Alabama automaker reportedly halting pickup truck production ahead of reboot
The pause could last about 18 months, according to reports.
Ethan Parker 
Honda is set to shake up production at its Lincoln, Alabama facility. According to reports, the automaker plans to hit pause on manufacturing the Ridgeline pickup truck later this year to facilitate a major redesign.
A Planned Hiatus
As noted by Automotive News, the production halt is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 and last approximately 18 months. The primary driver for this move is the need to adjust to tougher emissions regulations. Honda intends to emerge from this break in the third quarter of 2028 with a refreshed model featuring styling updates, component revisions, and an upgraded V6 engine.
While the Ridgeline line goes quiet, the Lincoln plant will remain active. Honda plans to shift manufacturing capacity toward building more Passports and Odysseys during the transition period. A Honda spokesperson confirmed the importance of the truck, telling Carscoops that the Ridgeline remains a vital "conquest model" for the brand and will continue to play a key role in their future product lineup.
Shifting Corporate Strategy
This adjustment comes at a challenging financial time for the automaker. Honda recently posted its first annual loss in nearly 70 years, totaling $2.7 billion. Industry analysts have pointed toward a broader cooling of the electric vehicle market as a major factor. Consequently, the company has stepped back from its ambitious goal of a full transition to electric and fuel-cell vehicle sales by 2040 and has shelved a $10.4 billion EV and battery manufacturing plan in Canada.
Honda is now pivoting toward a return to profitability by next March, targeting a $1.7 billion profit. The company's roadmap includes a heavy focus on cost-cutting measures and the introduction of 15 gasoline-electric hybrids by 2030.
Deep Roots in Alabama
The Lincoln plant continues to be a cornerstone of Honda's North American operations. Employing more than 4,500 workers, the 4.9 million-square-foot facility has seen over $3.1 billion in investment since opening in 2001. With an annual capacity exceeding 350,000 vehicles and V6 engines, the plant has already produced more than 6.5 million vehicles, including the Passport, Pilot, Odyssey, Ridgeline, and various TrailSport models.
