ALLISTON – Honda says it’s shifting some vehicle production from Japan to the U.S. in the latest example of automakers working to adapt to new tariffs.
Company spokesman Chris Abbruzzese said Honda currently produces the Civic hatchback hybrid both in Indiana and Japan, but later this year it will be produced only at the Indiana plant.
A news report out of Japan raised concerns in Canada this week that Honda would also shift some production to the U.S. from its Alliston, Ont. operations, but the company said it has no plans to do so.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday that the company had told him it was looking to boost U.S. production, but not at the expense of its Canadian operations.
Honda’s Ontario operations started producing the sedan version of the Civic hybrid last year, and also produces conventional and hybrid versions of its CR-V model.
Unifor said it was encouraged by Honda’s reassurances on its Canadian production, but said production plans could change at any time.
“From our experience of dealing with automakers and the industry, we understand better than anyone that assurances from automakers are one thing, but we need a carrot-and-stick approach to ensure accountability,” said Unifor national president Lana Payne in a statement late Tuesday.
“We must develop industrial policy to encourage investment and also implement tough penalties for companies that shift jobs south to appease Trump’s agenda.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 16, 2025.
