Honda confirmed that its next-generation Ridgeline pickup will be produced in the U.S. after a temporary production stoppage later this year at its Alabama plant. This decision comes amid concerns that the current model does not meet California emissions regulations.
The production halt is expected to last until around 2028, with the aim of improving the vehicle's capabilities to attract a broader customer base. Currently, Ridgeline sales have decreased by about 3% in the first half of the year, with annual sales ranging between 41,000 and 52,000 units since 2021, significantly lower than the Toyota Tacoma's sales of over 270,000 units in 2025.
Lance Woelfer, vice president of auto sales at American Honda Motor, emphasized the importance of maintaining loyalty among existing Ridgeline customers while hinting at potential enhancements in the vehicle's ruggedness. However, he refrained from confirming whether these improvements would involve a shift to a more traditional truck assembly method.
This strategic move comes as Honda's CR-V compact crossover has led U.S. auto sales for the first time, with a 6% increase in sales compared to the previous year, contrasting with production challenges faced by competitors like Ford and Toyota