Honda to Sell Two U.S.-Built Models in Japan

Japanese automaker takes advantage of streamlined safety certification for U.S. vehicles.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Honda Motor plans to start selling two U.S.-built models in Japan in the second half of 2026, after the country streamlined safety requirements for U.S.-made cars as agreed in a trade deal last year. The models are the Acura Integra Type S, a sedan produced in Marysville, Ohio, and the Passport TrailSport Elite, a midsized SUV made in Alabama.

Why it matters

This move by Honda highlights the impact of the recent U.S.-Japan trade deal, which lowered tariffs on Japanese autos and simplified safety certification for U.S.-made vehicles. It allows Honda to expand its domestic lineup in Japan with models produced in America.

The details

Under the new program launched by Japan's transport ministry in February, passenger vehicles made and safety-certified in the U.S. can now be sold in Japan without additional testing. This is part of the trade deal agreed upon by the two countries last July, which reduced the U.S. tariff on Japanese autos from 27.5% to 15%. Honda plans to take advantage of this streamlined process to import the Acura Integra Type S and Passport TrailSport Elite to the Japanese market.

  • Honda plans to start selling the two U.S.-built models in Japan in the second half of 2026.
  • Japan's transport ministry launched the new program allowing sales of U.S.-made vehicles in February 2026.
  • The U.S.-Japan trade deal that lowered tariffs and simplified safety certification was agreed upon in July 2025.

The players

Honda Motor

A Japanese multinational corporation that produces automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment.

Japan's Transport Ministry

The government agency responsible for overseeing transportation policies and regulations in Japan.

Acura Integra Type S

A sedan model produced by Honda's luxury brand Acura at a plant in Marysville, Ohio.

Passport TrailSport Elite

A midsized SUV model produced by Honda at a plant in Alabama.

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What’s next

The Japanese government will continue to monitor the implementation of the new program allowing sales of U.S.-made vehicles in the country.

The takeaway

The streamlining of safety requirements and tariff reductions under the U.S.-Japan trade deal have opened up new opportunities for automakers like Honda to expand their product lineups across international markets, benefiting both consumers and the industry.