Honda reached a major U.S. manufacturing milestone on August 6, 2025, when its 500,000th side-by-side rolled off the assembly line at Honda South Carolina Manufacturing in Timmonsville. Appropriately, the milestone vehicle was a Honda Pioneer 1000.
The Timmonsville facility began producing Honda side-by-sides in 2013 and has since become the exclusive global production home for the company’s complete SxS lineup. That includes the multipurpose Honda Pioneer 1000 family and the performance-focused Honda Talon lineup.
Honda’s 500,000th Side-by-Side
Honda associates gathered at the end of the production line as the half-millionth side-by-side—a Pioneer 1000—was driven off the ramp by Glascow Montgomery, a Honda associate with 24 years of experience at the facility.
Montgomery began working in machining at South Carolina Manufacturing in 2001. Although he had lost count of how many side-by-sides he had personally driven off the line, he emphasized that every vehicle receives his full attention during its final checks.
“I want to make sure these units are perfect for our customers,” Montgomery said. “When the unit makes its way to me, I’m listening to the engine, testing the steering wheel and checking the lights—it’s important to me that we do things right.”
Following the lineside celebration, Honda displayed the milestone Pioneer 1000 in the plant cafeteria, where associates signed a commemorative banner.
More Than 27 Years of Honda Powersports Production
Honda opened powersports production at the Timmonsville facility in 1998 with the Foreman 400 ATV. The operation added ATV engine production in 2000, followed by Honda AquaTrax personal watercraft in 2003 and side-by-side manufacturing in 2013.
Over its first 27 years, South Carolina Manufacturing produced more than 3.8 million powersports products. Honda also invested more than $460 million in the operation.
Honda ATV production has since moved to the company’s facility in Swepsonville, North Carolina, while Timmonsville remains dedicated to producing Honda side-by-sides. Honda says its American-made powersports products use domestic and globally sourced parts.
“I’m extremely proud of our team in Timmonsville,” said Travis Lee, South Carolina Manufacturing site lead. “Their work and ongoing commitment and passion for our business and customers are the reason we’ve achieved this impressive milestone and many others over the years.”
Pioneer and Talon Production in South Carolina
The Timmonsville operation produces both sides of Honda’s UTV lineup. Pioneer models are designed for work, recreation and property use, while the Talon family serves sport and performance-oriented riders.
The Pioneer 1000 that marked the 500,000-unit milestone represents Honda’s flagship multipurpose side-by-side platform. Its defining features include a 999cc parallel-twin engine, direct front and rear driveshafts and a six-speed automatic Dual-Clutch Transmission instead of a conventional belt-driven CVT.
Honda later introduced an extensively updated 2026 Pioneer 1000 lineup with throttle-by-wire, selectable drive modes, cruise control and other refinements. The company also celebrated the start of 2026 Pioneer 1000 Deluxe production at the same South Carolina facility.
What Comes Next for Honda Manufacturing?
Honda identified smarter and more efficient manufacturing practices, electrification and continued improvements in durability and versatility among its future priorities for the Timmonsville plant.
The 500,000-unit milestone highlights the importance of Honda’s South Carolina operation, both to the company’s global side-by-side business and to the continued development of the Pioneer and Talon platforms.
Browse the Honda UTV section for more Pioneer and Talon news, reviews, model updates and technical coverage.
