Greensburg, Indiana (WDRB News) -- It is Acura's first ever hybrid model, and it is now being manufactured in central Indiana.
The Greensburg, Indiana Honda plant has been the home of the Honda Civic since 2008. Now the plant has added the brand new Acura ILX to its production line.
The ILX is Honda's entry-level luxury car for its luxury brand Acura. The new model comes with both gasoline, and gas-electric hybrid options.
So the giant plant, built in the cornfields surrounding Greensburg, now produces two models.
"Back in October of last year, we expanded to two shifts of production," says the vice president of Honda Manufacturing, Bob Nelson, "and this gives us a good balance with two models to balance that production."
For the plant's 2,000 workers, adding a second model should mean a little bit more job security.
"It is definitely a good job, it is exciting to have a plant around this area," says Taylor Schaible, who works in paint production at the plant.
Adds Adam Shelton, "It gives us a lot to do, and at the same time we love seeing the end result when we get it all done."
Each model that rolls off the assembly line contains about 900 parts from suppliers, many of them in Indiana but also from surrounding states including Kentucky.
"Few things are more rewarding than seeing a company grow at a time when we most need jobs," Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman told the workers gathered at the end of the assembly line to celebrate the production of the ILX.
The new ILX is based on elements of the civic, but has an upgraded interior, a better ride and reduced noise levels.
"This car is actually for buyers of any age," says Jeff Conrad, a vice president of Acura, "who crave entry into the luxury segment, we do certainly hope to attract younger buyers to the Acura brand.
Price of the new model starts at around $27,000.
It will be showrooms starting May 22nd.
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