SMMT News

Honda celebrates the start of New Civic production and 500 new jobs

19 December 2011 #SMMT News

Honda has today resumed normal production at its Swindon car plant, to coincide with the first New Civic model rolling off the line at its UK facility. Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM) also announced the creation of 500 new jobs to meet a forecasted production increase in 2012.

Speaking at the Swindon plant today, Honda Motor Europe President, Manabu Nishimae, said Honda remained totally committed to building cars and engines in Europe with Swindon at the heart of Honda’s European manufacturing activities.

Announcing the 500 new jobs, HUM Director, Andy Piatek said that Car Plant 2 would return to a two shift operation in late Spring 2012 creating a need for the new jobs in addition to the current 3,000 Associates. Recruitment has started already through HUM’s manufacturing careers website.

Commenting on Honda’s announcement, Prime Minister David Cameron said, “This is great news and a tremendous boost to the workforce, the car industry and UK manufacturing. Honda is contributing to a real renaissance in the UK automotive industry, we have a highly skilled workforce and we continue to be at the forefront of new technology and development. Its success is of great importance to our economy and we are committed to do all that we can to see this vital industry grow and thrive.”

Business Minister Mark Prisk added, “Today’s announcement of the creation of 500 new jobs on the day that production started on the next generation of the Civic hatchback is a clear demonstration of Honda’s continued commitment to the UK.

“It is a huge vote of confidence in the skills of the Swindon workforce and the current strength of the automotive sector. The decision reinforces the message that the UK remains a great place to manufacture high quality products.”

Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive, added, “Honda’s announcement is excellent news for industry and its Swindon-based work force. This year’s wave of high profile UK investment commitments is great news for the future of the industry, creating and safeguarding thousands of jobs and helping to secure a manufacturing-led recovery.”

In addition to the New Civic and the Jazz model, 2012 will see the mass production launch of the new European CR-V along with the introduction of a small diesel engine, also to be manufactured at Swindon. Production volume of Honda cars for 2012 is forecast to double to 180,000 units.

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