2 Million Hondas Plus £80 Million Investment Equals Great News For UK industry
Honda has announced £80 million investment in its Swindon plant. The money will be spent upgrading the paint shop and plastics operation. This financial injection takes the total investment in Swindon to an amazing £1.38 billion. It includes £16 million for casting diesel engine blocks, a process only Honda Japan has undertaken to date.
The announcement comes as the two millionth Honda leaves the Swindon production lines. Operations began 22 years ago and today the plant produces nearly 240,000 cars a year. Seventy per cent of Honda's UK-built CR-V and Civic models are destined for export markets, over 60 worldwide.
'This is a testament to the quality and commitment of the 5,000 associates at Swindon and the quality of our component suppliers in the UK and abroad' said Ken Kier, senior vice president of Honda Motor Europe, adding that 'Swindon will continue to be the heart of our European manufacturing operations in the future.'
Honda announced the news last night at an exclusive preview of the new Accord in Covent Garden, London. The Accord will be launched to the media at the Geneva motor show in March 2008 and is the first Honda product to be Euro 5 emissions compliant.
The fantastic news for Swindon follows last month's announcement of up to 800 new jobs to support a third production shift at Nissan Sunderland. The boost for jobs comes on the back of the success of the Qashqai model, which is built in the north east.
'We're delighted with Honda's announcement,' added Paul Everitt, chief executive of the SMMT. 'Once again a highly-skilled British workforce has shown it can hold its own and that UK car making is alive and well.'
If you'd like to enquire about test-driving or buying one of these British built cars you call Holdcroft Honda on 01782 261593 or for a Nissan, call either Holdcroft Nissan Stoke on 01782 204040 or Holdcroft Nissan Crewe on 01270 531000.
All Holdcroft dealerships offer for sale new, demonstrator and used cars with superb finance and aftersales packages...
