Honda to Launch Acura Models in Japan for First Time: Integra Type S and Passport Hit Home Market

Boosted by last year’s U.S.-Japan trade agreement, Honda will launch its premium Acura brand in the Japanese market for the first time in the second half of this year. Two U.S.-built models—the Acura Integra Type S manufactured in Ohio and the Honda Passport TrailSport Elite produced in Alabama—will arrive at Japanese dealerships, marking the first time since Acura’s inception in 1986 that the brand will be sold in its home market. The Integra Type S is powered by a K20C engine, while the Passport TrailSport Elite is a near-top-trim variant with a starting price of nearly $55,000. Although U.S. sales of the 2025 Integra have declined by 17.3%, Passport sales have surged by 70.4%. Honda stated the move demonstrates its confidence in its U.S. manufacturing teams, though analysts note that initially introducing only select variants may limit the impact on overall sales.