Dongfeng Honda Automobile (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. (WDHAC), one of Honda’s joint venture companies in China, today began local production of the CR-V sport utility vehicle in Wuhan, Hubei Province. The line-off ceremony was joined by 450 guests, including Mr. Yu Zheng Sheng, commissioner of the Central Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party, as well as Mr. Atsuyoshi Hyogo, Managing Director and COO of Honda’s China Operations.
WDHAC was created from the former Wuhan Grand Motor Co., Ltd., which was renamed WDHAC when Honda joined Dongfeng Motor in the new joint venture. Lines for welding, painting, and assembly were renovated, with the new addition of a final inspection line. For the welding process, Honda installed its advanced general weld equipment – which provides tremendous flexibility. After these major renovations and upgrades, the plant now has advanced manufacturing lines that reflect Honda’s global flexible manufacturing philosophy. The current plant capacity is set at 30,000 units per year, but WDHAC plans to expand up to 120,000 units in the future by adding to its product lineup based on local customer demand. WDHAC has a sales target of 20,000 units for calendar year 2004.