The 2018 Honda Accord has gone into production at the company’s plant in Marysville, Ohio.

Thanks to an investment of $267 (€223) million, the plant has been equipped with a new welding department which is now home to 342 robots. Honda also invested in new production techniques including a laser brazing process for the roof and the use of structural adhesives for improved body rigidity. Elsewhere, the plant applies an acoustic spray foam which helps to reduce road noise in the cabin.

Unveiled earlier this year, the 2018 Accord seeks to build on the success of its predecessor with a bold new design that has proved controversial. The cabin is a different story as designers used high quality materials and added a soft-touch instrument panel as well as improved seats which offer better support.

When the sedan arrives at dealerships later this year, the entry-level engine will be a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that develops 192 hp (143 kW) and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm) of torque. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder will also be available and it rewards buyers with 252 hp (187 kW) and 273 lb-ft (369 Nm) of torque.

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