​Honda’s auto plant in East Liberty, Ohio, today started mass production of the all-new 2012 CR-V for shipment to approximately 1,000 Honda dealers across the United States. The popular SUV, completely redesigned for the 2012 model year, will go on-sale nationwide on December 15. The fourth-generation CR-V introduces innovative features for music and SMS texting, an upscale styling direction, a new real time all-wheel-drive system, and greater fuel efficiency. The front-wheel-drive model achieves a 31 mpg estimated highway EPA rating. Located northwest of Columbus in Logan County, Honda’s East Liberty Auto Plant will produce most of the CR-Vs sold in the United States from domestic and globally sourced parts. Honda also will manufacture CR-V models for the North American market at Honda of Canada Mfg. in Alliston, Ontario, and at Honda de Mexico. Honda is targeting sales of the CR-V at about 200,000 units annually. In addition to the finished product, Honda manufactures the CR-V’s engines and automatic transmissions in Ohio, at its engine plant in Anna, and at Honda Transmission Mfg. in Russells Point. The CR-V also is an important product for the more than 60 suppliers in Ohio that produce parts and components for this vehicle. Overall, Honda has approximately 150 suppliers in Ohio that supply parts to its automobile plants in North America, with purchases last year totaling $6.7 billion. The East Liberty Auto Plant started automobile production in 1989 and currently employs approximately 2,500 associates. In addition to the CR-V, the 1.9 million-square-foot plant is the exclusive production site for the Honda Crosstour crossover vehicle. Construction currently is under way at the plant on a 155,000-square-foot expansion for new door and instrument panel sub-assembly lines, and extension of its automobile assembly line. Additionally, construction began this year on an on-site parts consolidation center encompassing 396,000 square feet. More About Honda’s Ohio Operations Since starting auto production in 1982, Honda has produced more than 14 million vehicles at it’s two Ohio auto plants. In addition to its manufacturing operations, Honda has established substantial R&D and engineering operations in Ohio, along with a large regional parts distribution center and other operations that support product development, manufacturing and sales in North America. Among all its operations, Honda directly employs approximately 13,400 Ohioans and tens of thousands more through its suppliers and other business partners. About Honda in North America Honda opened its first auto plant in the U.S. in 1982, in Marysville, Ohio, and today has the capacity to build 1.63 million automobiles at its seven auto plants in North America. In 2010, more than 87 percent of the Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. were built in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Last year, Honda purchased more than $17.5 billion in parts and materials from more than 600 North American suppliers.