its Alliston plant. Since then, Honda Canada has manufactured several models including the Honda Accord, Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline, as well as Acura EL, CSX and ZDX vehicles. The plant currently builds Honda CR-Vs and Civics, Canada’s best-selling passenger car for 17 consecutive years.

“More than 1.8 million Honda Civics have been proudly parked in driveways all over this country,” said Dave Gardner, senior vice president of operations, Honda Canada Inc.

“Our plant capacity was 50,000 vehicles when we started and we’re now building in excess of 390,000 vehicles per year.

“This growth is attributed to the superior craftsmanship of the highly skilled Associates who have worked with us over the years to produce the quality and reliability that Honda customers truly value.”

With files from THE CANADIAN PRESS.