Honda Motor Co. announced its Ohio plant will build the next‑generation Acura MDX, a three‑row SUV, with a 250,000‑vehicle annual capacity slated for 2025.

Honda Motor Co. announced that its upcoming plant in Ohio will assemble the next‑generation Acura MDX, a flagship three‑row SUV, beginning in the early 2020s.

Plant capacity and timeline

The Ohio factory is slated to handle about 250,000 vehicles each year. Construction is expected to start later this year, with production lines ready for a 2025 launch.

New Acura models

The next‑gen MDX will be roughly eight inches longer than the current Pilot, offering additional rear‑seat space. It will share a platform with a three‑row crossover planned for the Acura brand, allowing both models to benefit from common engineering and battery‑electric options.

Industry response

Honda spokesperson Kenji Saito said the Ohio investment reflects the automaker’s confidence in North‑American demand for premium SUVs. "The new plant will create thousands of jobs and support our long‑term growth strategy," Saito said.

Michigan Senator James DeSantis warned that increased competition from Chinese electric‑vehicle makers, including BYD, could pressure domestic manufacturers. "We must ensure American workers are protected as the market evolves," the senator said.

Separately, Skoda announced a leadership reshuffle, highlighting the broader shift within the global auto sector toward electrified crossovers.

Next steps

Honda will file the final environmental review by the end of the quarter. Once approved, the company plans to begin equipment installation in the second half of 2024. Production of the new Acura models is expected to start shortly after the plant reaches full capacity.