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TIMMONSVILLE, S.C. — Honda of South Carolina rolled out its second new side-by-side all-terrain vehicle Thursday. The Pioneer 500, preceded by the Pioneer 700 less than a year ago, represents a $24 million investment and creates 45 new jobs.
“It’s not just a milestone for Honda South Carolina,” Brian Newman, HSC president, said. “This is the second fully developed new side-by-side product in North America, within 11 months of each other due to the efforts of our development, engineering, sales and purchasing teams.”
Newman also said the Pioneer 500, which took 18 months to develop, is the fastest drawing board-to-production project in Honda Motor history.
“This highly compact, fun and very affordable product is going to light up the industry,” Newman said. “It’s about satisfying the customer and meeting their needs. I think this will do that.”
Mark Kohls, with Honda Research and Development, said the goal was to come up with something unique.
“We didn’t want to follow the trend but make a statement,” Kohls said. “I’m really happy with the turnout. The Pioneer 500 is small, compact and fun. Once you ride it you immediately sense that.”
The 500 carries two passengers. It has a rear carrier and paddle shifters for its five-speed, four-stroke engine. The 475cc engine will be manufactured at the plant.
According to a release, the Pioneer 500 is suited both for off-road adventures or chores on the farm.
At 50 inches wide, the Pioneer 500 can ride on trails with width restrictions and fits in the bed of a full-size pickup truck.
Kohls said he expects the 2015 Pioneer 500 to be released to dealers around mid-July.
S.C. Sen. Hugh K. Leatherman released a statement applauding Honda’s investment in the Florence County plant.
“This launch brings an additional jobs to Florence County, who will be involved in the production of some 24,000 Honda Pioneers annually," Leatherman said. “Honda is demonstrating that we in Florence County are indeed open for business. Thank you, Honda, for your commitment and belief in Florence County and South Carolina.”
The Timmonsville plant has produced all-terrain vehicles for nearly 16 years. Honda said it increased side-by-side production to meet a 35 percent growth in the alll-terrain vehicle market. HSC has the capacity to produce 100 Pioneer 500 daily. HSC currently manufactures nine different all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), intended for a single passenger, and three side-by-side (SxS) models designed to carry multiple passengers.
“It’s not just a milestone for Honda South Carolina,” Brian Newman, HSC president, said. “This is the second fully developed new side-by-side product in North America, within 11 months of each other due to the efforts of our development, engineering, sales and purchasing teams.”
Newman also said the Pioneer 500, which took 18 months to develop, is the fastest drawing board-to-production project in Honda Motor history.
“This highly compact, fun and very affordable product is going to light up the industry,” Newman said. “It’s about satisfying the customer and meeting their needs. I think this will do that.”
Mark Kohls, with Honda Research and Development, said the goal was to come up with something unique.
“We didn’t want to follow the trend but make a statement,” Kohls said. “I’m really happy with the turnout. The Pioneer 500 is small, compact and fun. Once you ride it you immediately sense that.”
The 500 carries two passengers. It has a rear carrier and paddle shifters for its five-speed, four-stroke engine. The 475cc engine will be manufactured at the plant.
According to a release, the Pioneer 500 is suited both for off-road adventures or chores on the farm.
At 50 inches wide, the Pioneer 500 can ride on trails with width restrictions and fits in the bed of a full-size pickup truck.
Kohls said he expects the 2015 Pioneer 500 to be released to dealers around mid-July.
S.C. Sen. Hugh K. Leatherman released a statement applauding Honda’s investment in the Florence County plant.
“This launch brings an additional jobs to Florence County, who will be involved in the production of some 24,000 Honda Pioneers annually," Leatherman said. “Honda is demonstrating that we in Florence County are indeed open for business. Thank you, Honda, for your commitment and belief in Florence County and South Carolina.”
The Timmonsville plant has produced all-terrain vehicles for nearly 16 years. Honda said it increased side-by-side production to meet a 35 percent growth in the alll-terrain vehicle market. HSC has the capacity to produce 100 Pioneer 500 daily. HSC currently manufactures nine different all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), intended for a single passenger, and three side-by-side (SxS) models designed to carry multiple passengers.
