Honda picks Jaxport for CR-V exports

   American Honda Motor Co. has started shipping new CR-Vs manufactured at its plant in East Liberty, Ohio, to the Port of Jacksonville for export to the Middle East, Africa and Puerto Rico, the port authority said.
   After evaluating several ports, Honda selected Jacksonville and auto processor AMPORTS to receive, prep and load the new CR-Vs on car carriers. AMPORTS operates a 141 acre facility at the Blount Island Terminal. Rail service is provided by CSX Transportation.
   AMPORTS handles exports of Honda Accords as well as the new CR-V business. Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics handles Honda exports of Odyssey, Crosstour, and Pilot models through Jacksonville.
   Auto makers in the United States have experienced strong export growth in recent years as they take advantage of excess plant capacity, new free trade agreements and the weak U.S. dollar, according to Cars.com. The growth is expected to continue in the coming years.
   Honda’s export sales from the United States are up significantly during the current fiscal year, the port authority said earlier this month.
   Honda has recently increased CR-V production at its East Liberty plant, and reduced U.S. imports of the vehicle from Japan in response to the increased value of the yen.
   Jacksonville is one of the top ports in the nation for moving inbound and outbound vehicles. — Eric Kulisch