Honda will begin shipping two American-made vehicles—the Acura Integra Type S and the Honda Passport TrailSport Elite—to Japan starting in the latter half of 2026. This marks the first time Acura will be sold directly in the Japanese market, coinciding with the luxury brand’s 40th anniversary.
Trade Deal Enables Exports
The move comes as a direct result of a trade agreement negotiated under former US President Donald Trump, which opened Japan to American automotive imports. Previously, Japan’s automotive market was heavily protected, favoring domestic manufacturers.
Production and Models
Both the Integra Type S and Passport TrailSport Elite are currently manufactured in the United States: the Integra, including its K20C engine, is built in Ohio, while the Passport and its 3.5-liter V6 engine originate from Honda’s Alabama plant. The TrailSport Elite trim, a high-end variant, carries a starting price of nearly $55,000.
Honda’s Perspective
Jun Jayaraman, a senior executive at Honda of America, stated, “From the onset, Honda has believed in our American manufacturing talent, and we are proud to export quality vehicles built by our associates in Alabama to Honda customers in Japan.” This highlights Honda’s confidence in its US production capabilities.
Sales Context
Sales figures from 2025 show the Integra sold 20,178 units in the US, a 17.3% decrease year-over-year. Meanwhile, the Passport experienced a 70.4% increase with 55,231 units sold, though its late-year release may have contributed to the growth.
Market Outlook
Analysts question whether these exports will significantly impact sales in Japan, given that only two trims are being shipped rather than full model lines. However, this could be an initial step toward broader market penetration. The success of these vehicles will depend on how well they appeal to Japanese consumers and whether Honda expands its export offerings in the future.
The opening of the Japanese market represents a notable shift in trade dynamics, but the long-term implications remain uncertain.
