Alabama automaker reportedly halting pickup truck production ahead of reboot

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 to pave the way for a significant redesign.

A Planned Hiatus for the Ridgeline

As noted by Automotive News, the production halt is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. The break is expected to last roughly 18 months, with a target to restart production in the third quarter of 2028. Sources indicate the primary catalyst for the change is the need to navigate increasingly strict emissions regulations.

The upcoming redesign is expected to feature updated styling, a variety of component revisions, and a new-and-improved V6 engine specifically engineered to meet tougher standards. During this downtime, the Lincoln plant will pivot its focus, utilizing the available capacity to ramp up production of the Passport and Odyssey models.

Despite the temporary stop, a Honda spokesman emphasized the model's importance to the brand, telling Carscoops that the “Ridgeline remains an important model in our lineup and one of our top conquest models with unique appeal within the industry pickup segment.”

Shifting Gears at Honda

This adjustment comes on the heels of a challenging financial year for the company. Honda recently posted its first annual loss since 1957, totaling $2.7 billion. Analysts have largely attributed the downturn to the broader industry struggle with the transition away from electric vehicles.

In response to these market shifts, Honda is recalibrating its long-term strategy. The automaker is backing away from its goal to fully transition to electric and fuel-cell vehicle sales by 2040 and has halted a $10.4 billion project to build EVs and batteries in Canada. Looking ahead, the company aims to return to profitability by next March, forecasting a $1.7 billion profit through aggressive cost-cutting and a renewed focus on gasoline-electric hybrids, with 15 new models planned by 2030.

Lincoln Plant Remains a Powerhouse

The Lincoln plant continues to be a cornerstone of Honda's North American operations, employing over 4,500 workers. The facility, which has received over $3.1 billion in investments, boasts an annual capacity of more than 350,000 vehicles and engines. Since opening its doors in 2001, the 4.9 million-square-foot plant has manufactured more than 6.5 million vehicles, including the Passport, Pilot, Odyssey, Ridgeline, and various TrailSport editions.