Honda Increasing Ridgeline Pickup Truck Production to Meet Demand

Innovative Cargo Bed Trunk and Swing-Out Tailgate Put Ridgeline into Class of One

Few outside of Honda's inner circle could have predicted the popular Japanese brand's new Ridgeline pickup truck would

Sales of the Honda Ridgeline are exceeding expectations, forcing the automaker to increase production. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

experience such a warm reception, but sales are exceeding expectations forcing the automaker to increase production at its Canadian plant.

Initially, Honda of Canada Manufacturing was to produce 53,000 units for its fiscal year of 2006, divided into 3,000 for Canada, a market which sells far fewer midsize pickup trucks per capita than the U.S., which would take 50,000 in total. Now, the Japanese automaker has increased its daily input of its new Ridgelines, according to a report released by the

Production for the current fiscal year has been increased from 53,000 to 80,000. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Specialty Equipment Manufacturing Association, the automaker is on target to produce 80,000 pickup trucks annually.

The unique truck seems to be carving out a niche among buyers who either wouldn't normally buy into the light truck segment or are looking for something more from the pickups they already own.

What does the Ridgeline offer that conventional pickups don't? First and foremost is a higher level of refinement, from the engineering of its drivetrain, integrated frame and unibody construction and fully-independent suspension components, to its spacious, yet car-like interior.