News In Brief

Honda plans big expansion of its auto plant in Ohio

The Honda Motor Company announced plans for the expansion and automation of its US auto and motorcycle production facilities which could give it the largest Japanese car sales in America.

Honda will spend $240 million this year to automate its car factory in Marysville, Ohio, while doubling the plant's work force. The automaker hopes the move will increase the plant's annual production rate from 55,000 to 150,000 units by May, Honda president Tadashi Kume told a news conference Tuesday.

The plant, which opened in 1982, currently produces only the four-door, 1,800 -cc Accord sedan.