What's New: June 2026

Honda marks 50 years of the Accord, celebrating a legacy deeply rooted in Marysville. Union County continues to see record housing growth and new development. Autonomous electric trucks are also coming to Marysville, showcasing the region’s leadership in innovation.

June 16, 2026

June 2026

*First Accord ever made at Honda Marysville (1982)

50th Anniversary of Honda Accord

As Honda marks the 50th anniversary of the Accord, the milestone represents far more than the longevity of a single vehicle but it reflects five decades of innovation, reliability, and a profound impact on the American automotive landscape.

The story of the Honda Accord began in June 1976 with a modest 3-door hatchback. At the time, few could have predicted that this compact vehicle would evolve into one of the most successful passenger cars in history. Over the past half century, the Accord has consistently adapted to meeting changing consumer needs while maintaining the core qualities that made it a standout from the start.

Today, the Accord holds the distinction of being America’s best-selling passenger car over the last 50 years which remains a testament to its enduring appeal and the trust it has built with generations of drivers. It has not only defined a segment but has repeatedly elevated expectations across the entire industry.

A defining milestone in the Accord’s legacy occurred when it became the first vehicle produced by a Japanese automaker in the United States. Manufacturing commenced at Honda’s Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio in 1982, signaling a significant shift in the global automotive industry and a new era of domestic production. Since that time, the facility has produced more than 13 million Accords, firmly establishing Ohio as a cornerstone of the model’s long-standing success.

The Accord’s influence on the market remains substantial. It accounts for approximately a quarter of all retail midsize car purchases in the United States, demonstrating its continued dominance in a highly competitive segment. Even in today’s evolving automotive environment, where consumer preferences are shifting and electric vehicles are gaining traction. The Accord remains a trusted and relevant choice.

Affordability has also played a key role in the Accord’s sustained popularity. Notably, the average price of a new 2026 Accord comes below the industry average for a used vehicle, offering exceptional value for buyers seeking reliability, advanced features, and long-term dependability.

Across 11 generations, the Accord has consistently set the benchmark for quality, performance, and innovation. From advancements in safety and fuel efficiency to refined design and driving experience, each iteration has built on the legacy of the last while pushing the industry forward.

As Honda celebrates this 50-year milestone, the Accord stands not only as a symbol of engineering excellence, but also as a reflection of how a single model can shape an industry, support local economies like Marysville, Ohio, and earn the loyalty of millions of drivers worldwide.

More about Honda in America

Honda's Hybrid Strategy

Honda is doubling down on Union County as it reshapes its global automotive strategy, placing a renewed emphasis on hybrid vehicles and positioning the Marysville Auto Plant at the center of that shift.

Following a challenging period that included a $2.6 billion deficits first reported loss since going public in 1957, the company is recalibrating after earlier electric vehicle investments fell short of expectations. As part of this pivot, Honda is repurposing aspects of its EV strategy into a broader hybrid-focused approach, signaling a more balanced path forward.

Marysville and the region stand to benefit significantly. Honda plans to increase production at the Marysville Auto Plant while continuing to leverage its established footprint in Union County as a cornerstone of North American operations. The company has also reiterated that hybrid vehicles will be “key to addressing environmental challenges,” reinforcing their importance in both sustainability goals and market demand.

At the same time, Honda is not abandoning electrification altogether. Beginning in 2026, the Marysville EV hub will produce new “Honda 0 Series” models, including the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon. These next-generation vehicles represent the company’s continued commitment to innovation, even as it recalibrates its broader product strategy.

Looking ahead, Honda aims to return to strong financial performance and achieve record-breaking results by 2029. With expanded hybrid production and continued investment in advanced vehicle platforms, Union County and Marysville remains a critical player in the company’s long-term vision.

Learn About Honda's New Hybrid Strategy

Housing Growth of Union County

Housing growth in Union County continues at a remarkable pace, with strong momentum that shows no signs of slowing. Recent data highlights just how quickly the county is evolving, as new development reshapes the local landscape.

Over the past year alone, from July 2024 to July 2025, Union County added 1,474 housing units which is a 5.5% increase that underscores the strength of the current growth cycle. This recent surge builds on an already impressive trend. Since 2020, the county has welcomed 5,258 new homes, expanding its overall housing inventory by 22.8% and placing Union County 22nd in the nation for total housing growth.

That momentum is not only sustained, but also accelerating. Between July 2024 and July 2025, Union County ranked 4th in the nation for percentage growth in housing units among counties with at least 5,000 units, highlighting its status as one of the fastest-growing areas in the country.

The impact of this growth is visible across the community. New construction is becoming a defining feature of the county’s neighborhoods, so much so that, statistically, one out of every five homes in Union County today is newly built.

Learn About Housing Growth

Autonomous Trucks in Marysville

A major step forward in freight technology is coming to Union County this summer, as autonomous electric trucks begin operating in real-world logistics environments across the Marysville area.

Swedish freight technology company Einride is deploying its SAE Level 4 autonomous trucks to connect EASE Logistics warehouse facilities. Unlike earlier pilot programs limited to controlled environments, this rollout represents a shift toward daily operational use, bringing autonomous freight out of the lab and into active supply chains.

The project is part of the DriveOhio Truck Automation Corridor initiative, led in partnership with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). As part of this effort, two autonomous electric trucks will begin transporting goods between EASE Logistics sites, operating on both private property and local public roads.

These vehicles mark a significant departure from traditional trucking. Fully electric and designed without a cab, the trucks have no onboard driver. Instead, they operate autonomously, navigating routes and responding to real-time conditions. For added safety and oversight, trained personnel monitor each vehicle remotely and are able to intervene if needed.

The deployment is designed as a proof-of-concept to evaluate how autonomous freight technology performs in real-world conditions. Key areas of study include transportation efficiency, roadway safety, and warehouse and logistics operations. By integrating these vehicles into active freight movement, project partners aim to better understand how automation could reshape supply chains and regional logistics networks.

More broadly, the initiative signals a turning point for the industry. Autonomous trucking is no longer confined to testing scenarios because it is beginning to integrate into everyday operations. This transition toward commercialization highlights growing confidence in technology and its potential to improve safety, reduce emissions, and streamline freight movement.

For Union County, the project reinforces its position as a leading testbed for advanced mobility innovation. With ongoing investments in logistics, manufacturing, and transportation infrastructure, the region continues to attract cutting-edge pilot programs that could shape the future of freight and distribution.

As the trucks begin rolling out this summer, local stakeholders, and the broader transportation industry will be watching closely to see how autonomous systems perform in live operational environments and what they could mean for the future of logistics.

Learn About Autonomous Trucks

Driving the Future of Mobility in Union County

Union County will once again take center stage in advanced transportation innovation as the Ohio’s Future of Mobility Conference returns on August 19 at the Automotive & Mobility Innovation Center.

This year’s theme, “From Concept to Connected,” highlights how cutting-edge mobility systems, from autonomous logistics to AI-powered infrastructure are being implemented in real-world environments today.

Hosted in The Beta District, the conference will bring together industry leaders, public partners, and innovators to explore connected transportation systems, advanced air mobility, electrification, and the infrastructure needed to support continued growth.

As one of the Midwest’s leading hubs for smart mobility development, Union County continues to demonstrate how collaboration and innovation are moving ideas from concept to reality.

Click Here to Register

Upcoming Events!

Fairgrounds

Union County Fair

July 26, 2026 – August 1, 2026

Concerts

Ernest – July 25^th