Honda Canada announced that its Canadian plants operate at full capacity again

The all-new Honda Civic and other vehicles return to their usual level of stock at Honda dealerships

The Honda of Canada Mfg. facility. (HCM) in Alliston, Ontario, today announced the return to normal production levels. Therefore, stocks of vehicles, including the all-new 2012 Honda Civic, returning to normal at Honda dealerships across Canada. After the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan in the spring production of the plant had to be reduced by approximately 50% during the summer due to the shortage of essential parts from this region .

Approximately 95% of Honda vehicles sold in Canada are manufactured in North America. Before the March 11 earthquake in Japan, factory assembled HCM every month more than 28,000 vehicles intended for the Canadian and American markets. Although Honda bought the majority of its parts and its materials locally, it provides some essential parts in Japan to ensure the efficiency of its production in the world. The earthquake has disrupts the production of vehicles has HCM plant, particularly the 2012 Civic.

Production has been reduced during the summer period, and both teams had the out at plant 1 were grouped in a single shift. Moreover, production was interrupted for several days during this period or plant idling. Several choices are offered to employees during these days, such as participation in any activities of commercial improvement, training and volunteering. This schedule has allowed employees to offer 325 hours of assistance within the community food banks, charities and Habitat for Humanity.

"We are very grateful to our 4,200 employees for the dedication, support and flexibility they have shown in these difficult times," stated Jon Minto, senior vice president, Honda of Canada Mfg.. "We are also aware of the importance of our Canadian institution for the local community, so we are very happy with the return to a normal level of production. "

The reduction of production involves a number of Honda vehicles, especially the new 2012 Honda Civic which had begun to be manufactured just before the March 11 earthquake in Japan. The Civic is a car leading to Canada because it is the most passenger car sold in the country for the thirteenth consecutive year. Over 1.6 million units have been sold since 1973, and more than 930,000 of them, or nearly 60%, still plying the roads.

In September, the plant 1 (or are manufactured sedan and Civic cut from the same cutting and Civic Sedan Si) is again a function with two shifts. This month, plants 1 and 2 have found their production levels before the earthquake for each of their four WORKED periods.

"This reminds us of the difficult years strong relationship we have with our employees, our dealers and customers," emphasizes Jerry Chenkin, Executive Vice President of Honda Canada Inc. "It's encouraging to see so many customers waited patiently for our new Civic while production was reduced. Honda really respect his business vision, which is to offer a "Civic for all," and we are delighted that production capacity has returned to normal so we can meet the growing demand. "

2012 Honda Civic

Conceived to better meet the different needs of buyers of compact cars, the 2012 Honda Civic offers better fuel economy, and in all of its models, whether it's cutting, sedan or hybrid version. All are equipped with ECO Assist ™ technology Honda, an innovation that can make more efficient use of vehicle while the driver was showing how it can improve their driving habits.

The ninth generation Civic provides an improved performance, particularly the Si models are equipped with a 2.4L engine bigger and more powerful, which develops 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft, and a new a 6-speed manual transmission.

"The all-new Civic has followed the changing needs of our customers, as evidenced by the addition of features ecological, recreational and security they demanded," stressed Mr. Chenkin. "We have created a unique value proposition for Canadian consumers by combining a series of equipment has value added at a reduced price for this model. The Civic, which is built by and for Canadians, is the industry's most diversified vehicles on the market: it is able to meet the preferences and needs of individual Canadians. "