About 1,200 HMA workers and associates welcome the first 2011 Odyssey off the assembly line after revamping it to include features that make it “the ultimate in family transportation.”
The first Odyssey to come off the assembly line was met by HMA President Nobu Sanui, media representatives, and about 1,200 HMA associates.
“I’ve seen several (models) over the years, but this one impresses me the most, from the quality of it to the overall looks,” said Allen Kearley, a B-shift torque worker who has been at HMA for nine years.
Kearley was one of many workers who celebrated the new and improved version of what has been the bestselling minivan in America for two years running.
The redesigned 2011 Odyssey has several new features, which include a “lightning bolt” design that not only gives the Odyssey a sleeker appearance but also gives passengers in the third row a better view without being too cramped.
“A lot of times the people in the third row are treated like second-class citizens,” said Art St.Cyr, chief engineer for the 2011 Odyssey at Honda R&D in Raymond, Ohio.
“It’s going to be great to see this game-changer on the road, especially knowing it was made here at HMA.”
The new minivan also has six inches more of leg room for adults, and numerous features that make it both a “kid-hauler” and a “cargo-hauler,” St.Cyr said. Three child seats can fit in the second row of this fourth-generation Odyssey.
One of the several major themes for revamping the Odyssey was the importance of appealing to younger families and giving them everything they would need in one minivan, and also improving on class performance. The new Odyssey gets 19 city miles and 28 highway miles to the gallon.
“This vehicle, from the way it looks, will be a success and they will sell a lot of them,” said Calvin Miller, executive director for the Talladega County Economic Development Authority.
“In 2008 and 2009, when there weren’t a lot of cars being sold, HMA kept people working and weren’t laying off (workers).”
Associates went to four-day work weeks once the recession hit but are now working overtime thanks in part to the 2011 Odyssey.
“We make 550 a day, 275 a shift,” said Reginald Scott, one of the first 17 employees hired at HMA. “I’ve been here from the beginning.”
A and B shift teams worked hard to make the line-off celebration possible. The A shift works 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the B shift 4:30 p.m. to about 1 a.m.
“It’s a complicated vehicle but together we have made it easy to build,” said Carol Curtis, an AF1 trainer.
Jason Dean, plant project lead and a graduate of Munford High School, had the opportunity to drive the Odyssey off the assembly line.
“It was an awesome feeling,” said Dean. “This place is so team-oriented so being able to drive off the line is an awesome feeling.”
Dean has been working with his team on equipment, training, and design for the Odyssey.
“(It took) three years to get to today, that’s why I say it’s an exciting feeling.”
For the HMA team, seeing their vision for “the ultimate in family transportation” come to life has been a great accomplishment.
“In about four weeks, our Honda dealers will have this new Odyssey on their showroom floor,” said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda Motor Co. “But I don’t think it will be there for long.”
Contact Aziza Jackson at ajackson@dailyhome.com
Post a Comment
