Honda of Canada Mfg. Wins J.D. Power Award
Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM) Plant 2 in Alliston, Ontario has been awarded the Bronze plant ranking for North/South America in the 2013 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). Two HCM-built products also received top ranking in their respective segments. The Honda Civic, Canada’s best-selling vehicle for 15 years running, was awarded top marks for initial quality in the Compact Car category. For the second year in a row, the Honda CR-V was chosen tops in the Compact CUV category. Vehicle awards are based on customer surveys following their purchase, while plant awards are based on the least number of manufacturing-related defects or malfunctions per vehicle.
“These results are a validation of the dedication of our Associates,” said Betty Jones, Quality Division Manager for Honda of Canada Mfg. “Our Associates work exceptionally hard to produce the best possible quality for our customers, so it is encouraging to see those efforts reflected in this year’s results. We are particularly thrilled to see Civic win its category because the 2013 Civic has some significant changes from its predecessor.”
Ali Woodley, Quality Leader at Plant 2, noted that taking the customer viewpoint has been key to Plant 2’s success. “We have an unwavering focus on what the customer wants. We listen to our internal and external customers. We address issues quickly and constantly check satisfaction. Ensuring we have ‘zero defects’ is a strong plant focus. Associates are very proud of the quality of our product and want to ensure we continue to meet the number one target!”
Honda and Acura products placed in the top three in seven of the ten segments in which they competed. In addition to the first-place finishes by the Canadian-built Civic and CR-V, the Honda Ridgeline took top spot in the Midsize Pickup class and the Acura TL was best in class in the Compact Premium Car category.
Honda of Canada Mfg. began operations in 1986 at its Plant 1 site, opened its Plant 2 facility in 1998 and began engine production in the fall of 2008. HCM Plant 2 has the capability to produce the Honda Civic Sedan and the Honda CR-V sport utility vehicle. HCM Plant 1 produces both Honda Civic coupe and sedan. Of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada in 2012, 70 per cent were produced at HCM.