Honda is reportedly in the final stages of preparing a dedicated hybrid vehicle plant in Ohio, but the automaker says the project has not been approved. Nikkei Asia reports that production could begin in 2030, while American Honda says no final decision has been made on a new U.S. assembly facility.

If completed, the factory would mark Honda’s first new North American assembly plant in roughly two decades. It would also represent a major shift from Honda’s established approach of increasing output through flexible production lines and existing facilities.

Honda’s Ohio plant is not confirmed

According to Nikkei Asia, Honda is deep into talks over a facility designed specifically for hybrid vehicles. Honda’s American spokesperson, however, pushed back on descriptions of the project as a finalized investment and said the company has not made a decision regarding a new U.S. plant.

The reported proposal comes as Honda adjusts its product strategy. After scaling back some of its electric vehicle ambitions, the automaker has placed greater emphasis on hybrids in vehicles such as the CR-V and Accord. A dedicated plant would give that powertrain strategy a permanent manufacturing base in the United States.

The facility could also reduce Honda’s reliance on outside factories for additional capacity. Nikkei Asia reports that production might include large Honda and Acura SUVs, although Honda has not confirmed the plant, its product lineup or its location beyond the reported Ohio plan.

Reported investment and production timeline

Nikkei Asia estimates the investment at 300,000,000,000 to 400,000,000,000 yen, or approximately $1,900,000,000 to $2,530,000,000. Construction could begin as early as 2027 if the project moves forward.

The plant is reportedly being planned for annual production of 250,000 vehicles once it reaches full capacity. Output could start in 2030, although negotiations over state subsidies are still unresolved. Those talks remain a key condition before the project can advance from planning to construction.

What the project would mean for Honda

A new Ohio assembly plant would be a significant manufacturing commitment for Honda and a clear signal that hybrids will remain central to its North American lineup. It could provide additional capacity for Honda and Acura SUVs while allowing the automaker to build more hybrid vehicles within its own U.S. production network.

The project would also require more than a factory site. Honda would need supplier agreements for hybrid powertrain components and a trained workforce capable of assembling them. Until those arrangements and subsidy discussions are settled, the reported 2030 production target remains conditional rather than a confirmed launch date.