- South Carolina Manufacturing marks nearly 28 years of powersports production
- Flagship multipurpose side-by-side features throttle-by-wire technology
During an April 24 ceremony at South Carolina Manufacturing (SCM), American Honda celebrated the start of production for the recently announced 2026 Pioneer 1000 Deluxe multipurpose side-by-side. Approximately 700 associates were on hand, including leadership from the production plant and the Alpharetta, Georgia, Power Sports & Products business-unit headquarters.
Available in three-seat and five-seat configurations, this latest Pioneer 1000 Deluxe features comprehensive updates, highlighted by the adoption of throttle-by-wire technology that delivers enhanced control in both work and recreational settings. Proven Honda technologies remain at the core of the platform, including an automatic Dual Clutch Transmission. Backed by Honda’s legendary quality and reliability, the Pioneer 1000 Deluxe is proudly made in the USA. In addition to production in Timmonsville, South Carolina, using domestic and globally sourced parts, the model is planned in Georgia and developed in Ohio.
This month, Honda celebrated the start of production for the 2026 Pioneer 1000 Deluxe at South Carolina Manufacturing in Timmonsville
To commemorate the milestone, SCM associates gathered to hear remarks from Honda Power Sports & Products leaders. Afterwards, a Pioneer 1000 Deluxe was displayed in SCM’s cafeteria, where associates signed a commemorative banner and enjoyed a team meal.
“Today is a proud moment for South Carolina Manufacturing, for our Powersports business and, most importantly, for the associates who made this day possible,” said Travis Lee, SCM Site Lead. “The product we are celebrating today represents the next chapter of our side-by-side business, and once again that chapter is being written right here in Timmonsville.”
SCM associates have played a critical role in Honda’s global Powersports business since launching the Honda Foreman 400 all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in 1998. The plant later added ATV engine production and the AquaTrax™ personal watercraft, before beginning side-by-side vehicle production in 2013.
“We are not just building products here … we are setting the standard for quality, safety and execution that customers around the world expect from Honda,” Lee continued. “That happens because of the dedication of our associates across all our teams, and every support function that touched this vehicle. Launching a new model takes discipline … it takes collaboration … and it takes pride in doing things the right way, every day. The Pioneer 1000 Deluxe reflects all that effort.”
Today, SCM boasts an 850,000-square-foot facility, employs more than 1,000 associates and serves as the exclusive global production home of Honda side-by-side vehicles, including the Pioneer multipurpose series and Talon sport models. Over the past quarter century, SCM has invested more than $460 million in its operations, and its associates have produced nearly 3.9 million powersports products.
The Pioneer 1000 Deluxe is expected in Honda Powersports dealerships in May.
About Honda Powersports
Honda began motorcycle sales in America in 1959, and today, offers a full range of Honda motorcycles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-sides in the U.S. Innovative technology always has been a Honda trademark, showcasing pioneering engine and chassis design that has set the standard for excellence for more than 65 years. Honda also has announced plans for battery-electric powersports products. Honda Powersports products have been built in America for 45 years and today, all Honda side-by-sides and ATVs are made in America at Honda manufacturing plants in Timmonsville, S.C. and Swepsonville, N.C., using domestic and globally made parts. Learn more at https://powersports.honda.com.
