Honda teases new American-built midsize pickup truck
Honda has confirmed a temporary production pause for its Ridgeline pickup truck at its Alabama plant to prepare for a next-generation model. The company aims to introduce a more rugged version of the midsize truck by 2028 to better compete in the U.S. market.
Why it matters
The move reflects Honda's strategy to revitalize its truck lineup and address declining sales in a highly competitive segment dominated by rivals like the Toyota Tacoma.
Honda Motor on Thursday confirmed a next-generation model of its Ridgeline pickup truck will be produced in the U.S. following a temporary production stoppage later this year.
The future of the midsize pickup truck has been in flux amid reports that there could be a production pause coming due to the vehicle not meeting California emissions regulations.
The Japanese automaker on Thursday said there will be a temporary production stoppage for the pickup truck later this year at the Alabama plant that produces the vehicle, with assembly returning to the facility within two years, likely in 2028.
"The goal is to continue to serve those customers who've been loyal to the Ridgeline," Lance Woelfer, vice president of auto sales at American Honda Motor, told CNBC. "But one of the things that we want to bring forward in the future is increased ruggedness of that vehicle, even more capability."
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