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 Honda of South Carolina Mfg., Inc. (HSC) produced its
500,000th all-terrain vehicle (ATV) this week, less than three
and a half years
since the first Honda FourTrax ATV rolled off the assembly
line in July 1998.
"This half millionth ATV belongs not only to Honda of South
Carolina," said HSC
President Hideki Ikegawa. "It is also a milestone that has
been accomplished
through the combined efforts of our associates, our suppliers
and the
community."
Since production began in 1998, HSC's workforce has grown from
200 to more than
1,500 associates. The number of ATVs produced has expanded
from two to the
current roster of eight models. Engine production has been
added and the annual
capacity is now 240,000 ATVs.
"HSC has grown beyond our dreams," said Bill Kalp, HSC senior
vice president.
"To produce our 500,000th ATV in just under three and a half
years is a
testament to our customers and to the capabilities and
dedication of our
associates."
 Honda is the industry leader in ATV sales in America with
sales growth of
more than 29% in 2000. HSC is also producing for a global
market, exporting ATVs to countries including Australia, New
Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
HSC currently produces eight ATV models, including the
FourTrax Foreman Rubicon,
Foreman S and ES, Foreman Rancher/Rancher ES and Rancher
4x4/Rancher 4x4 ES and Recon/Recon ES, and the Sportrax 400 EX
and 250 EX. HSC production processes now include high- and
low-pressure die-casting, machining, engine assembly; welding;
frame assembly; painting; plastic injection molding and
dynamic testing.
In addition, HSC has begun playing an important support role
within Honda's
North American operations by providing key ATV components --
including engines,
fuel tanks, differentials and swing arms -- to Honda's Ohio
motorcycle plant
for ATV assembly there.
Honda is the world's largest producer of engines, with more
than 11 million
customers globally in 2000 for its diverse line-up of
automobiles, motorcycles,
power products and ATVs. Honda began operations in North
America in 1959 with
the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's
first overseas
subsidiary. Using local and globally-sourced parts, Honda
began assembling
motorcycles in America in 1979, with U.S. automobile
manufacturing starting in
1982. Honda designs, manufactures and markets its products in
North America and
in 120 plants in 32 countries worldwide. Honda currently
builds products in 11
manufacturing plants in North America, with three major R&D
centers in the U.S. altogether employing more than 25,000
associates in North America.
Media inquiries only:
Bill Kalp: 843-346-8002
Jeffrey Smith: 310-781-5062
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