TOKYO, Japan - Alabama Gov. Bob Riley met with Honda’s global president, Takeo Fukui, in Tokyo on Oct. 17. Gov. Riley met with Mr. Fukui at Honda headquarters in Tokyo and discussed Honda’s growing investment in Alabama as well as the global automotive market.
Honda employs 4,500 associates at its vehicle and engine operations in Lincoln, Ala. Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC (HMA) produces the Odyssey minivan, Honda Pilot SUV and V-6 engines on its two assembly lines. The automaker has invested $1.27 billion in Alabama and now has the annual capacity to produce more than 300,000 vehicles and engines.
Gov. Riley is participating in the 2005 Southeast U.S.-Japan Association meeting in Tokyo, Oct. 16-18.
A group of Alabama officials have joined the Alabama governor, including HMA Senior Vice President Rick Schostek.
Others include Neal Wade, director of the Alabama Development Office; Calvin Miller, executive director of the Talladega County Economic Development Authority; Ted vonCannon, executive director of Birmingham Metropolitan Development Board; and Chris Bell, vice president of economic and community development for Alabama Power Company; Stan Bateman, chairman of the St. Clair County Commission; and Ed Gardner, former executive director of the St. Clair Economic Development Authority.
About SEUS-Japan Association
Established in December 1975, the Japan-U.S. Southeast Association promotes trade, investment, understanding and friendship between Japan and the seven states of the southeast U.S. : Alabama , Florida , Georgia , North Carolina , South Carolina , Tennessee and Virginia.
The vitality of the Association is made clear by the 29 annual joint meetings that have been held since its launch, with meetings alternating between the southeast U.S. and Japan. Meetings provide opportunities to renew old friendships and forge new ones, and always attract over 500 participants from both the SEUS states and Japan , including private and public sector representatives, and state governors of the seven southeast states.
The 2006 Conference is scheduled for Oct. 22-24 in Orlando, Fla.