The MDX is a mid-sized, three row SUV made by Japanese automaker Honda under its Acura luxury nameplate.
It comes standard with a lengthy list of standard tech features, has plenty of cargo space and a sweet sounding V6 engine.
If you’re researching the MDX you might be wondering where they are manufactured.
We’ll cover that in this article, read on to find out…
Table of Contents
Where Are Acura MDXs Being Made?
The Acura MDX is built at Honda’s East Liberty Plant in Anna, Ohio in the United States using domestic and globally sourced parts. This is the only plant in the world where the MDX is manufactured, previously it has been produced in Lincoln Alabama and also Ontario in Canada.
The first and second generation of MDX were made at the Honda of Canada Manufacturing (HCM) plants in Alliston, Canada, this included model years from 2001 – 2013.
For the third generation of MDX, production was moved to Honda’s manufacturing plant in Lincoln Alabama.
At one stage the MDX was being produced simultaneously in both Alabama and Ohio however from the fall of 2017, the MDX has been built exclusively at the East Liberty Plant in Anna, Ohio
East Liberty Plant facts:
- The East Liberty plant belongs to Honda Automobiles.
- The assembly plant was opened in 1989.
- The plant can be found 45 minutes northwest of Columbus, Ohio.
- East Liberty was the first plant on the North American continent to employ low emission, water-borne paint, and is also the first to use laser welding.
- The plant is around 1.9 million square feet in size.
- East Liberty employs around 2,800 staff members.
- The plant produces around 240,000 vehicles per year.
Are Acura MDXs for the US Market Produced in the US?
All models of the Acura MDX are manufactured in the US at Honda’s East Liberty Plant in Ohio. Since 2017, the East Liberty Plant is the only factory in the world that builds the MDX.
The first models of the MDX were made at Honda’s plants in Alliston Canada however they are all now made exclusively at the East Liberty Plant in Ohio.
Honda invested $85 million into the East Liberty Plant to be able to build the MDX there, this included extending vehcile conveyors and new welding equipment.
The East Liberty plant is a giant complex that is split up into a number of departments, including a shipping and export department.
This department ensures all models are sent to the correct destinations.
You may also be interested in our article: how long do Acura MDX last?
Where Are They Assembled?
The Acura MDX is assembled at the East Liberty plant in Ohio, United States. All MDX models are built and assembled in the same plant before being sent to Acura dealerships.
A section of the 1.9 million square foot factory is dedicated to vehicle assembly.
Assembly is the final step in the manufacturing process.
During this step, all parts which have been sourced domestically and globally, are put together to form the final product.
How Can You Check Where a Specific MDX Was Made?
You can check the exact location of where your Acura MDX was built by using the VIN number.
The VIN number of your MDX can be found in four different locations.
- Driver’s side dashboard
- Driver’s side door jamb
- Sticker on the trunk lid
- Vehicle’s documents and registration papers
You can see the VIN number plate more clearly by looking from the outside through the windshield.
Once you have found the VIN number you can use an online VIN decoder, which will give you all the information regarding your MDX.
You can also decode your VIN manually.
The first letter or number of the VIN will tell you the country of origin.
For example, if the first digit is a 1 or a 5, this means your car was made in the US, if its starts with a 2 its from Canada.
The 11th digit indicates where your vehicle was assembled.
For example, if the digit is an L, then the car was built at the East Liberty plant in Ohio.
Are Japanese-built Acura MDXs Better than US-built Acura MDXs?
All Acura MDX models are built in the US.
Despite being a Japanese owned company, no Acura MDX models are being built in Japan.
Where is the Acura MDX Designed?
The latest 2022 model of the MDX was developed, designed and manufactured by a team of associates in Ohio and California.
According to Acura the latest design of MDX features:
- An all-new light truck platform engineered to deliver premium proportions
- Improved collision protection
- More athletic handling performance
- Exceptional cabin quietness
- Refined ride comfort
Frank Paluch who is the Executive Vice President of Honda America, has been involved in the design process of the MDX since the first generation of the car was manufactured in the year 2000.
Related: 6 Most Common Acura MDX Problems (Explained)
Where Is the Acura MDX Made for the Australian Market?
The Acura MDX is not sold in Australia.
The Acura MDX is better known in Australia as the Honda MDX and despite once being sold in the country, there are no signs of it making a return.
As far as Australia is concerned, right-hand drive production is not anticipated any time soon.
Despite the SUV market booming here and strong sales prospects for the new model, CEO of Honda Asia, Fumihiko Ike has made it clear that there are no plans to bring the MDX back to Australia.
Where Is the Acura MDX Made for the Canadian Market?
The Canadian bound MDX models are built at Honda’s East Liberty Plant in Ohio.
The MDX was previously built in Alliston, Ontario, Canada up until 2013.
Where Is the Acura MDX Made for the UK Market?
The Acura MDX is not sold in the UK and there are currently no plans to build a right hand drive Acura MDX.
The Acura nameplate is not used in the UK, however some models sold in the UK, such as the NSX are re-branded as Honda vehicles.
In the UK you can find a Honda NSX as opposed to a Acura NSX.
The MDX however, is not sold in the UK.
Is Acura Planning to Move Its Production?
At this time Honda is not planning on moving production of the Acura MDX.
The East Liberty Plant in Ohio in recent years has received $85 million in funding to make it the sole producer of the MDX.
With this in mind, it is highly unlikely production will be moving anytime soon.
Is Acura Hiring or Firing in the US?
The best entry route for a career with Acura would likely be through parent company Honda.
Honda are always on the lookout for talented individuals in areas such as:
- R&D
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Sales & Marketing
- Finance
- Administrative
Jobs can also be found with Honda and Acura on popular recruitment sites such as Glassdoor and Indeed.
Is Acura an American Company?
Acura is the luxury division of the Japanese automaker Honda. As such, they are a Japanese company with headquarters in Tokyo.
Acura can easily be mistaken for an American company, with most vehicles being produced and sold in the United States.
The company was founded by Soichiro Honda, who is also the founder of Honda.
The company was launched in the US and Canada in 1986, and has seen hug success in the North American market.
Related: 22 Best & Worst Acura MDX Years (With Facts & Stats)
Resources
You may also be interested in our article: how long do Lexus RX last?
Sources
Honda upgrades East Liberty plant to handle Acura RDX – Columbus Business First (bizjournals.com)
https://enginepatrol.com/how-long-acura-rdx-last/
https://enginepatrol.com/acura-rdx-snow-winter-driving/
https://www.motor1.com/news/147282/acura-mdx-ohio-production-annoucement/
https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/new-acura-mdx-revealed-127714/
