Honda and GAC strengthen their partnership in China with a new ‘green’ factory.
Honda has strengthened its commitment to sustainable automotive manufacturing with the launch of a cutting-edge electric vehicle production facility in Guangzhou, China. The Development District NEV Factory, operated by GAC Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., represents a significant advancement in smart and environmentally conscious vehicle production.
Located in the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development District, the state-of-the-art facility showcases Honda’s dedication to innovative manufacturing processes. The plant incorporates advanced automation and artificial intelligence technologies, setting new standards for efficiency in automotive production. Most notably, the facility has achieved complete automation of parts logistics in its stamping and welding processes, eliminating the need for logistics personnel.
The plant marks a technological milestone for Honda by introducing AI-based welding strength inspection, a first for the company’s global manufacturing operations. The assembly process demonstrates remarkable efficiency, with approximately 30% of operations being fully automated, significantly streamlining production capabilities.
Environmental sustainability stands at the forefront of the facility’s design. The plant will feature extensive solar power systems generating 22 megawatts of renewable energy, projected to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 13,000 tons. GAC Honda has also implemented sophisticated environmental protection measures, including the use of innovative low-VOC paints and advanced wastewater treatment systems capable of processing all toxic substances from factory effluent.
The facility’s environmental initiatives align with regional regulations while exceeding them significantly. GAC Honda aims to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by more than 70% compared to Guangdong Province’s standard limits, demonstrating their commitment to minimizing air pollution.
This new facility plays a crucial role in Honda’s global environmental strategy, supporting their ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality across all products and corporate activities by 2050. In the Chinese market specifically, Honda has outlined aggressive electric vehicle deployment plans, announcing the introduction of 10 new Honda-brand EVs by 2027. This lineup will include additions to the e:N Series, which may come to Malaysia next year and the upcoming Ye Series, scheduled for release in China soon.
The investment in this advanced manufacturing facility underscores Honda’s bold vision for the Chinese automotive market, where the company aims to transition to 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035. This strategic move positions Honda at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution in the world’s largest automotive market while demonstrating their commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.
