provench

So the TL thread got me thinking ...

Who decides and what do we think are the factors that determine which car manufacturing site is used to build which car? I mean we know that cars that share a platform are most likely going to share a build location, but what really baffles me is that the TL wasn't picked to be build in Japan. Best I can think is that the Japanese plants can't support the volume of the TL (and I guess the NA Accord)?

Just curious if anyone has thoughts/insight on this. I had an Acura CL so I can appreciate the TSX having WAY WAY fewer rattles ... price is not the thing ... it's all about quality in Japan plants. Those plants just seem to be consistently better (which is sad for the U.S.A.).

Discuss

jcg878

I can't vouch for the difference in quality between US and Japan plants, but I would think that the major determinent would be the volume expected to be sold in the US. Aren't there tariffs/taxes levied on imported cars?? I always figured the Japanese and European manufacturers who build here were trying to minimize costs (and therefore US prices) by not importing the vehicles.

provench

jcg - You might be right ... but I really have to wonder why then the TSX? Is it cheaper to export to Europe from Japan?

jcg878

hmmm... good point. Didn't think of that. Do japanese manufacturers build cars in Europe?? That is probably an ignorant question, but I'm ignorant enough to never have considered it Also, if it was built in any EU country, would that be enough to avoid importation taxes. I'm no expert on the EU, but I think that it would be enough.

What is the sales volume of the Euro Accord like?


jcg, who's watching the dentist scene in 'little shop of horrors' right now

TSX 'R' US

Well..for one...the TSX is brand new to the US... And it's pretty much the same car as the Euro Accord. So it's probably easier to convert an existing factory that builds the Euro Accord in Japan to build the TSX and ship it over to test the sales.. And if the car sells..they might consider opening up a plant in the US or somewhere nearby to build the TSX to keep up with sales.

jcg878

Isn't it relatively new to Europe as well?? And if the two major intended markets are outside of Japan, would it make more sense to locate the factory in one of them. Hmm.. I'm starting to doubt my own theory.

And on that note, I'm going to bed.


jcg, who's tired

Mokos23

well one factor is all about cost cutting to save production costs. i know it would be really more expensive if the TL was built in japan and shipped to the US. but, i wish the TL was built in japan. actually won't the new RL be built in japan, since the current one is?
the mdx would be too costly to build in japan since its so big to ship on a cargo ship, so that's why it's built in canada to save honda money.

poltergeist

The current generation Civic Si is built in the UK.

biker

Most large volume manufacturers try to build close to the sales point. So in the case of TL, UDSM Accord, etc. they make them in NA. Although the TSX is getting close high volume I don't think it has reached the point that manufacturing will move. A lot of the European model Hondas (Civic - different than USDM Civic, Fit, Jazz, some CRV, European minivan - different than Oddy,etc.) are made in Europe.