OVERVIEW
The new TL is assembled exclusively in Ohio for markets worldwide. It
is sold in the United States, Canada, Japan and other Asian
countries. The vast majority of the TL's component parts are sourced
and manufactured in the United States. Local suppliers were brought
in on the project as early as possible to ensure the highest quality
from the very beginning of mass production.
U.S.-JAPAN COLLABORATION
As part of Acura's ongoing effort to design and produce products
where they will be sold, the move to produce the TL in Ohio was part
of a natural progression. The TL is an international effort,
combining Acura's resources in Japan with those of the Acura/American
Honda product planning offices in Torrance, California, styling and
engineering facilities completed at Honda R&D Americas&emdash;Los
Angeles and Ohio, the Anna engine plant and the Marysville, Ohio auto
assembly plant.
LOCAL CONTENT
With a local content of approximately 98 percent, the TL is
classified as a domestic car by the EPA.
SUPPLIER INVOLVEMENT
With Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc. (HAM), already drawing on
408 different suppliers to support its manufacturing activities of
Honda and Acura products, the TL pushes that total to a new high of
414 suppliers.
MANUFACTURING QUALITY DEVELOPMENT
In preparation for eventual production of the TL, manufacturing
personnel reviewed competitive models and the 1997 production
start-up of the Acura 2.3CL coupe. An extensive internal quality
review of the Acura 3.5RL and previous-generation TL was also
undertaken. With quality targets locked in, work was begun to ensure
that the goals could be reliably met during the assembly process. Key
areas targeted for new standards of excellence were:
- Increased body accuracy
- Paint appearance
- Part fit and finish
ANNA ENGINE PLANT
Since producing its first engine in 1985, the Anna Engine Plant (AEP)
has ramped up to a total production of 900,000 engines and related
components per year. With 2700 associates and a total investment in
facilities of $907 million, the Anna plant achieved a pace of 1000
V-6 engines per day for model year 1999. To provide the manufacturing
capacity required for the TL, the factory's complement of 3500-ton
casting machines was increased to four, and new manufacturing
technologies and equipment were put in place for the TL's crankshaft
and braking system.
MARYSVILLE AUTO PLANT
With a start of production dating back to 1982, a total investment of
$1.8 billion and more than 5800 associates, the Marysville Auto Plant
(MAP) has attained a new quality standard with the production of the
TL. Capable of producing a total of 1800 cars per day, MAP's flexible
manufacturing environment allows seamless production of the TL on the
same line as the Honda Accord despite vast differences between the
two vehicles.
A variety of new manufacturing technologies are required to build the new TL:
- New fluid-control paint system
- New acid etch clear-coat paint system
- Laser welding of inner door panels
- Instrument panel modularization to increase consistency
- Enhanced vehicle quality department