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A bad sign....

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 8:23 am
by RedRacer
The plant where I was employed just rolled out this announcement: (and I have to say, wow...!) In this plan, I would have taken a pay cut as a salaried associate. I'm glad I got out of the auto industry when I did. I may be working a little less, but I'm not losing money.

Lincoln, AL - Honda Manufacturing of Alabama is trimming production. The Lincoln plant will cut 12,000 vehicles and V-6 engines from its production lines though July 31, 2009. To accommodate these changes the plant will shut down operations for 14 days. A company spokesman says most of these days will remain "No Pay, No Penalty" where employees can take the day off without pay and with no attendance penalty, take available paid time off, or attend regularly scheduled shifts where work will be provided. Associates can use a vacation day, on 6 of the 14 days where work will not be an option.

Pay for all salaried associates will be reduced. Hourly pay rates for production associates and most other hourly associates will remain unchanged. Bonus payments to those who qualify will also be reduced.

According to Mark Morrison, Manager of Corporate Affairs and Communication for Honda Manufacturing of Alabama says, "The continued downturn in customer demand for motor vehicles has created a very serious situation for all automakers, including Honda. We continue to carefully manage our business, and we remain confident in Honda's long-term prospects."

Re: A bad sign....

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 10:30 am
by spiffyguido
Yeah, it's very sad. The Honda plants in Canada are cutting back as well, last I heard.

Things will turn around, but like you said, you got out at a good time. No doubt you know people that are going to be very affected by this though.

Re: A bad sign....

Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 1:09 pm
by Edge2lyfe
Just curious Josh, how long did you work for Honda? Also, didn't you used to work at the plant in SC off of I-95?

Re: A bad sign....

Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 2:14 pm
by RedRacer
I worked for Honda Manufacturing of Al for right at 7 years. Then I went to Australia for a short while on a private venture dealing with importing of Honda's into AU for retail. That was fun, but it didn't pan out. It's amazing at how loyal those people are to Ford and Holden. But Honda has done well in AU. And seeing most of the Honda's on the roads there, Civics in particular, it was like constantly being in a Fast and Furious movie. (which, we have tickets to go see the new one tonight)

Yes, I did spend some observation time at the plant in SC in their control engineering area. They are a power sports plant though and the relation of setup to assembly, while similar, are like night and day related to what I would do back at home.

Re: A bad sign....

Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 8:20 pm
by nu2prelude2
Unfortunately, the amount of cars being produced is catching up with the population that demands new cars. That can be both good and bad. Competetion will increase to get market share. That means better quality (which Honda and Toyota are by far the best,) and more "niche' cars. This site is dedicated to what amounts to a "niche" car. Not only is the Prelude a "niche" car but a high quality one at that. Maybe that will mean some unique, well built, economical, well preforming cars in the future are a reasonable price. As I recall, the Prelude was exactly that. If Honda brought back a smaller ultra-light Prelude under $20K with 160+hp, 30+mpg maybe even hybrid and lots of add ons available from Honda like Toyota is doing with the Scion coupes, I bet it would sell. The problem with the Civic SI is it is too pricey and runs on 93 octane. THat turns off economy minded sproty car types who usually end up in Scion Coupes or Honda basic coupes.