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South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley joined more than 900 associates and guests at Honda of South Carolina Mfg., Inc. (HSC) today to celebrate the production start-up of the all-new line of Honda's next generation side-by-side (multi-utility vehicle), the 2014 Pioneer™. HSC is investing $27 million in the Timmonsville plant over the next four years and has added more than 65 new jobs for side-by-side production, which HSC is manufacturing for the first time.

"Today, we celebrate a new South Carolina-made vehicle, powered by the passion and the pride of all Honda associates who are committed to exceeding the expectations of our Honda Powersports customers," said Brian Newman, president of HSC.

In addition to being manufactured in South Carolina, Newman said the new Pioneer was designed and engineered by Honda's R&D operations in the U.S.

In addition to the production start-up for the new side-by-side product line, HSC is celebrating its 15th Anniversary (July 1, 2013) of producing Honda powersports products.  To commemorate this company milestone, HSC is donating $100,000 to Francis Marion University to assist in the development of a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Program which will begin in the spring of 2014.

HSC began production of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in July 1998 with a workforce of approximately 200 associates. The initial $30 million, 200,000 square foot ATV manufacturing plant was the beginning of Honda of South Carolina's significant growth in Florence County. In fall 2000, operations expanded to add engine production to the plant.  Now, a 535,000 square foot facility employing 650 associates with a cumulative investment of $308 million, HSC has produced* nine different ATV models since its start in 1998, including the FourTrax and SporTrax series, and seven different engines.

"The university is grateful to Honda of South Carolina for their generous support of our new Industrial Engineering program," said Fred Carter, president of Francis Marion University. "Over the last fifteen years, Honda has been a very supportive corporate friend and partner. Their latest gift is yet another example of their commitment to Francis Marion and the Pee Dee area. Their benevolence continues to make a significant difference in the lives of our students."

"We congratulate Honda of South Carolina in their new Honda side-by-side production accomplishment," said Gov. Nikki Haley. "We are also excited that Honda has chosen to create more jobs in Timmonsville and bring a more than $27 Million investment opportunity to the state of South Carolina. When a world-class company like Honda increases its footprint in the Pee Dee region, it shows that South Carolina is a great place to do business."

About the Honda Pioneer™

The 2014 Honda Pioneer™ models set the standard as the ultimate in hard-working, hard-playing side-by-sides.  Both Pioneer models have been designed to fulfill the needs of those who use a side-by-side for either recreation or utility with quick acceleration, a smooth-riding long-travel suspension and industry-leading safety features. The Pioneer 700 offers all of these features for an incredible value, while the Pioneer 700-4 boasts an innovative convertible design that allows the two rear seats to fold into the bed - a feature that gives it unmatched versatility. These workhorse machines can also be customized through a full line of more than 50 Honda Genuine Accessories/Honda Signature Accessories. Available colors: Honda Phantom Camo, Olive, Red.  Price: TBD.  Availability: September 2013.

*Using domestic and globally sourced parts

About Honda of South Carolina Mfg., Inc.

With the flexibility to produce many powersports products, associates at the Timmonsville plant currently manufacture Honda ATVs for the North American market as well as for export to global markets. HSC also is the exclusive North American production site for all utility models.

Honda also has established R&D and engineering operations in Timmonsville, as well as Honda's export handling operations in South Carolina, and a parts consolidation center and other operations that support product development, manufacturing and sales in North America. 

About Honda Operations in North America

Honda operates 14 manufacturing facilities in North America that produce a wide range of products, including automobiles, light trucks, engines and automatic transmissions, as well as all-terrain vehicles and power equipment products such as lawn mowers, mini-tillers, and general-purpose engines.  Honda also operates major research and development centers in the U.S. that fully design, develop and engineer many of the products produced in North America, including ATVs and side-by-sides.

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Connect to Honda:
Honda Powersports: http://powersports.honda.com/2014/pioneer-700.aspx
Honda of South Carolina Mfg., Inc : www.hondaofsouthcarolina.com
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (for media only): http://www.hondanews.com
Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda in America: https://hondainamerica.com
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Honda Web Site: http://www.honda.com

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