Honda has announced that it will invest £200 million into its flagship manufacturing centre in Swindon, making the UK the global production hub for the next generation Civic five-door. The funding will help Honda implement new, advanced production technologies and processes and safeguard thousands of UK jobs.
Swindon will be the centre for production of the Honda Civic, which will be exported to a number of key global markets including Europe and the USA.
Jason Smith, Director of Honda of the UK Manufacturing, said, “By establishing HUM as a global production facility for the Civic five-door, Honda is demonstrating its long-term commitment to manufacturing in the UK and Europe. This is incredibly important for HUM and is a reward for the commitment and effort put in by Honda Associates in recent years. “As a global production facility for the Civic five door model we look forward to making the most of the opportunity to export this model not only to our European customers, but also, to key global markets.”
Since Honda’s Swindon facility opened in 1989, the manufacturer has invested £2.2 billion. Originally producing engines, the site’s first car line opened in 1992. In 2014 it produced 119,995 cars and 118,638 engines.
Honda’s was the third major investment by a UK automotive manufacturer in just six days, with earlier funding announcements by Jaguar Land Rover and Geely bringing the total to more than £1 billion.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said, “It has been a fantastic week for UK automotive, with more than £1 billion earmarked by vehicle manufacturers for new model production that will drive further growth for the sector. Honda’s decision to build its next generation Honda Civic, a global car in an important and growing segment, here in the UK caps off a record six days – the first time three manufacturers have announced nine-figure investments over such a short period of time.”
