USA - $2bn, 12 years and three million products, that will be HONDA in Alabama.

Associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC (HMA) celebrated a production milestone this week, completing the 3 millionth Honda vehicle built at the plant in Lincoln.

The production of HMA's milestone vehicle this week comes a little more than 12 years since the start of mass production at the $2 billion facility on Nov. 14, 2001.

"The commitment and dedication of our 4,000 associates has allowed HMA to achieve this production milestone and fulfill our commitment to more than 3 million Honda customers across the globe," said Tom Shoupe, HMA President.

HMA is the sole production source of the Odyssey minivan, the Pilot sport utility vehicle, the Ridgeline pickup truck, the Acura MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the V-6 engines that power each vehicle. During calendar years 2009 and 2010, the facility also shared production of the Honda Accord V-6 Sedan with Honda of America Mfg. in Marysville, Ohio.

The production breakdown, by model, is approximately:*

• 1.82 million Odyssey minivans
• 1.02 million Pilot SUVs
• 90,000 Ridgeline trucks
• 50,000 Acura MDX SUVs
• 27,000 Accord V-6 Sedans (2009-2010)

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama employs more than 4,000 associates at its 3.7-million-square-foot Lincoln facility and has the capacity to produce as many as 340,000 vehicles and engines each year. Over the past two years, HMA has invested an additional $450 million and added more than 400 jobs in expansion efforts designed to enhance manufacturing flexibility and increase annual production.

Honda marked another major manufacturing milestone this week (Dec. 2) when its East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio produced its 1 millionth CR-V sport utility vehicle. Auto production at the East Liberty plant, which employs 2,400 associates, began in 1989 and produced its first, third-generation Honda CR-V sport utility in September 2006.

*(All production totals are rounded.)

USA - Honda has record October sales.

Acura Posts over 17-Percent Increase on Record Sales of Truck of the Year Candidate MDX

• CR-V boasts record October sales
• Civic sales up 32.1 percent over October 2012
• Acura light trucks post record October sales on strength of all-new MDX and RDX

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported October 2013 U.S. total sales of 114,538 units, an increase of 7.1 percent compared with October 2012 (up 3.1 percent based on the Daily Selling Rate, or DSR*). Year-to-date sales reached 1,273,550, an increase of 8.5 percent. Honda Division October sales reached 100,242, an increase of 5.7 percent compared to last October. Acura Division posted sales of 14,296, an increase of 17.5 percent compared to October 2012.

Honda

• CR-V surpasses the previous October record set in 2006, with sales of 22,554 up 11.6 percent from October 2012
• Civic sales for October were the best since 2001 and up substantially over the previous year with an impressive 32.1 percent rise, posting sales of 27,328
• Accord posted October sales of 25,162, with America's best-selling retail model handily passing the 300,000-unit mark for year-to-date, up 11.2 percent versus 2012

"Despite consumer uneasiness early in the month, real demand remains strong across the Honda brand and we remain on track to achieve number one retail sales this year for our core models: Civic, Accord, CR-V and Odyssey," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda. "With the all-new Accord Hybrid arriving at dealerships this week and a significantly updated Civic coming later in the year, we anticipate sales will continue to be hot even as the weather cools down heading into winter."

Acura

• Acura posted October sales of 14,296, an increase of 17.5 percent compared to last October with Acura light trucks recording their best October since 2007
• MDX sales set an October monthly record with 5,608 units, up 48.7 percent compared to last October
• RDX also set an October record with sales of 3,333, up 25.3 percent compared to last year
• RLX posted its best sales month since its release in March

"The poise and power of Acura's line of light trucks continues to win over an ever-increasing number of discerning SUV customers," said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura sales. "With MDX recording its best October since 2004 and RDX continuing to set sales records month over month, Acura has the strongest one two punch in the industry."

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 27 days for October 2013 and 26 days for October 2012. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 256 days for 2013 and 255 days for 2012. All other percentages in release are unadjusted; see table for adjusted DSR figures.

2014 Honda Pilot Pricing

Honda's award-winning Family SUV has a 25-MPG fuel economy rating (2WD), three-row, eight-passenger seating, a 4500-lb towing capacity (4WD) and a top safety rating

 Designed as the "Ultimate Family Adventure Vehicle" and boasting the highest EPA-rated fuel economy any eight-passenger family SUV, the award-winning Honda Pilot is back for 2014 and goes on sale today with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $29,6701. The Pilot combines an EPA-rated highway fuel economy2 of 25 mpg (2WD models), a high degree of practicality with its versatile and functional cabin, a choice of 2- or 4-wheel drive, and up to 4,500 pounds towing capability3 (4WD models), and a fun-to-drive character. Together with Honda's trademark quality, safety and low cost of ownership, the 2014 Pilot is an ideal transportation solution for families with varied and active lifestyles.

The 2014 Pilot is available in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L (leather) and Touring. A Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System�4 and a Rear Entertainment System are available on the EX-L model and standard on the Touring model. The Pilot is powered by a refined 250-horsepower5 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine, and is available in both 2- and 4-wheel-drive configurations.

TRIM	MSRP1	EPA Fuel Economy2 (city/highway/combined)
Pilot LX 2WD	$29,670	18/25/21
Pilot EX 2WD	$31,920	18/25/21
Pilot EX-L 2WD with RES	$36,770	18/25/21
Pilot EX-L 2WD with Navi	$37,170	18/25/21
Pilot Touring 2WD with RES and Navi	$39,820	18/25/21
Pilot LX 4WD	$31,270	17/24/20
Pilot EX 4WD	$33,520	17/24/20
Pilot EX-L 4WD	$36,770	17/24/20
Pilot EX-L 4WD with RES	$38,370	17/24/20
Pilot EX-L 4WD with Navi	$38,770	17/24/20
Pilot Touring 4WD with RES and Navi	$41,420	17/24/20

Fuel-Efficient V-6 Power
The Pilot's advanced 24-valve all-aluminum V-6 engine offers numerous friction-reduction technologies, "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control� (i-VTEC�) and Variable Cylinder Management� (VCM�). The VCM system allows the V-6 engine to operate in 6-cylinder mode for maximum power and in either 4-cylinder or 3-cylinder mode for increased efficiency. The Pilot's EPA fuel economy2 ratings give the 2014 Pilot 2WD the highest fuel economy rating of any eight-passenger SUV and the Pilot 4WD the highest fuel economy rating (highway) for any mid-size 4WD SUV. In addition, the Pilot meets the stringent ULEV-2 (Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle)6 emissions rating of the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

A standard 5-speed automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to help maintain the most appropriate gear when climbing or descending steep grades, helping minimize gear "hunting." The available Variable Torque Management� (VTM-4�) system on Pilot 4WD models adds fully automatic 4-wheel-drive capability, and features a "lock mode" that can deliver the maximum-possible torque transfer to the rear wheels to aid extraction from extremely low traction or stuck conditions.

Functional Exterior Styling
Bold and expressive, practical and elegant, the 2014 Pilot presents its own unique blend of function and style. The Pilot's grille and front fascia feature a distinctive 3-bar horizontal design, while multi-reflector halogen headlights and integrated turn signals contribute to the premium look. Pilot LX models are equipped with 17-inch styled-steel wheels, while Pilot EX and above models have 5-spoke, 18-inch aluminum wheels. Touring models feature an exclusive 6-spoke alloy wheel design with a high-contrast machined surface.

Eighteen cubic-feet of cargo space behind the third row seats matches or exceeds the trunk space of a typical large sedan. For maximum cargo space, the second and third rows fold flat to provide 87.0 cubic-feet of total cargo space and sufficient width for carrying 4-foot-wide items such a sheets of plywood or drywall. The cargo area also has a hidden storage well that provides 2.8 cubic-feet of additional space. The tailgate (power operated on EX-L and Touring models) features a lift-up glass hatch for convenient access to the rearmost cargo area.

Comprehensive Interior Features
Sophisticated design, high-quality materials, advanced electronic features, and low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers in all three rows. The roomy accommodations include 16 different seating configurations for the 60/40 split-folding second- and third-row seats.

All Pilot models come equipped with a high-resolution 8-inch intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with rearview camera display (multi-angle on EX-L Navi and Touring), iPod album artwork display, and user-loadable wallpaper function, plus Bluetooth� HandsFreeLink�, Bluetooth� Audio, USB connection and automatic climate controls. The Pilot EX and EX-L models include a 2GB CD Library (CD-L), while Pilot EX and above models also include a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and tri-zone automatic climate control.

The available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System�4 offers 60 GB of total system memory (including 15 GB allocated for user media) and voice recognition for three languages. Its hard drive can store thousands of minutes of music, which is accessible by simple voice commands using the Song By Voice� feature. And the free FM Traffic feature provides continuous updates on traffic and incidents.

Responsive and Refined Chassis
The Pilot's rigid body structure and fully independent suspension �with MacPherson strut front and multi-link with trailing arm rear � provides the foundation for its responsive, comfortable and stable ride and handling. The 67.7-inch front/67.5-inch rear track improves cornering capability while the 109.2-inch wheelbase facilitates a smooth ride; and a tight turning diameter of 37.9 feet aids maneuverability in tight parking situations.

Numerous advanced chassis features and components directly benefit fuel efficiency, including a variable-displacement power steering pump, low-rolling-resistance tires, and low-drag front ventilated and rear disc brakes. Finely tuned aerodynamics, aerodynamic front strakes, splash shields and inner fenders, and minimal frontal area also contribute to overall fuel efficiency.

Comprehensive Safety
Utilizing Honda's unique Advanced Compatibility Engineering� (ACE�) body structure, the 2013 Pilot was rated as a "TOP SAFETY PICK by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The ACE body helps reduce the amount of crash energy reaching the passenger compartment in a frontal collision and can enhance frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and ride heights.

Active safety features, including anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist� (VSA�), are standard on all models. Passive safety features include 3-row side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, driver's and front passenger's front and side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), and active front head restraints.

Developed and Manufactured in America
The Pilot is produced by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC, in Lincoln, Alabama7. The Pilot was designed, developed and engineered in the U.S. by Honda R&D Americas, Inc. at its R&D centers in Raymond, Ohio, and Torrance, California.

2014 Honda Model Changes and Updates - Future Models

Honda Division is entering a somewhat fallow period for new products, since its four big-volume vehicles -- the Civic, Accord, CR-V and Odyssey -- have recently been redesigned.

But there will be plenty of changes to other models, especially light trucks, as well as variants to those four nameplates. And the Fit subcompact platform will become much more prominent in Honda's North American growth plans.

As vehicle redesigns occur, Honda will install its new-generation Earth Dreams engines, which have direct injection and double-overhead cams. Compared to Honda's current four-cylinder engines, the new design will bring at least a 10 percent fuel economy advantage.

Also, Honda is going big with continuously variable transmissions. Performance models and off-road vehicles will retain geared transmissions, but mainstream street-going cars will feature CVTs. A plant opening in Mexico will add up to 700,000 units of CVT capacity by 2017.

Here is a look at Honda's future product plans:

Fit: The redesigned subcompact coming in the summer of 2014 will be built at Honda's new plant in Celaya, Mexico. Honda will install the Earth Dreams 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 127 hp and 111 pounds-feet of torque, as well as a CVT. Although built locally, expect the new Fit to stick to the global platform.

Fit EV: The next Fit will have a different suspension module for hybrid and EV versions. It likely won't arrive until spring 2016.

Fit crossover: A concept crossover based on the Fit platform, called the Urban SUV, was unveiled at the 2013 Detroit auto show. It is 169.3 inches long, about 9 inches shorter than the Honda CR-V compact crossover. The production version, coming in the summer of 2014, will have the same Earth Dreams engine as the Fit, but could get an added turbocharger for upmarket models. Limited cargo capacity will be counteracted with Fit's fold-flat "Magic Seats" and by stashing the fuel tank under the front seats rather than behind the rear suspension.

Insight: Honda Motor CEO Takanobu Ito is noncommittal about whether Honda will produce a next-generation Insight to go head-to-head with the Toyota Prius. But Honda recently unveiled its next-generation single-motor IMA hybrid system with a lithium ion battery. It is connected to an Atkinson-cycle engine and combined with a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. More may be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in November.

Civic: Contrary to press reports, the Civic will not receive an Earth Dreams engine until its redesign in spring 2016.

Civic Hybrid: When the Civic is redesigned, the hybrid version will move from its one-motor IMA system to a two-motor system that allows extensive electric-only driving. One motor powers the wheels; the other recharges the batteries. It will be a cheaper version of the same system that is in the Accord Hybrid.

CR-Z: The possibility of a gasoline-powered version of the hybrid coupe is being studied for the next generation arriving in summer 2015.

Accord: After being redesigned last fall, a two-motor hybrid version arrives this summer. The hybrid will team a 124-kilowatt electric motor with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine for a projected 49 mpg. Expect the next redesign in the second half of 2017.

Crosstour: Balky styling has hindered customer acceptance. Designers are looking at something more akin to an Audi Allroad for the next generation, arriving in spring 2015.

FCX Clarity: Honda's hydrogen fuel cell vehicle will be redesigned in mid-2015. The vehicle likely will be shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in November. Honda recently signed a technology-sharing deal with General Motors to develop the next-generation fuel cell for 2020, but insisted that there will be no badge engineering.

CR-V: Redesigned for the 2013 model year; the next one is expected in the first half of 2017.

Element: There will be no new Element. The CR-V and Fit-based crossover will fill that space.

Pilot: The wheelbase for the recently redesigned Acura MDX, which was increased by 3 inches, will be carried over to the redesigned Pilot when it arrives this fall. But because the MDX has an expensive suspension system, expect some minor cost-shaving changes to suspension components to hit the Pilot's price point. Sheet metal should move away from the "angry robot" look. It likely will get a 3.5-liter Earth Dreams V-6 that generates around 310 hp and 265 pounds-feet of torque.

Odyssey: A freshened version, with an optional built-in vacuum cleaner, goes on sale this summer.

The next generation arrives in fall 2016 on the Acura MDX platform, although expect a lower-cost suspension -- possibly an air-spring setup -- to hit a lower price point. When redesigned, the Odyssey will receive the 3.5-liter Earth Dreams V-6.

Ridgeline: Honda sources insist the company needs to keep a unibody pickup offering, but its styling, fuel economy and sticker price are arguments against it. The current platform runs until fall 2014, but there are no signs of a replacement.

You can reach Mark Rechtin at mrechtin@crain.com. | Read more: at Autonews