Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda in China, has announced that GAC Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. (GAC Honda), a joint venture for automobile production and sales in China, has commenced operations at its newly-constructed plant dedicated to new energy vehicle (NEV) production. The facility, named the Development District NEV Factory, is situated in the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development District in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.
The Development District NEV Factory incorporates state-of-the-art production equipment, enabling a highly efficient, smart, and low-carbon manufacturing system. In a groundbreaking move, the stamping and welding processes have fully automated parts logistics, completely eliminating the need for logistics personnel. Additionally, AI-driven welding strength inspections have been introduced—a first for any Honda facility globally. The assembly line boasts approximately 30% automation, creating a highly efficient production process.
To enhance its environmental responsibility, the plant will feature solar power systems capable of generating 22 megawatts. This renewable energy initiative is expected to cut annual CO2 emissions by approximately 13,000 tons(1). The factory will further minimize its environmental footprint by employing newly developed low-VOC(2) paints and integrating equipment designed to treat 100% of toxic substances in wastewater. VOC emissions from the plant are projected to be over 70%(3) lower than the standard limit set by Guangdong Province, significantly reducing air pollution.
Key Features of the GAC Honda Development District NEV Factory:
- Carbon Efficiency: Installation of solar power systems generating 22 megawatts, reducing annual CO2 emissions by approximately 13,000 tons(1).
- Smart Manufacturing: AI-based welding inspections and 30% automation in assembly processes for enhanced production efficiency.
- Environmental Innovation: Use of low-VOC paints and advanced wastewater treatment systems to meet stringent environmental standards.
Honda has committed to achieving global carbon neutrality across all its products and corporate activities by 2050. In China, Honda plans to introduce 10 Honda-brand EV models by 2027, expanding on the success of the e:N Series launched in 2022 and the upcoming Ye Series, set to debut by March 31, 2025. These efforts align with Honda’s goal to achieve 100% EV sales in China by 2035.
GAC Honda Automobile Co., Ltd.
| Established: | July 1998 |
| Capital investment: | 541 million USD |
| Capitalization ratio: | 40% Honda Motor Co., Ltd.10% Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd.50% Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group) |
| Location: | Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China |
| President: | Katsuhide Moriyama |
| Employment: | Approximately 9,500 associates (as of December 2024) |
| Production capacity: | HuangPu Plant (No.1) Approximately 240,000 unitsZengCheng Plant (No.2) Approximately 240,000 unitsZengCheng Plant (No.3) Approximately 240,000 units |
About GAC Honda Development District NEV Factory
| Location: | Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China |
| Production capacity: | Approximately 120,000 units/year |
| Production models: | e:NP2, Ye Series (plan) |
| Employment: | Approximately 700 associates (as of December 2024) |
| Investment amount: | Approximately 3.49 billion R.M.B. |
